History

Annousakeio Kisamos Therapy Center
Recovery Center Restoration of Restless Nursing ‘Agios Spyridon’ (1967-2017)

The Annousakeio Therapeutic Centre of Kisamos is a nonprofit organization and part of the Holy Metropolis of Kissamos & Selinos. It was founded in 1970, on the initiative of Eirinaios Galanakis, former Metropolitan of the provinces of KIsamos and Selinon.

The late Metropolitan of Kissamos & Selinos, Eirinaios, said:

 

“This offering began with a miracle of God and continues in His providence. In the summer of 1967 Georgios Annousakis who lived at Sprigx-Filiat of America visited Mesogiaou Kissamos, and expressed his wish to refine the silver icon of Saint Spyridon Kastelli, for whom he had special piety. I congratulated him on his pious sentiments, but I modified his desire and said to him: ” Mr. Annousaki, Saint Spyridon wears good dresses (silver) and I do not think he would want it better because the Saints are humble. But if you want to do a good thing for the Church, give the money you have to put so I can create a shelter for the Elders, who spend every day in our villages because their children have left for the States and they stay often unprotected”.

” I will do whatever you say to me”, replied the pious Christian. And he added: “I have fifty thousand (50,000) dollars at my disposal and I am happy to use it for this purpose …

We thanked the generous donor, and with a money from the Metropolis we bought a spacious plot in the Pyrgos area, about 10 acres, from the Psitomakis brothers (it had been a vineyard), and in 1968 we started the construction of the Nursing home …”.

In the course of a long journey in health, social care, and community care, the Annousakeio Therapeutic Centre counts more than fifty years of offering care to those who are suffering. From 1985, the Centre has increased from helping 20 elderly women to a modern therapeutic centre to help those with chronic problems. From 1994, after more than 100 people were hospitalized, the Foundation has provided specialized care services to the local community. Modernisation has included the provision of food, housing and clothing, medical supervision, specialized 24-hour nursing care, rehabilitation, therapeutic employment, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychosocial support, the development of links with the community, cooperation with organizations for the organization of conferences, seminars, cultural and recreational activities as well as many other activities.
At the same time, the Foundation started to operate in every corner of the province of Kissamos and Selinos, through the establishment and operation of two Home Care structures, following the approval of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. In 1995, the “Kissamos home help” program was launched and in 1999 the operation of the “Kantanou home help” program, which are ongoing.
Taking into account that knowledge is evolving and therapeutic rehabilitation requires further specialized treatment, the Foundation has established four Physiotherapy Centers: 1996 in Kissamos, 2002 in Voukolies, 2003 in Palaiochora and 2007 in Kandanos. It is important to ensure that local communities have access to health services so that there is no-one is excluded despite living in inaccessible mountainous areas. Patient involvement is essential in order to ensure the continuing functioning and evolution of services, which are constantly being redefined as to the role they will be expected to play in the future.
The foundation contributes to the development of international partnerships from 2000 to date with European counterparts, mainly from Norway, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, through the Foundation’s participation in the Leonardo da Vinci European Program and then Erasmus. In particular, the Foundation has become an internship practice placement for nurses from abroad. This gives us the opportunity for our employees to be able to respond to their educational role.
In 2005, the new Metropolitan of Kissamos and Selinos, Mr. Amphilochios, as a worthy successor to the inheritance from his late predecessor and in his role as President of the Foundation, conceived a new plan: the creation of ten (10) separate and self-contained apartments. These were opened in 2008. The Rehabilitation Unit of St. Spiridon uses the latest technology and has been open since August 2013. The aim is to provide treatment program for rehabilitation prior to the transition back to the family environment. A new wing was developed specifically for the care and treatment of patients according to their needs thanks to the generous donation and sponsorship of Mrs Panagiota Faldami in memory of her husband Stelios Faldami.
Under the guidance and substantial support of His Eminence Metropolitan Kisamos & Selinos, Mr. Amfilohios, social support and care in the community was expanded in 2012 to meet modern requirements through the organization of services such as: Social Grocery, Social Dentistry, Food Aid Program, Soup Kitchen Service, Social Pharmacy, Social Dental Clinic as well as a complete and fully equipped Mobile Medical Unit which was donated by the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi, Mount Athos.
Over the years, the Foundation’s work has been greatly helped by the attitude of local people who supports its multifaceted work, through the volunteering, plus its respective directors. The first director the Rev .Dimitrios Simantirakis, (1972 – 1976), who assumed the position of administrator of the Foundation in the first years of its establishment and operation.
1976 the Board accepted the resignation of Rev. Fr. Demetrius Simantirakis and delegated management responsibilities to the Reverend Fr. Stylianos Kasapakis. According to his correspondence, the late Stylianos Kasapakis: “…. It has been several years since July 14, 1976, when they gave me the decision of the Board of Directors of Annousakeio Therapeutic Centre, giving me the directorship of the Foundation …. The inmates was 18 to 20 old women, with a capacity for more ‘.
From 1983, the Director of the Foundation has been Rev. Antonios Aretakis. He has continued with the ministry of the suffering brother, as well contributed actively and effectively to the radical transformation of the Annousakeio Therapeutic Centre into a modern Care Center. With the help and guidance of the Metropolitan Bishop of Kissamos&Selinos, Mr. Amphilochio, and assistance of the experienced and competent staff of the Foundation, Rev Aretakis and Annousakeio are able to respond to socio-economic problems and the needs of the local community.
With the current challenges , the Foundation continues to support, with God’s Grace, tens of thousands of people, their helpers and companions. Benefactors, donors and volunteers generously and daily offer their love and kindness to help create new horizons and offer a warm embrace, love and care to our fellow human beings. Together we aim to meet the single goal of helping people with their multiple needs and difficulties.