THE CHURCH STANDS BY PEOPLE WITH MENTAL RETARDATION

A model institution that houses and cares for people with mental retardation or Down syndrome, the “Maria Kokkori” institution, opens two new wings with the valuable contribution of the Martino’s family, thus upgrading housing, care, and treatment of people who need special care.

The "Institution for the Care of Persons with Mental Retardation or Down syndrome Maria Kokkori" is definitely one of the best installations in the country with regards to covering the needs of people with mental retardation and Down syndrome, people who are such a sensitive category of citizens who need constant care and monitoring so that their needs are served and they can live with dignity.

The Institution recently inaugurated two new establishments offering care, the "Athanassios Martinos Accommodations 1 +2", which will house 52 women and men. The accommodations which are located in Varnavas, ensure full security to their guests, humane living conditions with dignity, modern facilities and equipment, and manpower that guarantees not only the safety of the people living there but also their reintegration into their family. “Quite often residents return to their homes and are reintegrated into life together with their family" mentioned the heart of the Institution, Archimandrite Nicodemus Farmakis, who was deeply touched on the ceremony performed by Archbishop Hieronymus.

It is worth noting that with the opening of these two new units, the Institution will be one of the most important in its sector, while the dreams of Nicodemus do not end here. A great new project for autistic children, which will include theatre, school, halls for recreation and activities, etc., is yet another dream which is expected to find a favorable response from people like Mr. Athanassios Martinos, who’s name is borne by both of the new accommodations

Source: Orthodoxy info