The Candelaria Solidarity Foundation’s mission is to promote the comprehensive development and active inclusion of vulnerable people, especially the most disadvantaged groups, by enhancing autonomy, empowerment, and strengthening social and community networks. Values such as solidarity, social commitment, excellence, innovation, and transparency underpin this initiative of the Mariana Villa City Council. The scale of this municipal resource is evidenced by the over 900 beneficiaries of its services in the last year, with 57.5% being women, 42.5% men, and 24.5% minors.
Configured as “a key pillar in providing assistance to vulnerable individuals in the municipality,” the Candelaria Solidarity Foundation offers support through the Arcoíris Occupational Centre, Solidarity Food Centre, Clothes Bank, Volunteering, Temporary Employment Programs, and Elderly Smiles Project.
Among the standout programs it implements is active ageing – providing 132 families with home care and enabling their participation in socio-cultural and community activities – and the Arcoíris Occupational Centre – offering support in occupational therapy, emotional skills, speech therapy, cognitive stimulation, and social integration activities to 11 people with disabilities.
To deliver its program to beneficiaries, the Candelaria Solidarity Foundation has a group of fifteen volunteers who dedicated their time altruistically throughout the year. Additionally, this unique public resource has a forward-looking approach, as Candelaria Solidarity reaffirms its commitment to assisting vulnerable individuals and developing actions that promote social inclusion and community participation.
Thanks to the Volunteering
Gratitude for this volunteering effort included, on December 5th, the ceremonial naming of the Solidarity Food Centre after Trinidad Tejera Hernández, a volunteer who passed away last year and contributed to the Foundation for over a decade.
The Solidarity Food Centre (SFC) provides basic food needs assistance to socially vulnerable individuals. It operates with a rigorous process control system, work methodology, intervention procedure, organization, and functioning. In 2023, this service supported 824 vulnerable people residing in the municipality.
The Clothes Bank service complements the Solidarity Food Centre by providing clothing, accessories, toys, and household items to vulnerable individuals or families benefiting from the SFC. Seventy-three families received assistance through donations, volunteering, or the solidarity thrift shop.
The Arcoíris Occupational Centre offers care to people with disabilities, promoting personal autonomy, providing occupational alternatives, boosting interpersonal relationships, and enhancing community participation.
A Different Journey
One of its recent highlights was a laughter therapy morning for participants in the Elderly Smiles program and the Arcoíris Occupational Centre. The aim was to foster unity, vitality, and stress relief through play and laughter. This was part of the Elderly Smiles program, focused on the rehabilitation and social support of this population segment. Through activities, the program promotes autonomy, social participation, and quality of life among the elderly.
Candelaria’s Mayor, Mari Brito, praises the significant work carried out by the Foundation. “It is a key element in the lives of many people with disabilities, the elderly, and of course, those with fewer economic resources.” She emphasizes that it performs “invaluable work contributing to people’s ability to enjoy greater autonomy, inclusion, and quality of life.”
The mayor reaffirms the commitment of Candelaria City Council to the most vulnerable, with the foundation setting a clear example to follow. “The work of the staff and volunteers who contribute to creating a fairer, more equitable, and accessible society has been highlighted,” Mari Brito concludes.
