Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security Mónica Seidi highlighted the Azores Government’s continued investment in social services during the celebrations marking the 173rd anniversary of the Irmandade de Nossa Senhora do Livramento, the oldest private social solidarity institution in the Azores.
Speaking at the commemorative event, Seidi praised the institution’s nearly two centuries of service to the community and reaffirmed the Regional Government’s commitment to strengthening the social sector throughout the archipelago.
Founded in the nineteenth century, the Irmandade de Nossa Senhora do Livramento has become one of the most important social service organizations in the Azores. Today, it operates seven social programs serving children and young people, including the “A Joaninha” Daycare Center and Kindergarten, the “Casa do Cambalim” Youth Home, a Temporary Reception Center for Children, a Female Youth Residence, the “Casa da Canada dos Folhadais” Youth Home, and the Casa da Rua Francisco do Canto.
Together, these programs currently support 127 beneficiaries.
During her remarks, Mónica Seidi emphasized the essential role played by social solidarity institutions in promoting inclusion, social protection, and equal opportunities across the Region. She noted that the Government has worked consistently to ensure the financial sustainability of organizations that provide critical services to vulnerable populations.
As an example of that commitment, Seidi highlighted the growth in public funding allocated to the Irmandade’s social responses through the Client Value Cooperation Contracts (CCVC). Funding increased from €1.8 million in 2021 to more than €2.38 million in 2026, reflecting an increase of nearly €585,000 over the five-year period. The 2026 amount already includes the 2.4 percent adjustment established under the new Base Agreement No. 1/2026.
Looking at the broader picture, the Regional Secretary noted that total government funding directed to the institution between 2021 and 2026 will reach approximately €13 million, demonstrating what she described as a sustained commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of social services provided by the organization.
Seidi also congratulated the institution’s leadership, staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries, recognizing their dedication and service to the Azorean community. She reaffirmed the Regional Government’s willingness to continue working closely with private social solidarity institutions throughout the islands.
The anniversary celebration served not only as a tribute to the history of the Irmandade de Nossa Senhora do Livramento, but also as a reminder of the central role that charitable and social organizations continue to play in supporting families, children, and young people across the Azores.
After 173 years of service, the institution remains a pillar of social solidarity in the archipelago, combining a long tradition of community care with a mission that continues to respond to contemporary social needs.
Adapted from a story in Correio dos Açores-Natalino Viveiros, director. Photo from Governo dos Açores.