Why 'OIKOS'?

The name of our centre comes from the Greek word *oikos*, which simply means home. The word also has a deeper meaning - in ancient Greece and in the New Testament it referred not only to the place of residence itself, but also to family, relationships and community.

We want OIKOS to be just such a place - a safe and supportive 'home' for people who have lost their sense of belonging and rootedness in everyday life as a result of addiction.

Related to this is also the concept of *reintegration*, or a return to wholeness. The word comes from Latin and means 'to rebuild again what has been shattered'. This can be understood both individually - as reclaiming oneself - and socially - as rebuilding relationships with loved ones, with family, with community.

Addiction - whether to alcohol, drugs or behaviour - often acts as something that separates a person from others, like a toxic relationship from which it is difficult to break free. Our aim is to help you 'disengage' from what is destructive - and return to a fuller, more meaningful life.

The name 'OIKOS' is not accidental - it is unobtrusive, but conceals an important idea: everyone deserves to feel 'at home' again.

The Franciscan Reintegration Centre OIKOS draws on the philosophy of the "Daytop" programme , the principles of which are outlined below.

In 1963, the 'Daytop' addiction treatment programme was established in the USA. It emphasises the role of human interaction, above all honesty, in the treatment of addiction. It is considered one of the most effective programmes of its kind. It is described as "a supportive emotional community in which people feel safe, but at the same time are strictly responsible for themselves". FOR OIKOS draws on the philosophy of the 'Daytop' programme :

"We strive to ensure that our community too gets the best from the Daytop philosophy, which is summed up in the words:

I am here because I can no longer run away from myself.

I'll be running away for so long, dopUntil I dare to see myself in the eyes and hearts of others.

So long will I suffer and fear, dopUntil I share my secrets with others.

If I don't trust others, I will be alone.

Only in this place will I be able to see myself as in a mirror.

Only here I don't have to be the giant of my dreams or the dwarf of my fears.

In this House, I am part of the community, sharing goals and daily hardship with my peers.

By putting down roots here, I can grow and create without being lonely anymore.

By helping others, I can also find myself."

Objectives of the foundation Franciscan Reintegration Centre - OIKOS:

- promoting awareness of alcohol-related disease,
- organising the treatment of alcoholism through activities such as, but not limited to:
therapy for addicts,
co-dependency therapy,
helping children from dysfunctional families,
launching an outpatient centre and a day unit,
health care for addicts, co-addicts and their families,
legal care for addicts, co-addicts and their families,
economic and financial counselling for addicts, co-addicts and their families.

The Foundation carries out its statutory tasks in particular by:

- organising and financing all works and initiatives undertaken in pursuit of the Foundation's objectives
- organising and funding conferences, seminars, training courses and lectures in the field covered by the objectives of the Foundation
- organising and financing activities to develop, disseminate and promote the objectives of the Foundation
- organising and financing information activities in furtherance of the Foundation's objectives
- cooperation with governmental and self-governmental institutions as well as other legal and natural persons in the country and abroad in order to fulfil the aims of the Foundation
- setting up and running as well as supporting and developing therapeutic facilities for addicts, co-addicts and their families
- setting up and running counselling and treatment centres for alcohol addiction
- organising modern methods of treatment for alcohol addiction
- organising post-rehabilitation support for people who have completed treatment
- the implementation of programmes in the field of the prevention of addiction among children and young people as well as domestic violence, including, inter alia, sports, cultural and recreational activities
- awarding scholarships for children from families affected by alcoholism
- social support for addicts, co-dependents and their families
- organisation of lectures for professionals
- educational activities for young people
- training of drug treatment staff
- carrying out economic activities related to the objectives of the Foundation
- carrying out therapeutic activities related to the objectives of the Foundation