Since the late 1950's, upon recommendation of Archbishop Iakovos, Philoptochos has placed an increased emphasis on the implementation of important programs to benefit the Greek Orthodox community, including, but not limited to, institutions of the Church, the philanthropies of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and assistance to Greek and Greek Orthodox families. Involvement in social and moral issues encouraged the establishment of several committees to address topics such as child abuse prevention, domestic violence, homelessness, pornography, drug and alcohol abuse and aging.

Since 1987, the National Philoptochos office has employed a professional Social Worker, engaged in assisting the Greek Orthodox community in the United States was well as Greek and Cypriot Nationals. The Department of Social Services is very important, vital element of our organization. The mission of the department is to improve the quality of life of those in need, in a way that maintains the dignity and self-respect of the individuals. Through confidential and professional services, the office provides outreach, education, information support, intervention, motivation, advocacy, financial assistance and referral to local and broader resources.

The mission of the Social Services Committee shall be the improvement of the quality of life for those in need of assistance within the Greek Orthodox community, provided in a way that maintains the dignity and self-determination of the individual. Assistance to individuals will be provided through short term intervention, motivational support, and referral to other appropriate local and civic resources.

To achieve this goal, the Committee shall organize and sponsor outreach programs, designed to educate and inform the community, and shall regularly review all pertinent protocols and procedures.

For further inquiries on the Aging program or any Social Services, please contact Diamond Prassakos, National Philoptochos Social Worker, at 212-744-4390 or GrkOrthSocialWrk@aol.com.