Deaconess Foundation’s new strategy aims for more impactful work for human dignity

The Deaconess Foundation has entered a new strategic period, but its work for human dignity continues. The strategy for 2025-2027, ‘Making an Impact Together’, gives the Deaconess Foundation an impetus to reform society and increase the effectiveness of its work for human dignity. The strategy provides common guidelines for the entire group, which includes the foundation and its wholly owned social enterprise, Rinnekodit.

Image: Sanna Mander.

“At this time of transformation in the welfare society, we must have the courage to reform ourselves so that we can work even more effectively for human dignity. As a values-based organisation, we want to ensure that people who need support and are in vulnerable positions continue to receive care and will get good, personalised service in the future”, says Olli Holmström, CEO of the Deaconess Foundation.

The strategy, developed together with staff and stakeholders, has three priority areas:

A welcoming community

We create welcoming communities where trust, inclusion and agency are strengthened. We ensure that the skills and potential of our community members are realised. We aim to be an open, diverse and safe community for all.

Special groups expert

We develop effective services and activities. We know our clients who belong to different special groups and can respond to their needs. The well-being and expertise of our staff are reflected in the quality of our services and a good customer experience.

Bold renewer

We boldly tackle new circumstances and problems. We actively influence and present solutions. We also reform our operations to be more effective and sustainable.

Reconciliation and social peace

In the new strategic period, we are strengthening our work to increase trust and social peace. The new ‘Radically Reconciled’ programme will be launched this year.

It is important to us that the voices of clients involved in our activities get heard in society. We create opportunities to become involved in service development and discussion about the future. The lessons learned from the Youth Programme carried out during the previous strategic period on the use of experiential expertise and knowledge will be widely implemented, and work for young people will continue.

“We will particularly focus on reducing polarisation in society. We aim to increase inclusion and prevent people from becoming marginalised. We need new solutions to create a constructive atmosphere and increase hope. And we invite all current and new partners to join us in this work. Work for human dignity cannot be done alone,” says Holmström.