Konecta Foundation: Partnering with Kairos Impresa Sociale to Drive Social Change
At Konecta Foundation, we believe in creating tangible and lasting social impact. Our commitment to empowering vulnerable communities has led us to partner with Kairos Impresa Sociale, a remarkable organization dedicated to providing support and opportunities to women and minors facing adversity.
Konecta Foundation’s Role: A Crucial Partnership
Konecta Foundation plays a vital role in supporting Kairos Impresa Sociale’s initiatives. By providing financial assistance, Konecta ensures that key projects, such as safe housing and skills-training programs, continue to operate effectively. However, the foundation’s involvement goes beyond financial contributions. Through its advocacy and awareness campaigns, Konecta helps amplify Kairos’ mission, bringing visibility to the cause and encouraging corporate social responsibility across industries.
This partnership highlights the power of collaboration between the corporate and nonprofit sectors. By building connections between businesses and social enterprises, Konecta is bridging the gap between economic strength and social impact, demonstrating how companies can engage in meaningful, long-term initiatives that drive real change. As Kairos acknowledges, “Konecta has not only provided financial support but has also given us visibility, creating a bridge between the corporate world and the social sector.”
A Shared Mission: Inclusion and Empowerment
Kairos Impresa Sociale was founded in Crotone, Italy, with the mission of fostering inclusion, empowerment, and innovation. The organization emerged from a deep desire to bring meaningful change to the lives of women and children facing hardship. Its foundation was driven by the recognition that a safe space, social support, and professional training could be transformative for those in vulnerable situations. The goal has always been clear: to create an environment where vulnerability transforms into strength, and inclusion is a fundamental right.
Through the years, Kairos has focused on promoting social participation, women’s empowerment, and impactful community projects. The organization creates spaces and opportunities for women in difficult circumstances, providing the necessary tools to foster autonomy and self-realization. By developing initiatives that address the most urgent local needs, Kairos ensures its programs generate long-term social impact. The core values that guide its mission—accessibility, solidarity, empowerment, ethics, and innovation—shape every project and initiative.
As the organization puts it, “Kairos is the place where vulnerability transforms into strength, where inclusion is a right, and where we work every day to build a future in which no one is left behind.”
The Challenges in Supporting Women in Need
One of the biggest challenges Kairos faces is the lack of public funding. Unlike traditional social programs, its approach prioritizes social housing and empowerment centers, which are not always covered by state funds. This financial strain makes sustainability an ongoing challenge. Additionally, bureaucratic hurdles often slow access to essential services, delaying the aid that women and families urgently need.
Another fundamental challenge is restoring self-confidence in the women who seek support. Many have endured violence, hardship, and systemic exclusion, making it difficult for them to believe in their own potential. “Women who have been through violence often struggle to believe in themselves again. Our role is to rebuild that confidence and provide the tools they need to take control of their future,” explains the team at Kairos.
Employment reintegration is also a major hurdle, as many women require training, skills development, and employer assurances to reenter the workforce. “One of the biggest difficulties is access to stable employment. Many of the women we support need ongoing training, personalized guidance, and guarantees for potential employers,” they emphasize.
Impact and Success Stories
Kairos’ work has already transformed countless lives. Over 30 women have found refuge in its social housing programs, while more than 100 have received psychological counseling. Parenting support initiatives have reached over 300 children, and employment training programs have empowered 100 women with the skills needed to regain financial independence. The organization has also played a crucial role in welcoming 150 Ukrainian refugees to Calabria, ensuring they received essential aid and community support.
Behind these numbers are real stories of resilience and hope. Women like Maria, who fled an abusive household with her child and elderly mother on Christmas Eve, found safety and a new beginning through Kairos. Thanks to the program’s support, she rebuilt her life, regained confidence, and is now working as an illustrator and interpreter. “That Christmas, Maria simply needed to breathe again. Now, she has reclaimed her life and is creating a future for herself and her son,” shares the Kairos team.
Another woman, Katiuscia, faced homelessness when the roof of her home collapsed. With Kairos’ help, she and her family moved into a secure home, and she has since secured stable employment. “For Katiuscia, stability meant everything. Today, she has a home, a job, and a renewed sense of dignity,” they explain.
Elisa, a struggling single mother, was unable to find work while caring for her sick child. With the guidance and assistance of Kairos, she was able to pursue training, find employment, and rebuild her home, ensuring a better future for her family. “Elisa’s story is one of determination—she just needed the right support to stand on her own two feet again,” they add.
A Call for Collective Action
At Konecta Foundation, we understand that lasting change requires a collective effort. Businesses, social enterprises, and communities must work together to create sustainable solutions that leave no one behind. Our partnership with Kairos Impresa Sociale serves as a powerful example of how corporate responsibility can drive meaningful social transformation.
We encourage our partners, stakeholders, and all those who are passionate about social impact and women’s empowerment to join us in supporting initiatives that create pathways to dignity and self-sufficiency. Together, we can expand the reach of organizations like Kairos and create opportunities for those who need them most. Every effort counts, and every partnership makes a difference.
For those interested, you can explore the full interview in Italian: