I am grateful for the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God and Clínica San Rafael for having welcomed me into the John of God family 22 years ago and teaching me the vocation of service.

Social work has been adapted to meet historical needs, and even so I have always incorporated the professional sphere into the Hospitaller mission bequeathed to us by Saint John of God, manifested by caring for the needy at the intramural level and being increasingly present for the vulnerable (children, young people, mothers heads of households, elderly adults) in marginal areas, mostly displaced, who for the lack of opportunities have problems meeting their basic needs, such as food, healthcare, education, housing, clothing and recreation.

Animated by God, the support of Brothers, Benefactors and co-Workers united in the mission to help them has succeeded in transforming this situation, improving the quality of life of families in the social programmes run by the St John Grande and St Benedict Menni Centre: Together to build a better life to benefit the neediest (adjudication and improving housing), Building pathways – Supporting children and young people with few financial resources to have primary, secondary and technical education (Godfather plan), Food Security (children’s canteens), Seeds of Greatness (helping elderly adults), income generation (technical training for work)- Child’s Playground and Pastoral Care; programmes based above all on respect for the dignity of each person, geared to providing comprehensive care, reflecting the living presence of Saint John of God.