The Azores continue to face one of the Region’s most complex social challenges: the high prevalence of addictive and dependency-related behaviors. In this context, community-based initiatives take on renewed significance. It is within this framework that the Lions Club of Rabo de Peixe stands out as the driving force behind an unprecedented project: the creation of a Psychosocial and Educational Rehabilitation and Reintegration Center, designed to address a long-standing gap in the archipelago.

Manuel Ledo, a leader of the Lions Club of Rabo de Peixe, is one of the figures most committed to bringing this project to fruition. He has closely followed various existing responses on mainland Portugal and now seeks to adapt to the Azores a model of treatment and recovery that combines technical rigor, humanization, and community integration. In this interview, he explains the origins of the idea, the steps already taken, the institutional challenges that persist, and the vision for a space designed to welcome young people—and not only the young—in recovery, providing them with real conditions for rehabilitation and social reintegration. Between expectations, obstacles, and commitments, Manuel Ledo shares a clear vision of what he considers not only an urgent necessity, but also a transformative opportunity for the Region.

Correio dos Açores: How did the idea arise to create a space for the treatment and recovery of young people who have escaped the grip of drug addiction?

Manuel Ledo: You put it very well—“young people who have escaped the grip of drug addiction”—I would just add: “…and not-so-young people.” This is because the CENTER is intended for both young and less young individuals, but it only admits those who have already completed physiological detoxification. The idea arose from the lack of Rehabilitation/Psychosocial and Educational Reintegration structures in the Azores and from the very high number of people with addictions in the Region, which is considered to have the highest percentage among the country’s regions.

Do you think the example of Fazenda da Esperança in Brazil could be replicated in the Azores?

I believe so. The main objective is the “recovery of people seeking liberation from their addictions, especially alcohol and drugs.” Individuals with drug problems who are admitted to Fazenda da Esperança communities must identify with the organization’s charism, where they can discover their vocation within the Church as part of the Family of Hope.

What historical experience has been gained from some responses on the mainland, and how might it inspire the Azorean model?

Our experience involved closely following all phases of treatment of an Azorean patient/resident in a Therapeutic Community in Maçã, as well as visits to communities in Fátima, Luso, Sintra, and Almada. The model we intend to implement in our Therapeutic Community is the result of those visits, the monitoring of the resident mentioned, and conversations with people with addictions and former addicts who recovered in mainland communities. We have also adapted what we consider most suitable for an archipelago and added elements we did not find in the communities visited but deem essential for successful rehabilitation.

At what stage is the implementation process of this space in Rabo de Peixe?

It is currently awaiting the completion of the architectural project and the respective technical specialties. The land granted by the Municipality of Ribeira Grande is not located in Rabo de Peixe, but rather in Santa Bárbara, at Chã do Rego d’Água. As can be seen, the land is located in the center of São Miguel Island and away from residential areas, in order to ensure general prevention.

What is the formal involvement and commitment of the Lions Club of Rabo de Peixe in this project?

Our role is to trigger and raise awareness among the Government, all political parties represented in the Regional Assembly, municipalities, and the Region’s key stakeholders, including support from businesspeople who recognize the importance of the project we are preparing and the impact that the “Azores Psychosocial and Educational Rehabilitation/Reintegration Center” (CRRPEA) will have in addressing drug addiction. We are aware that we will not eradicate the major social wounds that appear daily, generating an alarming growth of dependencies and dependents in the Region. However, we are certain that, if the necessary support is provided to launch this project—as happens in other locations—we can open new doors for those who have fallen into the “darkness” of addiction, opening a “new path.”

For the launch of this project, the Lions Club of Rabo de Peixe (LCRP) is the “engine” coordinating and implementing it. We already have the grant of a 32,000 m² plot of land. Once the architectural and technical projects are completed and approved by the Municipal Council, we will submit an application to the Lions Clubs International Foundation to determine the amount of support that may be approved. Once the project is finalized, we will contact the Government, the Azorean municipalities, and the Region’s key stakeholders to present it and encourage them to join the journey we envision—one that opens new paths for those immersed in dependencies that cause suffering both to themselves and their families.

How does the mission of the Lions Club align with combating drug addiction in the community?

If Melvin Jones, founder of Lionism, had lived at the end of the 20th and into the 21st century, his concern would not have been blindness, but addiction. Drugs, as is well known, are a scourge that destroys families, increases crime, and imposes a very high cost on health systems and the regional economy. By deciding to create this CENTER, the Lions Club offers an opportunity to use these infrastructures so that users may be reborn into family life and the community.

What role will the Regional Government of the Azores play in this undertaking?

First and foremost, we need support for the preparation of the architectural and technical projects. (The Lions Club of Rabo de Peixe has already requested a meeting with the Secretariat responsible for health and social solidarity to present the preliminary project and clarify any questions.) We have not yet received a response, but we will persist in requesting the meeting and hope to avoid having to issue a public notice requesting an audience with the Regional Secretary to present our proposal, which includes the creation of a private social solidarity institution (IPSS).

How would you characterize the collaboration with the Municipality of Ribeira Grande, which has already granted the land?

We consider it excellent. The Municipality, through its former president, Dr. Alexandre Gaudêncio, granted us a 32,000 m² plot of land, and the current president, Dr. Jaime Vieira, has also committed to continuing support for the project.

Are there other public or private institutions involved or invited to participate?

