Florianòpolis NEWS

From August 2011 Newsletter:

"Reaching Out to the Little Ones"
Joslaine Austin & Ana Silva

The Florianópolis Sister City Committee has been aiding the Lar Recanto do Carinho, also known as “Little Love's Nest.” This "home" was built in 1992 to house children who have been diagnosed as carriers of the HIV virus as well as those currently suffering from AIDS. Previous to this housing center, these children were interned in hospitals nationwide and had no hope of living out their childhoods. Thanks to a small group of volunteers from G.A.P.A., “Group of Support and AIDS Prevention,” a house was rented to serve the entire State of Santa Catarina. The services provided were suited for newborns and children up to age 6. As the demand of housing and care for HIV and AIDS affected children and now teenagers grew, the house was restructured to suit older children and teens. Currently they provide services for a variety of age groups, from birth to young adulthood. Once again, the Little Love's Nest was evolving with its re-situation in another more stable home. A home was bought in the Agronomica neighborhood, with broadened horizons.

Our fellow members, Mr. & Mrs. Deisenroth, were privileged to make a visit to this organization. They found the conditions there exemplary and the workforce to be caring and genteel. Having seen this association's accelerated development, we hope that Florianópolis will be served well by this housing project. Its continuing rise to meet the children’s needs, has brought to light importance of gathering support for truly worthy causes. Indeed, the services offered are a great milestone of awareness --- ‘increasing compassion for others’ beyond the limits of one’s family is bettering the moral soul of the Florianópolis community. The Deisenroth’s visit and the information obtained about this marvelous foundation have greatly helped to illuminate possibilities for further growth in our Sister City’s future.

An example of recent aid to another, well known, non-profit organization, was appreciated in the June ‘11 visit of a children's choir from the Projeto Sombra e Agua Fresca. Having been funded by the United Methodist Church, this association meets the educational and recreational needs of less fortunate children. Whether from lack of proper schooling or lower-income communities, children from ages 5-15 have profited from this association's outreach programs. The choir composed by children ages 10 to 15 was given the opportunity to visit Roanoke and perform for The Annual Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church at the Roanoke Civic Center, as well as several other cities within the United State of America. Our local Carlos International Restaurant, owned by fellow Brazilians, funded lunch for the children at a local fast food eatery.

If you would like to learn more about Lar Recanto do Carinho and join us in following the children ongoing progress, please visit the website listed below for more information as well as opportunities in aiding them. We encourage you to aid us in supporting this foundation and its tremendously empowering programs.

Group of children from “Projeto Sombra e Agua Fresca” at the Roanoke Civic Center	Marcia Rila “The Orphanage Director” with Marilia Deisenroth
The play room and play time after afternoon nap
Mike and Marilia Deisenroth with one of the babies	The nursery