Barka Netherlands
Barka Netherlands is a foundation dedicated to supporting homeless and vulnerable individuals, primarily from Central and Eastern Europe. Our goal is to help people regain control over their lives so they can build a dignified existence in the Netherlands or in their country of origin.
We are present wherever our target group is located: on the streets, at stations, in parks, and at shelters. Across the country, we work with both fixed and mobile teams to reach and support homeless individuals in an accessible, personal way and in their own language. Each team consists of a social worker and a “leader”: someone who has personally experienced homelessness and addiction. It is precisely this combination of professional knowledge and lived experience that makes our approach effective and authentic.
And we do more. Throughout the Netherlands, we operate several Support and Information Centers where people can access advice and assistance, helping them find their way in Dutch society. We also work together with partner organizations to provide appropriate support to homeless and vulnerable EU citizens.
”The name Barka is Polish for lifesaving boat. Where there is need, Barka steps in.
The origin of Barka
Barka Netherlands is a daughter organization of Barka Poland. The foundation was established in 1989 by couple Tomasz and Barbara Sadowski, both psychologists. After the fall of communism, they noticed something was missing in Poland’s social/welfare system. With a unique vision, they decided to welcome a group of people struggling with severe addiction into an old school building. A living and working community emerged.
These communities spread throughout Poland and still exist today. Other countries facing similar issues reached out to Barka for help. In this way, Barka grew into an internationally operating foundation. Since 2012, Barka has also been active in the Netherlands.
Team Barka Netherlands
Team Barka Netherlands consists of dedicated individuals who go above and beyond to address the issue of homelessness among EU citizens in the Netherlands. Our team is multilingual and can provide support and advice in most (Eastern) European languages.
Management and Leadership
Magdalena Mitov – General Director – magdalena.chwarscianek@barka.org.pl
Larisa Melinceanu – Deputy Director / Policy and Communication – larisa.melinceanu@barkanl.org
Daria Ceplin-Duzowska – Deputy Director / Operations Director – daria.ceplin@barkanl.org
Katarzyna Dojka – Coordinator Utrecht – kasia.dojka@barkanl.org
Joanna Jodlowiec – Coordinator Rotterdam – joanna.jodlowiec@barkanl.org
Verzhinia Vasileva-van Tulder – Coordinator The Hague – verjinia.vasileva@barkank.org
Aneta Bacinoni – Coordinator Eindhoven – aneta.bacinoni@barkanl.org
Edyta Maniak – Coordinator Leiden and Mobile Teams – edyta.maniak@barkanl.org
Renata Bogacka – Coordinator Antwerp and North Brabant – renata.bogacka@barkanl.org
Mieszko Pospiech – Volunteer Coordinator – mieszko.pospiech@barka.org.pl
Board
Ewa B. Sadowska, Chair
Bartosz Pawlak, Treasurer
Dorota M. Harembska, Secretary
Press and communication
For inquiries, you can contact Larisa Melinceanu. Email: larisa.melinceanu@barkanl.org