We have not yet formally invited potential partners, as we intend to do so only once the architectural and technical projects are completed. As the project’s promoter, the Lions Club of Rabo de Peixe intends to invite the following partners:

  • Lions Clubs International Foundation
  • Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Solidarity (SRSSS)
  • Regional Secretariat for Education, Culture, and Sport (SRECD)
  • Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food (SRAA)
  • Azorean Municipalities Association (AMRAA)
  • São João de Deus Health House
  • ARRISCA
  • Alternativa
  • Cresaçor
  • São Miguel Agricultural Association
  • Terra Verde – Association of Azorean Agricultural Producers

What type of therapeutic and social approach will be applied at the center?

A therapeutic plan will be proposed for each patient/resident by the entire technical team after psychological and psychiatric evaluation, in order to maximize rehabilitation effectiveness. This plan will include:

  • Individual and group psychotherapy, as a tool to develop problem-solving skills;
  • Occupational therapy through:
    • Daily tasks (making beds, tidying rooms, meal preparation, etc.);
    • Work caring for the Center’s animals and agricultural activities, both in greenhouses and outdoors;
    • Leisure activities and physical exercise, both in indoor gym facilities and outdoors, including sports and indoor games;
    • Visual and technological education activities;
    • Activities that facilitate social insertion or reinsertion;
    • Integration or reintegration into the labor market, with support from local institutions such as municipalities, agricultural and livestock associations, and the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Ponta Delgada, Angra, and Horta.

Within the residential complex, there will be a small chapel serving as a space for reflection and, for residents who wish, participation in Sunday Mass and spiritual support from a priest.

What infrastructure will be developed to support these activities?

Initially, we considered building all facilities in a single block, but later decided it would be better to construct prefabricated housing units so residents would feel more at home. This village-style construction fosters a sense of community. The project includes:

  • 10 three-bedroom houses for residents;
  • 2 two-bedroom houses for monitors working nights and weekends;
  • 1 four-bedroom house for health offices (doctor, nurse, psychologist, social worker);
  • 1 open-plan house (approx. 50 m²) with bathroom for group psychology sessions and team meetings;
  • 1 open-plan house with bathroom and small room for liturgical items;
  • A chapel measuring 10 x 5 m²;
  • 1 open-plan house with bathroom;
  • 1 open-plan house (approx. 50 m²) with bathroom for training, arts and technology education, and other activities;
  • 1 house with two divisions for a kitchen serving up to 40 meals and a dining hall with the same capacity, also used for leisure activities;
  • 1 house (approx. 50 m²) for administrative services and the board of directors;
  • 3 greenhouses of 250 m² each for vegetable and fruit production;
  • A 200 m³ water reservoir to collect greenhouse water;
  • A pigsty for 50 fattening pigs and maternity for 3 sows;
  • A poultry house for approximately 200 broilers and 100 laying hens;
  • A calf shed for 15 calves (breeding, rearing, and fattening stages);
  • A cowshed for 3 dairy cows;
  • Outdoor cultivation areas for fruit and vegetables;
  • A kennel with capacity for 6 companion dogs.

What is the expected average length of stay for users at the Center?

The duration will depend on the diagnosis and prognosis determined by the health team (psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse, and social worker). It is expected to range between 8 and 14 months.

What impact is expected on the social and community dynamics of Rabo de Peixe?

Expectations are positive for Rabo de Peixe and also for the parishes from which other users/residents originate.

Will the initiative also work with families and social support networks of those with addictions?

Yes. One factor we believe will increase success is working closely with families or those who live with the resident. The CENTER will prepare and support both families and individuals in rehabilitation, ensuring readiness for the post-treatment phase. Post-rehabilitation relapse prevention will include monthly meetings (similar to Alcoholics Anonymous) and ongoing psychological availability, in person or by phone.

Does the project include an educational or preventive component aimed at young people?

Yes. The CENTER intends to work on prevention as a partner of existing health teams that operate within schools. During residential treatment, those without compulsory schooling will have the opportunity to complete it. All residents will also have access to vocational training programs to acquire professional skills.

How will the project’s long-term financial sustainability be ensured?

We intend to meet with the authorities responsible for Health, Social Solidarity, and Education to identify funding mechanisms, including the possible creation of an IPSS. This project contributes directly to the SRSSS political program objective of strengthening healthy lifestyle promotion and reinforcing regional structures for prevention and combatting addiction. Since the target population includes homeless individuals from Azorean municipalities, local governments may also provide financial support. Residents will also contribute financially through occupational therapy activities in horticulture, fruit growing, floriculture, and livestock, which will support self-consumption and allow surplus sales to nearby communities. The CENTER will thus serve as an active partner of the Government in addressing addiction.

Are there plans for future expansion or integration with other professional reintegration initiatives?

Not at this time. However, after three or four years of operation, expansion and integration with other professional reintegration initiatives may be considered, if deemed appropriate by the Azorean community and supported by credible results.

What message would you like to convey to the community and authorities about the importance of this project for the Azores?

We consider this project extremely important, as the Azores are among the few regions of Portugal without infrastructure of this kind. This therapeutic model will be a major asset, allowing individuals to receive treatment within the Region rather than relocating elsewhere. The CENTER will support post-treatment follow-up not only for former residents but also for others treated outside the Region. It will significantly improve the lives of former residents, their families, and the communities where they live—transforming them from a “cost” into contributing citizens. The project also aims to equip residents with skills within a framework of a solidary and circular economy, facilitating employment or self-employment and helping prevent relapse.

António Pedro Costa in Correio dos Açore-Natalino Viveiros, director.

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.