A N N UA L R E P O R T 2020
CO MM U NIT Y H O U S E DA M A RI S
TA CO
© CO MMUNIT Y H O US E DAMARIS 202 1 DESIGN BY S O U TH BRO OK ST UDIO
ABLE OF ONTENTS WELCOME
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RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM REPORT
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DAY PROGRAM REPORT
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STATISTICS
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ORGANIZATIONAL OFFICE REPORT
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COMMUNIT Y DEVELOPMENT COORDINATION
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THANK YOU
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FINANCIAL REPORT
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DAMARIS BY THE NUMBERS
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28 women
SOUGHT REFUGE IN COMMUNIT Y HOUSE DA M A R I S . A L L 28 O F T H E M W E R E A S Y L U M SEEKERS FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES IN A F R I C A A N D T H E M I D D L E E A S T.
C O M M U N I T Y H O U S E DA M A R I S
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Welcome!
Community House Damaris (CHD) is a Christian organization that operates a safe house based in Athens, Greece and offers a long-term recovery program for women age 18 to 35 and their children who have been or are at high risk of sexual exploitation or trafficking. Our program is designed to guide survivors into full rehabilitation and reintegration into society by addressing the following needs: • Mental Health, Addressing Trauma and Mental Health • Personal Development – Teaching Life Skills, Personal Goals, Relationship Management and Parenthood • Addressing Poverty – Offering Vocational Training for the Workplace Environment • Health – Providing Access to Medical Services and Daily Hygiene • Social Services – Giving Access to Public Services for Documents and Social Integration In order to provide these services, we have an interdisciplinary team (social worker, psychologist and psychiatrist), day program facilitators and administrative staff. The operational cost of the program is approximately €1,400 per month for a participant with her child.
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My dear friends and partners, It is time to take stock of last year, which was undoubtedly marked by the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, bringing a large package of challenges to our ministry at many levels. Yet we remain grateful to our God for all the blessings he has given us, in the midst of unprecedented difficulties for all. Let us see all the wonderful things achieved this year, by the grace of God, despite our shortcomings and weaknesses. With love,
Dina Naki -Petrou C O M M U N I T Y H O U S E DA M A R I S
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R E S ID E NTI A L PRO G R A M RE P O R T
HOUSE MANAGERS
Last May, the House Μanager who served with us for a year and a half had to leave and in the summer months. She was replaced by two new House Managers who stayed with us until December, when we welcomed a co-worker from Poland who currently serves in the House. Let us not forget that the role of the House Manager is crucial, as she is called to live 24/7 in the House with the girls and their children; to support them, organize them, spend time with them, and - at the same time - to attend for the various needs of the House. HOUSE RE SIDENTS FOR 2020
Let’s have a look at the participants who came to Community House’s family from the beginning of 2020. • In March, we welcomed a new participant from Sierra Leone with her baby boy before the general lockdown. • In the following period between March and October, we welcomed new members only to the Day Program and not the House. This was due to both the pandemic and the transition of the House Managers. • In November, we welcomed a Spanish-speaking mother from Venezuela as an emergency case. After staying
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with us a short time, she had to return back to her country where she could reunite with her children there. • In December, two participants and their children joined our program from Cameroon. The year ended with 4 girls residing at our house with their 3 babies. During 2020, we hosted a total of 7 girls at our safe house, including those who had been residing at the house since the beginning of the year. In January 2021 we welcomed 2 more moms with their children, thus reaching 100% hosting capacity of the Safe House. SAFE HOUSE MAINTENANCE
Adhering to our organizational principles regarding our Residential Program, we are always eager to provide our girls with a safe living environment. That is why we did necessary maintenance including renovations to the ground floor bathroom of the safe house, upkeep of the roof and outdoor garden, and the installation of gas heating system which provides limitless heating and hot water at a very low cost.
C O M M U N I T Y H O U S E DA M A R I S
NEW APARTMENT FOR PHASE II AFFORDABLE TR ANSITIONAL HOUSING
In regards to the Phase II Transitional Housing, part of our overall Hosting Program, we purchased an apartment in Fall 2020 in the region of Daphne, Athens with the capital funds raised for this purpose. This apartment will be available exclusively for our girls who graduate Phase II. After the small renovation needed, they will have the opportunity to live in an autonomous and safe environment taking a step closer to full independence. PROGR AM MODEL
Most of the women who are sexually exploited in Greece are foreigners or refugees. We have seen that our adopted model of the SA Foundation has a high success rate for refugees who have been sexually abused, trafficked, or are at high risk of both. Our lessons equip our participants with practical life skills while focusing on emotional health and self-esteem. In addition, we have adapted our Day Program to the needs of our beneficiaries by offering classes on cultural orientation and social integration.
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DAY PRO G R A M REPORT
DAY PROGR AM GOAL + STAFFING
Along with our Hospitality Program, CHD offers a restorative, long-term Day Program that consists of three phases. Our goal is to fully equip survivors with the necessary therapeutic and life skills to build a healthy, independent life. The Day Program classes are facilitated daily by a trained team of educators. VOLUNTEERS
In our Day Program, we value the precious work of our volunteers who offer their services with diligence and commitment to meet the various needs that constantly arise. DISTANCE LE ARNING
Due to the general lockdown, all of our Day Program lessons were provided online. Some of our staff members were able to visit the house with certificates of exceptional citizen movement. Our director, Dina, visited Damaris House every Wednesday in order to conduct the Bible study, the Twelve Steps group-style recovery program, and to encourage them through our fellowship lunch.
C O M M U N I T Y H O U S E DA M A R I S
100 percent
OF THE PROGR AM BENEFICIARIES U N D E R W E N T A P S YC H I AT R I C E VA L UAT I O N A N D P S YC H O T H E R A P Y, AC H I E V I N G SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS.
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toddlers
W E R E C A R E D F O R BY T H E P R O G R A M ’ S VO L U N T E E R N U R S E RY T E AC H E R S .
C O M M U N I T Y H O U S E DA M A R I S
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STATISTIC S ON PARTICIPANTS FOR 2020
Last June, we had the pleasure of welcoming two French-speaking women from Cameroon, who attended only the Day Program classes without residing at the House. Having made significant progress in her recovery journey, one of these girls continues to attend the Program diligently via e-learning as she resides in government housing downtown. The total figure of the girls who attended the Day Program last year stands at nine. INTERPRETATION
In order for us to meet the needs of interpretation during our lessons, we also hired two French speaking interpreters. Over the years, we have served women that speak a wide array of languages including English, Arabic, Romanian, Spanish, French, and Greek. We provide translation for each girl and only focus on two languages at a time, which has greatly increased our international community here.
C O M M U N I T Y H O U S E DA M A R I S
NEW DIGITAL TR AINING CL AS S
Recognizing the demands of the digital age in which we live, we have also incorporated computer classes into our Day Program. Our digital training focuses on how to use the Internet, which is an important tool of everyday life especially during the pandemic. We use the training to help our beneficiaries use video conferencing tools to use online portals necessary for life in Greece, such as document renewals and taxes. SUMMER THEMATIC WEEKS
Our Day Center keeps working during all summer months; however, we tailor the courses to the needs of our girls. In 2020, we designed three thematic weeks that focused on world culture, Greek history and the “fight for independence,” and mental health.
RECRE ATION
+
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ENTERTAINMENT
In our ministry, we do not forget to allow time for recreation and fellowship! Last year, we incorporated more outings into our program. Some of our outings included visits to the sea, the zoo, and movie nights on the safe house roof garden. THE 12 STEPS
In our Day Program, we are consistent in practicing the Twelve Steps for our girls. They need time to be able to share their experiences and lives. The major issue that we dealt with throughout last year was our fear from the past. We realized that we can entrust these fears to God, as we cannot find a solution on our own!
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CELEBR ATION WEEKS
DAYC ARE SERVICE
Every six weeks, we pause the classes to celebrate each girl’s progress. In the past, we welcomed missionary teams mainly from churches in the States. These teams undertake the task of organizing the activities of the whole week and providing a sense of support to Damaris. However, last year we welcomed teams only in January and February. This year, Damaris staff planned and conducted the activities for the whole week. Our goal is always to maintain smooth program flow in the most beneficial way for the girls.
Last year, for the first time, we were able to enroll two of our babies in the Public Daycare Service with opening hours parallel to our own Daycare service, which greatly helped us. At the moment, our Daycare service has five children in its care, one of whom is enrolled on a public daycare center. We are grateful for each and every one of them.
GR ADUATIONS
We held the Phase II Advanced Program Graduation of one of our participants in July 2020. This girl also moved with her daughter to an apartment having been working full time where she did her internship. In December, we held the first “virtual graduation ceremony” due to the lockdown where one of our girls graduated Phase 1 after having completed a year with us. 2020 ended with four Phase II graduates working and living independently.
