Service by Brazil Ilhéus Chapter Members Improve Lives of Youth at Grapiúna Semi-Freedom House

On December 23, 2024, the Ilhéus Chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society, in partnership with the Helping Hands project, organized a heartwarming and transformative service activity at the Grapiúna Semi-Freedom House in the city of Itabuna. The facility, which currently serves up to 20 male teenagers, operates under the joint responsibility of the state, families, and society.  Facility administrators were pleased with the JRCLS’s offer to help improve the physical structure of the home and strengthen the organization’s educational and humanitarian missions.

The project, titled “Helping Hands to Paint a Brighter Future,” mobilized members of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society, other volunteers and house residents to revitalize the facility and make it more welcoming and conducive to the development of the young residents.  Projects included a thorough cleaning of the facility, painting of rooms, and preparation of a meal for the residents.  Importantly, every brushstroke of paint symbolized more than a physical transformation. It was an act of love, solidarity, and commitment to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which invite those involved to extend a helping hand to their neighbors. 

In addition to revitalizing the space, the activity reinforced the Law Society’s commitment to the objectives of the Grapiúna House for its residents: to provide an educational environment, restore family ties, and offer adolescents the opportunity for full social reintegration. The event received enthusiastic support from the facility’s coordinators who emphasized the importance of civil society’s involvement in building a more inclusive and hopeful future for these teenagers. 
Grapiúna House coordinators Durval Filho and Dr. Maria Gorete shared “[t]here are no words to adequately thank the Helping Hands Project and the J. Reuben Clark Law Society for their partnership with the Grapiúna Semi-Freedom House in Itabuna.” They also share that, “no value can measure the worth of each hand that helped us improve a space dedicated to the pedagogical guidance of teenagers and young people through a family and community-based approach. . . . your hands have made [this environment] even more humane.”

The administrators also extended special thanks to Mateus Santiago, the Ilhéus Chapter Chair, who readily offered his support for this project. 

This event stands as a reminder that love for one’s neighbor can transcend barriers and promote true social inclusion. Congratulations to everyone involved in this beautiful act of solidarity and service!