Project: Home of Smiles
Motivated to create meaningful impact through MUTCOM, we set out to design a project that would benefit our community and connect us with a group we hadn’t yet reached. While we had worked in nursing homes, schools, and reforestation areas, we had never done a project focused on a children's home. With that in mind, we searched for a place where our actions could make a real and lasting difference.
Our project focused on revitalizing the space and supporting families in need. We provided personalized kits for each child and collected donations of clothing, toys, and hygiene items. The event at the Maria Tereza Vieira Social Rehabilitation Unit benefited 18 families and 33 children. The improvements made will continue to help new families, as the institution receives about 15/20 new people monthly.
I learned that flexibility and resilience are essential when working on community projects. Not everything goes as planned, and being able to adapt is key to making things work. I also saw how small gestures—like giving a child a toy or a special treat—can have a huge emotional impact. It reminded me that meaningful change doesn’t always require massive resources, but rather genuine care, teamwork, and the willingness to show up.
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