C O M M U N I T Y H O U S E DA M A R I S
MIS SIONARY TE AMS
Last year, we hosted two missionary teams from churches that support us in America, including – • DENTON BIBLE CHURCH from Texas A team which had visited us in the past, and mainly taught the technique of macramé. • INDEPENDENT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH from Memphis, TN A team who has visited us more than twice and learned our girls how to create impressive leather earrings for sale.
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ladies
D U R I N G T H E L A S T Y E A R , P R I M A RY H E A LT H P R E V E N T I O N WA S P R OV I D E D T O 9 B E N E F I C I A R I E S AND THEIR CHILDREN.
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28 W O M E N H AV E J O I N E D T H E PROGRAM.
3 O F T H E 28 W O M E N W E R E O N E-T I M E P R O G R A M R E P E AT E R S . 20 O U T O F 2 5 B E N E F I C I A R I E S W H O AT T E N D E D T H E P R O G R A M , C U R R E N T LY L I V E I N D E P E N D E N T LY.
5 O F T H E 28 W O M E N W E R E E M E R G E N C Y P L AC E M E N T S . 20 O F T H E R E M A I N I N G 2 3 W O M E N H AV E D E M O N S T R AT E D A S I G N I F I C A N T C O M M I T M E N T T O R E C O V E R Y.
S U C C E S S R AT E 8 7 %
3 2 C H I L D R E N H AV E H A D M O T H E R W I T H P R O G R A M I N VO LV E M E N T.
16 B A B I E S H AV E B E E N B O R N T O W O M E N IN THE PROGRAM.
AC C O R D I N G T O T H E U N , T H E R E A R E 2 3 0,0 0 0 V I C T I M S O F T R A F F I C K I N G O R I G I N AT I N G F R O M T H E M I D D L E E A S T A N D 13 0,0 0 0 V I C T I M S O F T R A F F I C K I N G O R I G I N AT I N G F R O M S U B - S A H A R A N A F R I C A - W H E R E O U R B E N E F I C I A R I E S P R I M A R I LY O R I G I N AT E F R O M ( U N O D C ) .
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O RGA NI Z ATI O N A L O FFI CE R E P O R T
NEW OFFICE S
Since the very first day of January 2020 we had the pleasure of operating in our “new home” – the new offices of Damaris in Attica, where the Day Program is held. COMMUNIC ATIONS
Last year, our Communications and Brand Manager made a total renewal of our website. Currently, she is responsible for all of our letters, social media, and any information addressed to our supporters. SEMINARS - MEETINGS
We continued to hold seminars + meetings with representatives of other ministries. In January we had the pleasure of organizing the first meeting of the network “Courage Daughter” which consists of representatives of organizations working in the same field as ours, in order to promote a more effective cooperation. In June 2020, we held a special training seminar for new interpreters at our offices. This was with the goal for them to achieve the best possible performance during the courses, and also to learn the values of the organization and the special needs of the demographic we serve. In September, another seminar was held for the staff regarding the new educational approach – “The Traffic Light” – based on emotional intelligence and how it can be used during classes and in the community life of Damaris House. In September, a two-day strategic meeting was held, where we had the opportunity to review and mark the milestones that we have reached so far as an organization, as well as set development goals for the future.
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CO MM U NIT Y D E V E LO PME NT CO O R D IN ATI O N
FORMATION OF SERVANTS - PR AYER LET TERS
The Formation of Servants program curriculum, a workable tool for the spiritual growth of our staff members and volunteers, continued to be an integral part of our organization. Last year, our focus was mainly on the Grace and Mercy that we need in our lives. In the beginning of each month, we have a special prayer time with thanksgiving and prayer requests concerning our participants and all the work that God has assigned to us. We are so thankful for our partner churches in the States and England who continuously support us in prayer, always willing to pray systematically and specifically for us and our girls. AT TENDING CONFERENCE S + AWARENE S S R AISING
In 2020, we had the opportunity to further expand our networking, to get in touch with media agents and raise awareness regarding the problem of sexual exploitation. Specifically: • We were present at the European Freedom Network, held virtually. • In November, Damaris was represented at the Annual Board Meeting of RENATE, also held virtually. • Also in November, the organization UNANIMA International expressed great interest to host Damaris’s work in the pages of a special publication which was presented in May 2021 at a virtual event. • We took part in the Raise Your Voice Annual Festival in Athens.
