The project served over 11,000 people in its first year, exceeding its initial goal by 300%.
Social initiatives play a fundamental role in building a more just society, offering opportunities and improving the quality of life for those in vulnerable situations. One such example is CASA (Culture, Social Assistance, and Sports Activities), carried out by the Ramacrisna Institute in partnership with the Betim City Hall. Launched in August of last year, the project underscores its commitment to promoting well-being, inclusion, and social development through tangible and accessible actions, with highly positive results.
Initially designed to serve 3,300 people across the city’s ten regions, CASA surprised everyone by providing over 11,000 services—300% more than its original target.
CASA offers free cultural, sports, social, and professional training activities for individuals aged six and up. Classes include football, futsal, swimming, ballet, Pilates, gymnastics, theater, music, dance, and crafts. The project also provides tutoring, psychological support, and job market training. All of this is available at 24 centers throughout Betim.
Solange Bottaro, Vice President of the Ramacrisna Institute, highlighted the initiative’s importance and how it surpassed initial expectations. “The CASA project is a clear example of how the collaboration between the public sector and third-sector organizations can transform lives. We already anticipated a positive impact, but reaching over 11,000 services in just one year went beyond our expectations,” she shared.
Transforming Lives
Marcileia Rodrigues, a participant in the functional training classes, is one of the many individuals whose lives have been transformed. Before joining the project, she suffered from severe depression and relied on prescription medication. Today, her life is entirely different.
“I arrived here depressed and on medication for depression. Now, the project has become my remedy. I no longer need medication. The activities give me strength, nourish my body and mind. My life and my family’s lives have been transformed. I can now take care of my home, spend quality time with my daughter, and my self-esteem has been restored. Getting up in the morning has meaning again—I’ve overcome depression and now have a better quality of life,” she shared.
For Lúcia de Freitas, a coordinator at one of the centers, the impact is evident. “The community has embraced the project. Many people come here with health issues like hypertension, obesity, and depression, and they report significant improvements after participating in the activities. In addition to practicing sports or attending various workshops, they find a welcoming and transformative space here,” she explained.
To celebrate the project’s first year, the Ramacrisna Institute will host a Cultural and Sports Showcase this Saturday, November 23. Around 800 participants will have the opportunity to display what they’ve learned. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Ramacrisna Institute headquarters (Rua Mestre Ramacrisna, 379, Santo Afonso).
