Redefining Community Development in Puerto Rico

Among the greatest achievements that we can highlight today is that in our programa Resplandece (Shine) we have a total enrollment of 73 participants, most of whom are children and adolescents. The RESPLANDECE program aims to impact the four protection factors (Individual, Family, School and Community) and thereby promote the development of individuals and communities. Through our program we seek to foster support structures in the families of the community that allow them to develop a desire to excel, entrepreneurship and resilience in the face of life.

Every day we receive children and adolescents from different communities in the Humacao region of southeastern Puerto Rico to provide them with academic reinforcement services, mentoring dynamics, workshops, recreational activities, and activities that promote socialization. We must highlight that the participants who have continued to receive services have shown a positive transformation in their self-esteem, socialization, and have greatly developed their leadership. Currently during the month of June, we are carrying out a summer camp where different recreational activities are carried out and that continue to promote values among the participants. Certainly, we must highlight as an achievement that most of the team that forms the program are graduates of the PECES Accredited Higher School and other programs of our organization. This team has stood out in its entirety for its commitment, dedication, courage, leadership and dedication; showing us with this example that adversities can be overcome. In particular, these stories show us that the work we do in PECES with the RESPLANDECE Program and other programs like this of our organization give excellent results and transform lives.

One very special program under the umbrella of Redefining Community Development is a community response to how violence and criminal acts impact residents of local communities. This program facilitates the transformation of these lives in a way that the affected families can create new and productive futures for themselves.  This program is named ANTORCHA, a lighted torch that illuminates the immense possibilities of a future beyond violence and criminality. 

The participants, who are all victims of violence and criminal behaviors, find hope in P.E.C.E.S., Inc.'s program ANTORCHA in which they are offered the knowledge, skills, and experiences to triumph over adversity and to  fulfill new goals in their lives. They receive the direct services of social workers,  individual and group counseling, support systems, and are provided a vast offering of supplementary services that empower the participants to regain the direction of their lives and reach new goals for themselves and their familes. Legal assistance is, also, provided to all the participating families according to their specific needs. 

Over the past semester 38 families confronting acute problems of victimization received  142 direct services and 195  psychological and legal services. Twelve families participated in specialized group ;therapy and supportive services. The participants came from five municipalities in southeastern Puerto Rico.The program, also, works with 13 schools in the 5 municipalities offering orientations and workshops to prevent violence and criminal behavior as well as to create awareness of how to reach out for help should such a situation occur. Twelve teachers were offered specialized training in how to identify and respond to situations of violence or criminal activity. 

One special aspect of the program that helped entire families during the past semester was our art therapy initiative. Family members of all ages participated in art therapy directed towards positively handling our emotions. It was a great success.

Redefining community development means empowering communities to confront and overcome the impact of violence and criminal behavior. Each of the 38 families have been profoundly impacted by violence. ANTORCHA has empowered these families to become lights within their communities and productive citizens breaking the cycle of violence.