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From Struggles to Recovery: Jerzy’s Journey with Barka

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  1. Background in Ireland:
    • Jerzy  (59) lived in Ireland for 10 years.
    • Initially worked as a driver but lost his job and driving license due to alcohol addiction.
    • Developed health issues, including problems with his hand.
  2. History with PASS:
    • Registered in the PASS system in 2019.
    • Maintained regular contact with us through day centers where he came for meals and city squares where he spent time drinking with friends.
  3. Living Conditions:
    • At 59 years old, he received disability benefits and a place in a hostel.
    • Although he slept in the hostel, he spent his days drinking in public spaces with his peers.
  4. Deteriorating Health:
    • Over time, his health visibly worsened.
    • Struggled with stiffness in his joints and had difficulty walking.
    • His appearance became increasingly concerning.
  5. Encouragement to Return:
    • We continuously motivated Jerzy to return to Poland for proper support.
    • After much persuasion, he agreed, on the condition that we accompany him.
  6. Preparations for Return:
    • Secured a place for him at Barka in Poznań.
    • Arranged his travel documents, including a temporary passport, as he had previously lost two passports we helped him obtain.
    • Purchased his flight ticket and traveled with him back to Poland.
  7. Support in Poland:
    • Upon arrival, Jerzy rested for a few days at Barka.
    • Underwent an assessment and was referred to a residential addiction therapy program.
  8. Current Situation:
    • Jerzy remains in touch with us and Barka staff, regularly updating us on his progress.
    • He describes his conditions as “luxurious,” even mentioning a medical bed provided for his comfort.
    • His positive experience has inspired others; a friend is already planning to follow his steps after hearing about Jerzy’s success.
  9. Future Plans:
    • Jerzy is determined to stop drinking and rebuild his life.
    • Once he has achieved sobriety, he plans to reconnect with his family in Poland and work on rebuilding relationships.

Barka’s Role in Strengthening Polish Communities Abroad

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From October 4-6, a convention of Polish community organizations, organized by Forum Polonia, took place in Dublin. Barka for Mutual Help’s representative was also invited to participate and proudly presented its mission and activities at the event. The convention began with a ceremony at Mansion House commemorating the 20th anniversary of Poland’s accession to the European Union.

Dublin’s Deputy Mayor, Donna Cooney, opened the celebration, expressing pride in Ireland’s longstanding bond with Poland. She highlighted Ireland’s early support of Poland’s EU aspirations and the warm welcome extended to Polish migrants, acknowledging the significant impact Polish communities have had on modern Ireland. She shared a personal story of her grandfather’s close relationships with Poles in London, who was honored with the prestigious “Order of Polonia Restituta” by the Polish government in exile. To underscore this special connection, Cooney brought her grandfather’s medals to the event, adding a symbolic weight to her words.

Eamon O’Riordan, a Labour Party politician and former Minister for New Communities, reflected on the 2015 Ireland-Poland football match at Aviva Stadium as a symbol of the Polish community’s presence in Ireland. He pointed out that Polish is now the second-most spoken language in the country, demonstrating the community’s lasting influence. O’Riordan voiced support for greater representation of Poles in Irish politics and sports and encouraged active participation in the upcoming local elections.

The convention featured four discussion panels:

  • Panel 1: Diversity in the Activities of Polish Organizations in Ireland: Between Professionalization and Volunteering
  • Panel 2: Culture and Identity
  • Panel 3: Civic Engagement and Political Involvement
  • Panel 4: Maintaining Ties with Poland through Education

These discussions facilitated networking, promoted the professionalization of Polish organizations, and deepened collaboration to enhance the representation of Polish interests in Ireland. Participants shared insights into their work, with Teresa Buczkowska recounting her experience as an Obama Scholar, and Marcin Piotrowski discussing his roles as a councilor and the organizer of the Folkowisko Festival and Humanitarian Foundation.

Photo: Forum Polonia

Barka for Mutual Help was proudly represented by Aneta Kubas, who presented our mission and achievements to prominent attendees, including Senator Grzegorz Schetyna and Robert Tyszkiewicz, the Polish Senate’s Coordinator for Polish Diaspora Affairs. This gathering underscored the importance of Barka’s efforts in homelessness prevention and providing essential support to Polish nationals and other vulnerable individuals, ensuring they receive guidance and resources when in need.