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ORIENTATION FOR HOUSE DAMARIS WORK
Many leaders of other organizations and media representatives visited our offices in order to get a full orientation concerning the ministry. • In November, Vogue Greece interviewed our director for the December 2020 issue featuring various humanitarian initiatives. • The founder of the SOFFA Social Factory also visited the offices of our organization. After getting a full orientation concerning the ministry, she showed interest in partnering to provide job opportunities for our graduated participants. • A group from Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama visited our new offices to learn about our work both at the Safe House and the Day Program. They expressed their intention to come back and organize a future celebration week. • One of the pastors of Ηope Community Church in Charlotte, North Carolina also visited our offices for a full orientation for Damaris House. STR ATEGIC PARTNERS – REFERR AL S
We collaborated with a considerable number of non-profit organizations in Greece from whom we accepted case referrals, including the United Nations and Government officials. These strategic partners includes – • • • •
Salvation Army Nea Zoi Α21 Humanitarian Initiative Bridges
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• • • • • •
Diotima i58 Threads of Hope Caritas The Ministry of Migration Policy Asylum Service Municipality of Athens
20+ organizations
DA M A R I S N E T W O R K S W I T H OV E R 20 N G O S
We also had a new referral partnership formulate from Corinth Refugee Camp. We traveled to Corinth, about one hour from Athens, just before the general lockdown in March 2020 to visit the women there who meet the standards and were interested to join our program. Aside from our growing list of partner organizations, Community House Damaris has also been registered in many Greek national registries, including – • The National Register of Non Profit Private Sector Entities Providing Social Care Services • The Register of National Referral Mechanism of National Center for Social Solidarity • The Special Register of Voluntary Non Governmental Organizations of Ministry of Labour, Social Insurance, & Social Solidarity WOMEN’ S RECEP TION CENTER
Last year, the future Women’s Reception Center that will be established in Victoria Square in Athens came under the umbrella of Damaris. This partnership has opened new horizons to a common work. The vision of this center is connected to the reception of refugees on the islands, and assisting in the referral process to Damaris and other social integration programs in Athens.
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OUR TEAM
DINA
Director
EFROSYNI
Social Worker
DANAI
Greek Teacher
ALLISON
Facilitator
FUNDR AISING
ANTHI
Program Coordinator
MARIA
Psychologist
RANIA
Facilitator, Translator, + E-Shop Manager
CLAIRE
Communications + Brand Coordinator
C O M M U N I T Y H O U S E DA M A R I S
MARIA
Operations Coordinator
HERY
French Interpreter
PATRICIA
Facilitator + Intake Coordinator
Our constant challenge and need as a non-profit organization is to find resources in order to continue and expand the work we do. Within 2020, all travel plans for our director to visit the States for that purpose had to be canceled due to the pandemic. This reality, combined with the lack of visiting teams, resulted in limited financial resources. Thus, we started sending monthly newsletters, adding to them a clearer character regarding our financial needs, with practical proposals for financial support of various projects and needs. We also wrote personal letters to all the groups from the States who had visited us in the past, asking for their support. The response to both were very touching, and God once again met adequately our needs in the last minute. STAFFING PARTNERSHIPS
Last summer, there was a human resources renewal as we welcomed our new social worker. The partnerships with the necessary staffing of psychiatrist, psychologist and lawyer remain stable.
ARGYRIS
Development Coordinator (Volunteer)
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CELEBR ATIONS + E VENTS
Last year, due to the pandemic, the celebration events were drastically reduced. However, in November, we had the pleasure of holding a birthday party in the roof garden of the Safe House (with the allowed number of attendees due to the pandemic). We also took this time to celebrate the first birthday of one of our babies. SUMMER VAC ATION FOR PARTICIPANTS
Since one of the House Damaris’ Life and Action Principles is to “ensure the quality of life such as we wish for ourselves,” we gave our girls the opportunity to take a one week vacation and be accommodated by a Christian Hostel by the sea. Special thanks to ΟΜ HELLAS for offering a van to facilitate the transfer of the girls there. FINANCIAL SUPP ORTERS
