Agintzari is a social cooperative based in the Basque Country, Spain, dedicated to providing comprehensive social services to vulnerable populations. Established in 2000, Agintzari has developed a series of best practices that have significantly influenced social policy and service delivery in the region.

1. Modular Growth and Professionalisation

In response to challenges such as the economic crisis of 2008-2014 and the entry of for-profit companies into the social services sector, Agintzari adopted a modular growth model. This approach involved dividing into several coordinated companies under an umbrella cooperative called Bogan, established in 2019. This structure enhances agility, flexibility, and innovation capacity, allowing Agintzari to occupy various market niches while maintaining a focus on professionalization and expertise.  

2. Diverse Service Areas

Agintzari operates across multiple service areas, including:

• Community Intervention: Managing socio-educational and psychosocial services, as well as prevention programs in educational and family settings.
• Fostering and Adoption: Operating programs like ArlobiAdoptia, which offer psychosocial support, consultancy, and training for families and professionals involved in child protection.
• Intervention in Violence and Relational Conflicts: Providing services such as helplines, residential care for women victims of violence, and specialized psychological assessments in cases of familial sexual abuse.  

3. Collaborative Networks and Partnerships

Agintzari emphasises the importance of collaboration with public institutions, universities, and other social entities. By engaging in networks like the Basque Commissions of Social Services and Infancy, and the European Anti-Poverty Network, Agintzari fosters knowledge exchange, influences social policy, and enhances service delivery.  

4. Innovative Programs

Agintzari has pioneered several innovative programs, such as:

Trapezistak: A one-stop-shop model designed to support successful transitions to adulthood for migrant youth in social disadvantage and without family references. This program is co-designed and developed through inter-institutional cooperation and focuses on generating measurable impact for replication and scaling.  

OverCome-AAI: An animal-assisted intervention program aimed at preventing suicidal behaviour among high-risk youth. This pioneering approach has shown promising results in reducing suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-harm, while enhancing help-seeking behaviours.  

5. Governance and Participation

Agintzari's governance model is rooted in horizontality and active participation. Core values include transparency, social commitment, equality, and inter-cooperation. Members engage in various forums, such as assemblies for strategic decision-making, management teams, and project committees, dedicating at least 40 hours annually to participatory activities.  

Agintzari has established itself as a leader in social services within the Basque Country, continually adapting to emerging social needs and influencing the design and delivery of public social services. This model highlights the vital role of the social economy in fostering inclusive, community-based solutions that prioritize collective well-being over profit.