By Mireille Kheirallah | Project Leader
During a recent visit to El Arca’s workshop I was very pleased to find new faces among both the beneficiaries and volunteers who have joined our community. There was a sense of renewed energy after two years of confinement and online challenges, followed by limited numbers and gradual increases in the days and times of gathering. Everyone is still following the appropriate hygiene measures to ensure a safe environment, but the daily routine is getting reestablished as people work, socialize and carry out physical activities in a spirit of friendship and mutual enjoyment.
Fresh bread was being baked and smelled delicious, some curtains had been installed and a beautiful blue tree was painted across the dining area wall. Its branches held photos of the beneficiaries of the project, young adults with an intellectual disability who come to the workshop to discover and develop their gifts.
Another very pleasant surprise was finding José, one of the permanent residents in the El Arca home since 2000, deeply and happily focused as he worked on a string of beads in the jewelry production area of the workshop. Prior to El Arca, he had been in a fairly over-crowded shelter for people with intellectual abilities in our city, and at that time his cerebral palsy had him barely walking on his own. His impaired speech caused him frustration, as he tried to express his needs and lead him sometimes to angry outbursts that were difficult for him to control.
In these last 20 years with El Arca, José has developed into a handsome, kind and helpful young man with many interests and a very genuine concern for the well being of others around him. I was told he volunteers to welcome and help newcomers to the workshop, showing them around and making them feel at home as they adapt. His cerebral palsy has affected José’s verbal communication and several motor skills (hands and feet), so it is now nothing short of amazing to watch him diligently working on jewelry and enjoying an activity that requires fine motor skills!! Time, patience and a loving, safe environment work miraculously!!
All members of our community, old and new, join me in thanking each of you for contributing and strengthening our project! We are privileged and grateful to count on your participation with us. We hope you enjoy receiving news about our ongoing efforts, along with information on how your generous donation is used. We send you gratitude and blessings and we pray for health, peace and prosperity around the world.
Best regards,
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