VIVER O BAIRRO - Social Revitalization Project - ACISJF Viana do Castelo (Portugal)

VIVER O BAIRRO (Living the Neighborhood) arises from the need to continue a real social response that has supported women and families since 1984! Let's bring life and care to this place! 9 families, 16 children, 3 jobs. We are many, We are ONE!

VIVER O BAIRRO (Living the Neighborhood) arose from the need to continue a real social response that has supported women and families since 1984!

Why this name "VIVER NO BAIRRO" ?
The future location of our association is in the Fishermen's Quarter next to the local beach, where the majority of residents are elderly or immigrants. We will bring life and care for this place!

Currently, we support 9 families, 16 children, and 3 jobs . We create handicrafts and organize arts and crafts workshops and human development programs that engage and revitalize the local community.

Our focus is on remodeling the new space (provided by the Municipality) so that we can stop paying rent (€200 per month) and where wonderful conditions naturally arise because we have:

• Playground and games area - where we can see the children playing while others study at the main building.
• Picnic area - wonderful for community gatherings and outdoor snacks.
• a small chapel - to encourage pause, prayer, silence.
• We are located next to the beach and the children's schools, which allows us to get around without needing transportation.
• We have neighbors who are partners in social projects, such as the Food Bank and the IPVC (higher education institution) - inclusive school project.
• And it's an area that has the potential for us to grow.

VIVER O BAIRRO aims to promote human relationships and (re)learn how to live in community , serving not only those in vulnerable situations but also those who care for and serve in other institutions, through A REAL SOCIAL NETWORK .

Crianças a receber presentes com parceiro IPVC Escola Inclusiva

About the author

ACISJF - the International Catholic Association in Service to Young Women - is an international non-profit organization with a long history of humanitarian service . In Portugal , it began its activities in 1914 and was recognized as an Institution of Public Utility.

The Diocesan Council of Viana do Castelo is part of this global solidarity network.
Founded in 1984 , this non-profit organization was born out of the need to support women and their families in situations of economic and social vulnerability. In December 2024 , the Viana do Castelo City Council unanimously decided to award us the title of "Institution of Merit" for the relevant services provided in Viana do Castelo to young women at social risk.

Currently, ACISJF Viana do Castelo's main strengths/responses are:

• CATL
  A leisure activities center that arose from the need to welcome the children of mothers/families who seek our help, who, after leaving school, had nowhere to go until the mother/family returned from work.
  At the moment we support 16 users, between the ages of 7 and 13. They do their schoolwork under the guidance of our assistant teacher and twice a week they receive support from volunteer teachers. They are also stimulated with recreational activities, they play and receive love.
• CRAFT WORKSHOP
  A craft workshop for the production of floral art items – paper palm leaves, bridal bouquets and votive candles – where the intangible cultural heritage of Viana do Castelo is preserved and, simultaneously, it is the main source of fundraising, capacity building and social revitalization.
  
  Art allows people to develop personal, social, and professional skills, as well as self-esteem, well-being, and inner peace. Here we promote various workshops. We hold workshops for children (in schools) and the elderly (nursing homes and day centers) , as well as for adults who enjoy this art (at our facilities). We also go to companies to provide team-building training, combining manual art with human development, humility, and self-care, while reinforcing the social responsibility component .
• OPEN SPACE FOR THE COMMUNITY
  We also provide service to the community through awareness sessions and workshops focused on the ethics of care, human development, and building bridges that support a more cohesive and interdependent community. These are integration and sharing encounters that contribute to human relationships, moments that strengthen social cohesion, community spirit, and the faith of each individual .

Workshop de artesanato - revitalização comunidade local

Budget and due dates

Construction budget: €42,153.34 (3 budget proposals are attached).
We are also awaiting a response from the Municipality regarding partial support for this remodeling.

Attached is the ACISJF financial report.

Our primary goal is to start by making the space habitable using the existing materials, as well as bringing in specialist support such as an electrician, plumber, and carpenter.

With the funds raised, we'll move into the new space before winter!

Images

Documents

• orcamento_0023-00-26_-_acisjf.pdf

  pdf • 371.28 KB

• orc_39-2026.pdf

  pdf • 525.35 KB

• 1001_lpu_acisjf.pdf

  pdf • 674.86 KB

• plantalocalizacao.pdf

  pdf • 907.83 KB

• acisjf_praianorte.pdf

  pdf • 123.49 KB

• acisjfo2026.pdf

  pdf • 145.15 KB