None of the above could have been achieved without the support of many organizations, churches, and individuals. We are able to grow and help more women, thanks to the generosity of organizations such as – • • • • • • • •
S.A. Foundation A British Foundation Biblical Mennonite Alliance OM Hellas AMG International Globeworks International Ministries AMG Canada The Emmaus Road Trust
C O M M U N I T Y H O U S E DA M A R I S
• • • •
Horatio B. Ebert Family Foundation AMG Sporeas Christian Rebuilt UK (Kerkyra) Mylotopos Church (Women’s Group)
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Also, we would like to acknowledge the churches from North America and Europe which provided financial support to our organization in 2020, including – • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Briarwood Presbyterian Church (Birmingham, AL) Faith Presbyterian Church (Birmingham, AL) Grace Community Church (Knoxville, TN) Morrisburg Community Church (Des Moines IOWA) Signal Mountain Bible Church (Signal Mountain, TN) North Shore Fellowship (Chattanooga, ΤΝ) Trinity Presbyterian Church (Montgomery, AL) Woodland Park Baptist Church (Chattanooga, TN) Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church (Peachtree City, GA) Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church (Cullman, AL) Waterfront Church (Washington, WA) Westkirk Presbyterian Church (Des Moines, lA) Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church (Lookout Mountain, TN) Emmanuel Baptist Church (Mt Vernon, WA) Smithton Culloden Church (Inverness, Scotland) Orangewood Church (Maitland, Florida)
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We are specially grateful for the financial sacrifice of all individuals, men and women, who support Community House Damaris, especially during this period of the pandemic with the multiple economic challenges. Please, keep praying for funds so that this ministry continues providing smoothly care and restoration to this special demographic that has been called upon to serve. We are excited as we continue to move forward and envision the development of the organization. Blessings, The Damaris House Team
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FIN A N CI A L REPORT
2020 F I N A N C I A L R E P O R T C O M M U N I T Y H O U S E DA M A R I S
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€ 140,000 2 5%
10 0 %
ANNUAL
INCOME
EXPENSES
FROM
FOR SAFE
D O N AT I O N S
HOUSE
4 3%
0% INCOME
EXPENSES PROGRAM
FROM GOVERNMENT
CO MMUNIT Y H O US E DAMARIS
6 8% INCOME COVERS WOMEN'S NEEDS
€1,400 Cost per month for each Beneficiary with her Child covering full-time intensive care including psychologists, psychiatrists, life skills and job training, accommodation, and medical services.
ANNUAL FOR
Annual operating budget for Damaris House.
BY THE
C O M M U N I T Y H O U S E DA M A R I S
4,278 Handmade bracelets have been sold during over the last five years for the financial support of the Beneficiaries.
48 Volunteers have offered help during the last five years to Damaris House.
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ANNUAL EXPENSES $ 15 4,000
SAFE HOUSE
DAY P R O G R A M
OFFICE
$ 4 0,15 0
$ 6 5 .05 0
$ 47, 8 0 0
Rent + Utilities Beneficiaries + Children Translators Doctors + Medicines
C O M M U N I T Y H O U S E DA M A R I S
Staff Salaries Rent + Utilities Program Expenses Social Worker + Psychiatrist Tax Contributions
Accounting + State Taxes Office Expenses Utilities Staff Salaries Tax Contributions page 33
SAFE HOUSE EXPENSES
DAY PROGRAM EXPENSES
$ 40,150
$66,050
Rent + Utilities
$19,150
Staff Salaries
$30,950
Beneficiaries + Children
$16,200
Rent + Utilities
$11,550
Translators $3,550
Program Expenses
$3,750
Doctors + Medicines
Social Worker + Psychiatrist
$2,800
Tax Contributions
$17,000
C O M M U N I T Y H O U S E DA M A R I S
$1,250
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“ DA M A R I S H A S B E E N WITH M E A N D S U P P O R TE D M E TH R O U G H M Y H E A L I N G J O U R N E Y. T H E Y BELIEVED IN ME AND TH E Y H AV E S E E N M E G R OW, T R A N S F O R M E D. YO U P E O P L E H AV E BELIEVED IN ME . HERE , I H AV E M E T P E O P L E , A N D
OFFICE EXPENSES
AM AROUND FRIENDS. I F E E L L I K E O N C E I L E AV E TH E H O U S E I WI L L N OT B E TH E S A M E . I S E E A L OT
$ 47,800
Accounting + State Taxes
$7,850
Office Expenses
$6,350
Utilities $2,750 Staff Salaries
$20,850
Tax Contributions
$10,000
C O M M U N I T Y H O U S E DA M A R I S
O F TR A N S F O R M ATI O N . M Y F U T U R E WI L L B E B R I G HT A N D F U L L O F H O P E . . .” – DA M A R I S G R A D UAT E
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WWW.DAMARIS.GR DIRECTOR@DAMARIS.GR HOUSE DAMARIS
0030 210 6547189 L. MARATHONOS 176 GERAKAS, 15344, ATTIKI
General Commercial Registry Record No. – 134493101000 National Register of Non-Profit Entities No. – 09121ΑΕΠ11094Γ48Ν 1568 Tax / VAT No. – 997377416 (Pallini Tax Office) Special Register of NGO No. – 09121ΑΕΠ11094Γ48Ν 1455