Exelixi Zois

EXELIXI ZOIS is a specialized non-profit civil society organization based in Greece, dedicated to providing a "bridge" to adulthood for vulnerable youth. Founded on the principle of equal opportunity, we provide holistic, person-centered support to adolescents (12-17) living in residential care and young adults (18-25) transitioning from institutions to independent living (care leavers). Our Mission & Vision Our mission is to ensure that no young person is left behind due to their background in institutional care. We aim to break the cycle of social exclusion by fostering emotional resilience, cognitive development, and vocational readiness through a stable support system. Areas of Activity & Methodology We employ a multidisciplinary approach combining non-formal education (NFE), psychological support, and social intervention. Our core pillars include: Psychosocial Empowerment: Individual and group counseling, mentoring, and workshops focused on mental health, emotional resilience, and digital safety. Educational Support: Personalized tutoring and academic guidance to prevent school drop-outs and encourage higher education. Autonomy & Vocational Training: Career counseling, CV building, and mock interviews. For care leavers, we provide vital "safety net" services including rental subsidies and living allowances to foster full independence. Capacity Building: We invest in training professionals, institutional staff, and volunteers to improve care practices and youth empowerment strategies across the sector. Collaborations & Network Collaboration is at the heart of our strategy. We work closely with public and private stakeholders—such as SOS Children’s Villages and the Pasteur Institute—to co-design innovative therapeutic and awareness-raising activities regarding hygiene, mental health, and social inclusion. Staff & Expertise Our organization is powered by a dedicated team of 10 interdisciplinary professionals—including psychologists, social workers, educators, and youth workers. This expert team ensures that every intervention is evidence-based and tailored to the unique, trauma-informed needs of our beneficiaries. European Ambitions As a certified provider of Primary Social Care Services in Greece, EXELIXI ZOIS is eager to connect with European partners. We seek to share our expertise in "care-leaving" transitions and collaborate on international projects involving youth work, social inclusion, and non-formal education under the Erasmus+ framework. Key Statistics: Beneficiaries served: 300+ Staff: 10 paid professionals + a dedicated volunteer network. Certification: Registered with the General Commercial Registry (GEMI) and certified provider of Primary Social Care Services (Gov. Gazette B’ ).