Caroline Chase gave the Arcadia Rotarian’s a close up look at the Brazil Foundation.  Located on 4 acres in southern Brazil, which consists of 26 states and 210 million people.  Known as Centro de Intergracao Raio de Sol and located in the State of Sergipe, Brazil.

Brazil is known for many things including: Soccer, Carnival, Amazon rainforests, beaches, coconuts and great local foods like fruit, bananas, papa, crab and shrimp. Also known for its Favelas (slums) and violence related to power and drugs.

The foundation employs 190 people assisting the community with rehabilitation, occupational therapy, speech therapy, special education & training, psychological support and assistance for seniors.  Caroline spoke English, however, normally would be speaking Portuguese.

The team helps the local people who are very poor, especially the handicapped who get minimum wage from the government, but not much else.  Much of the support and funding for the facility comes from government grants, which must be regularly renewed. Caroline also works with local Rotary clubs and other organizations fundraising and has a phone outreach team seeking support for their work.  She has driven to pick up donations as small as $5.

Challenges are many, financing being chief among them, even when you get a grant the funding is typically for 40% below what the actual cost for the service would be. Caroline noted that you might think it easier in Brazil, however, there are very complex regulations and lots of government bureaucracy causing delays and lots of paperwork.

The question was asked about getting people back to work after training and or rehabilitation? Caroline noted that they are not motivated to work or look for work, as they are already getting paid for doing nothing. The foundation must employ 2 handicapped people for every 100 employees.

President Patrick Dolphin thanked Caroline for the presentation and noted that a donation was being made to Habitat for Humanity in her name.