The Ramacrisna Institute, located in Betim, is celebrating. The Minas Gerais institution is celebrating 67 years of transforming lives in the Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Region through education, professional training, culture, and sports.

And in this institutional milestone, it is the population that receives the gift. The organization, which in 2025 provided more than 170,000 services, brings great news for 2026: the projection is that, in the first half of the year alone, 10 new Casa Project centers will be opened in partnership with the Betim City Hall. The initiative is expected to initially benefit around 1,600 people per month, offering sports, cultural, and craft activities, as well as psychological support in all areas of the city.

Celebrations begin with employee appreciation

The official 67th anniversary program will begin on Wednesday (25) with an internal event for employees at the institution’s headquarters. The goal is to kick off a year that promises to be one of growth and institutional strengthening.

During the meeting, Olímpio Junior, administrator and specialist in diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, will give a lecture on happiness at work and the importance of NR1, offering reflections on self-care, health, and safety in the professional environment.

The Institute’s vice president, Solange Bottaro, emphasizes that caring for people has always been at the heart of Ramacrisna’s work. “We have 67 years of commitment to social transformation. Ramacrisna has grown alongside the community and remains faithful to its mission of offering real opportunities to children, adolescents, and young people. But we understand that this impact begins internally. Valuing our employees and promoting a healthy environment is part of our vision of sustainability,” she says.

Transition in the presidency marks a new cycle

The celebrations also mark an important moment in the institution’s governance: the transition in the presidency. After 14 years at the helm of Ramacrisna, Dr. Expedito Martins Chumbinho is stepping down, ending a cycle marked by the expansion of projects and institutional strengthening. “It was a great challenge to lead Ramacrisna for so many years. I closely followed and participated in the growth of the institution and, above all, the transformative action in the lives of hundreds of people. I leave the presidency with gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community and the confidence that the work will continue even stronger,” he says.

Taking over the presidency is businessman Flávio Gomes, who arrives with the mission of continuing the legacy and driving new achievements. “I accept this responsibility with great respect for the history built so far. Ramacrisna is a solid, recognized, and essential institution for the region. Our goal is to expand the reach of projects, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that more people benefit,” he says.

With the change, the board of directors of the Ramacrisna Institute is now composed as follows:

President: Flávio Gomes

Vice President: Solange Bottaro

Chief Financial Officer: João Bosco

Director of Social Assistance: Expedito Chumbinho

Administrative Director: Yukari Hamada