FORGE family - FORGE for humanity

Our background

Through their work at Oinofyta Accommodation Centre and at the unofficial camp in the Port of Piraeus, FORGE’s co-founders witnessed the distinct lack of support offered to men travelling solo and the long-term detrimental effects of the current aid delivery system. These observations planted the seed for FORGE, which opened its doors officially in March 2018.

FORGE is a global family, relying on people across the world to contribute to our inclusive, self-actualising culture, our continually developing knowledge base and our growing network of advocates and sponsors.

Jess
Project Coordinator

FORGE’s engine and fuel. Her determination and perseverance, together with her capacity for building trust and creating bonds have driven FORGE to become an oasis of comfort and security, where the importance of human connection is paired with the quality of the service.

Ale
Project Coordinator

A fierce advocate for stability, Ale is FORGE’s foundation and an unabated, steady presence. Dedicated to keeping us all organised, she is an expert in navigating bureaucracy and a motivating presence for all who encounter her, to act independently and unlock their potential.

Sophia
Precious collaborator

Patience, a positive attitude and boundless range of knowledge. As a Proficient communicator by nature and teacher by experience,, she infuses all of FORGE’s visitors with useful skills before they even realise they are learning something.

Ramazan
Interpreter and Cultural Mediator

With the cheekiest of eyes and warmest of smiles, he is the perfect balance of welcoming and professional. While offering tea and biscuits in 5 languages, he seamlessly tailors his interpretations to the individual needs of his audience, adding a comforting atmosphere and earning trust easily.

Nasir
FORGE for cricket Coordinator

A cricket fanatic, Nasir brought the sport into FORGE’s daily routine in 2018, streaming matches in the office in between juggling interpretation in 4 languages. Whilst he moved on to different employment in 2019, it was only a matter of time until he was back, taking the lead and using every spare minute to translate his passion into a team.

Clare
Fundraising Coordinator

Clare’s role evolved organically following a short stint at the FORGE office demonstrating her ability to motivate others and get things done. She naturally engages people in conversation, assesses our priorities with ease, and is fiercely determined to bring FORGE, and its purpose, to the attention of as many people as possible.

Valia
Legal Advisor

Valia’s vibrant, cheery energy contributes a positive vibe to the team as our legal advisor. Her law degree, with a specialisation in international protection law, and wealth of experience in providing legal assistance to asylum seekers, enable her to navigate asylum offices and processes in the right way to provide the best counselling to the men we work with.

Collaborators

Our Partners

“The Market is an initiative in Madrid founded with FORGE that has been supporting the project in Athens ever since, donating all funds from their monthly handcraft sales.”

“From the monies we receive we give grants and emergency funds to trusted and inspiring small refugee charities and volunteer groups across Europe. That way nothing is wasted.”

“All proceeds from every Charity Pot sold are donated to deserving, grassroots organisations working to promote human rights, animal welfare and environmental protection.”

“Our model is simple. We go where the need is greatest, find the local organisations doing the most effective work, and give them what they need to help people – whether that’s funding, material aid or volunteers.”

“We fundraise to support grassroot organisations as we believe these groups have their fingers on the pulse in the ever evolving crisis.”

“Ockenden seeks to support locally-based and/or refugee-led organisations that work directly with refugees and displaced people to advance self-reliance.”

“We support grassroots projects with dignified and sustainable initiatives for migrants and asylum seekers, so they can worry less about fundraising and more on their work on the ground.”