Dear family and Rosa Azul friends,

       I am using pictures more than words to tell the day to day story at the CIRAS Center Brazil,  supported by the Rosa Azul Foundation. Located in Aracaju, Brazil,  the non profit Rehabilitation Center for people  of all ages with disabilities and physical rehabilitation  in diverse therapeutic programs. 

       We have a busy year ahead of us,   as a waiting list of families seeking entry is longer than we can handle.    Most of our funding comes from local grants,   which locks in the number of people  and the programs covered.   On the average,   we receive equivalent to $100 per/person (minimum wage is $300 a month).  However,  a comprehensive therapy and rehabilitation program costs double that,   so we scramble for outside finances.  At the moment,   children with autism lead the waiting list,   but we have many adults with severe disabilities waiting spots in our day programs.   

       Last year the local City Council and State Legislature opened funding for non profits,   so much of my time was articulating projects.   This year that continues,   so we go nonstop,   updating the projects for funding approved last year,   and setting up visits for the legislature to come visit so that we can seek a spot on their list for 2025.    Last year I actually got an invitation to circulate in the city council chamber and was able to talk to each one individually during one of the sessions.    However,   to gain access was required to  wear a coat jacket (which I borrowed from Weliton as he had a white linen suit jacket from our wedding that was just perfect). 

     Of course,   the paper work involved in each project is unbelievable,   so we added a social worker to deal with the schedules,    lists,   prices etc.   However, we are hopeful that once  the funding starts to come into our accounts,   we will be able to add staff to help keep up with demand. I have been busy trying to build more therapy rooms,  but will save that story for next newsletter.  

The Rosa Azul is a 501 ( c ) (3) exemption, recognized by the IRS under the Employer Identification Number of 94-2960337. Thank you very much for your donations. 

ROSA  AZUL FOUNDATION   151 Castro St. San Leandro, CA  94577

    

Carolyn Estella Chase F. Carvalho