Organisation set up in 2007 and member of Emmaus International since 2011.
Emmaus Feniks was the last Dutch group to join Emmaus International, becoming a full member in 2011. The group named itself after the phoenix, since it aims to give people a new lease of life after an ordeal. Emmaus Feniks offers vulnerable people a roof over their heads, giving them a bed and a reason to get up every morning. Housed in a former monastery that used to accommodate 90 monks, the 16 companions carry out the usual work of Emmaus communities: collecting, sorting, repairing and selling goods at low prices. Emmaus Feniks also has an organic farm where it grows fruit and vegetable crops and farms chickens and pigs. Some of the farms produce is used for the groups own daily consumption and some of it is sold.
Emmaus Feniks is founded on the belief that everyone has the right to live and work. Living and working in a community helps companions to feel safe and build their self-esteem. Returning to daily work, in which no evaluated performance is expected of them, provides them with experience. Many companions gradually regain their self-confidence and are able to return to the traditional labour market.
