Emaus Gizarte Fundazioa, a benchmark in community transformation and the circular economy in the Basque Country, has joined the iSocial Foundation as its 23rd member organisation. With this addition, the iSocial network continues to grow, reinforcing its commitment to social innovation and collective work.

Based in the Basque Country, Emaus Gizarte Fundazioa thus becomes the third organisation from the territory to join this network, alongside Grupo Bogan and Grupo SSI. Its incorporation brings a well-established track record in community transformation, the circular economy, and the socio labour inclusion of people in vulnerable situations.

An organisation with more than forty years of experience

Emaus Gizarte Fundazioa, founded in 1980 in Rentería (Gipuzkoa), aims to create opportunities and improve the living conditions of individuals and communities, placing dignity, inclusion and participation at the centre of its work. Throughout its evolution, it has combined direct action with the development of innovative projects that address emerging social challenges from a community-based and sustainable perspective.

The Foundation is currently entering a new phase in which it seeks to drive a shift in societal perspectives, strengthening its role as an agent of social transformation. In this context, it works alongside community stakeholders to build a more just, cohesive and sustainable society, promoting collaborative projects in areas such as inclusion, the environment, culture, education and the economy, in coordination with public administrations, social actors and companies.

In this way, the organisation integrates two key cross-cutting pillars of its mission: social inclusion and environmental sustainability.

At the same time, Emaus Gizarte Fundazioa supports people in their processes of inclusion and socialisation through social services, training programmes and socio labour pathways linked to the circular economy.

In the field of social services, Emaus Gizarte Fundazioa is a reference point for social inclusion, working closely with public administrations and providing assessment and support services to people experiencing or at risk of exclusion. To this end, it has resources such as night shelters and day care services, community support and mediation programmes, as well as residential centres and supported housing. At the same time, it continues to innovate in new services and care models from a community-based approach.

The organisation complements this work with training programmes aimed at developing general and specific skills, particularly in the field of green skills, thereby strengthening people’s employability.

Through the circular economy, Emaus Gizarte Fundazioa creates employment integration opportunities for people who face difficulties accessing the conventional labour market, while also contributing to the development of this economic model. It currently generates dozens of integration positions, supporting individuals so that, after their time with the organisation, they can access employment within the local business ecosystem.

In parallel, Emaus Gizarte Fundazioa deploys a broad network of initiatives that combine socio labour integration, community development, and reuse and recycling projects, generating positive social and environmental impact across the territory.

Commitment and experience in social innovation

Emaus Gizarte Fundazioa’s commitment to social innovation is reflected in the development of new methodologies that promote community transformation and active participation, combining individual support with strategies for sustainable territorial development.

The organisation also takes part in projects at both state and European levels aimed at improving social impact and testing new models of inclusion and sustainability.

The incorporation of Emaus Gizarte Fundazioa strengthens iSocial’s innovation ecosystem, contributing its experience at the intersection of employment, sustainability and social cohesion.

With this addition, iSocial continues to move forward in its goal of promoting social innovation and strengthening collaboration among organisations working towards a more just, sustainable and inclusive society.