Barka Foundation and Barka Network

Barka Canada has been inspired by Barka Foundation in Poland and is proud to be member of Barka Network, which includes dozens of organizations that share similar values and goals and work in their local communities.

Barka Foundation in Poland

Barka Foundation for Mutual Help was started in 1989 in Poland by Tomasz and Barbara Sadowski, both psychologists, in response to increasing social problems during rapid political and economic changes. Together with their three daughters, the Sadowkis created an alternative, non-governmental system of social support, where marginalized people, such as homeless, unemployed, ex-prisoners, people with disabilities, and people affected by addictions, have a chance to rebuild their lives and reintegrate back into society and the economy. The system is based on mutual help, combined with education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship, in line with a citizens’ society.

Today Barka Foundation runs many comprehensive and complementary programs:

  • Community group homes for those who are housing insecure
  • Education and reintegration based on socially supported employment, where people have opportunities to acquire skills and develop good work habits, which often results in regular employment
  • Job creation and social enterprise program for the chronically unemployed
  • Sustainable agriculture projects and healing through horticultural activities
  • Affordable and sustainable home construction, including training and social housing, which gives people an opportunity to start an independent life
  • Development of local partnerships for social inclusion
  • Development of an international network of Barka affiliates

The model created by Barka Foundation gives marginalized people not only an opportunity for a full social and vocational reintegration, but also a chance to regain a sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities. The system, built on the belief that there are no irretrievably lost people, enables and inspires people to take charge of their lives and to participate in society.

Each year Barka Foundation helps about 5,000 people. Many people emerge out of addiction or homelessness, go on to have productive lives, and then help others in their journey back to dignity and health. Many people end up running their own businesses and being leaders in their communities. The impact on human life is often above and beyond expectations.

For its humanistic approach and its effectiveness, Barka Foundation has been recognized not only in Poland, but also internationally through numerous awards, grants, and partnerships.

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Barka Network

Over time, Barka Foundation gave rise to Barka Network, which brings together 27 organizations: foundations, citizen associations, and social businesses, both in Poland and in several other countries, including Barka Foundation, as well as Barka UK, Barka Netherlands, Barka Ireland, Barka Iceland, and Barka Canada.

Each organization in Barka Network is unique as it responds to its local needs and opportunities, but we all share a common mission: to help marginalized people overcome social and economic exclusion through a system of mutual help, based on compassion and opportunities for personal, social, and economic development.

Barka Network gives its organizations a forum to exchange knowledge, ideas, and best practices, so that — in true Barka fashion — we can help each other. And in true Barka fashion, we also work to aid other social enterprises, nonprofits, charitable groups, and citizen-led initiatives in our local communities.

Further Reading

For more about Barka Foundation and its model of work, please check: