Porto Alegre is a multi-purpose social cooperative that provides socio-educational and care services, and promotes the employment inclusion of disadvantaged people.
The name is inspired by the Brazilian metropolis of Porto Alegre, governed through participatory budgeting and host of the first World Social Forum.
The Cooperative operates within the local welfare system, providing residential, day-care, and community-based services for the support and inclusion of migrants, individuals in conditions of extreme poverty or homelessness, and people with mental health conditions.
The Cooperative manages services aimed at tackling educational poverty and promotes active citizenship, shared responsibility, and social cohesion.
Its direct activities include managing the “La Fionda di Davide” fair trade shop and the “ReTime” EcoSocial Tailoring workshop.
Pre- and Postpartum Support
For about fifteen years, Porto Alegre has been managing reception and integration projects for asylum seekers and refugees, both in Extraordinary Reception Centers (CAS) and within the Reception and Integration System (SAI).
Over the years, CAS and SAI workers have highlighted the need for specialized pre- and postpartum support from a midwife for most mothers in reception, who often find themselves alone and disoriented during this delicate stage of their lives.
Thanks to the “A Midwife by Your Side” project, it was possible to guarantee the mothers hosted in the centers both individual and group sessions with midwife Dr. Martina De Michele, a professional who has been collaborating with Porto Alegre for years. Both home-based individual midwife/new mother visits and group meetings held at the cooperative’s headquarters were tested and proven to be particularly useful.
Topics covered included: the importance and techniques of breastfeeding, infant hygiene, weaning, and pediatric airway obstruction management.
Conscious Sexuality
• Informing participants about the importance of prevention for women’s health
• Providing information on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their modes of transmission
• Discussing contraceptive options available to women
• Promoting an open, non-judgmental discussion on the importance of sexual and reproductive health
Gynecologist: Dr. Etabong Jeremiah Esua
Perinatal Support
• Providing support and counseling to pregnant women to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery
• Accompanying women during the postpartum period to foster physical and psychological recovery after birth
• Offering targeted home visits to address the specific needs of mothers and newborns within their family environment
Midwife Dr.ssa De Michele Martina
Pediatric Health
• The role of aerosols in managing pediatric respiratory diseases
• Mechanism of action and appropriate dosage of key medications administered in childhood
Guidelines and recommendations for managing fever in children
• Discussion on traditional care practices from their countries of origin
• Mandatory pediatric vaccinations
Pediatrician: Dr.ssa Rossi Maria Laura
Agricola Lusia supports the activities of the Anti-Violence Center and the needs of the Shelter Home, ensuring support and protection for women who are victims of violence in all its forms.
The service offers informative and guidance phone consultations, social support, psychological support, and legal counseling.
The Center is made up of a multidisciplinary team of female professionals (a psychologist, an educator, a social worker, and a lawyer) dedicated to protecting all women who reach out. Access is free of charge, and anonymity is guaranteed.
The team is intentionally composed exclusively of women to create a protected, safe, and non-judgmental environment for victims of violence.
