“Centro da Mãe”

March 1999: Birth of “Centro de Mãe” with the main purpose of building a shelter for pregnant women and young mothers at risk. This idea arose after the referendum on abortion, as a social response to the difficulties encountered by this target population.

June 1999: The Association was convened by the Secretary for Social Affairs, stating in the interest of the Government in our objectives, which are also part of the government program. The Association was invited to work together towards this objective, which we accepted. Regional Government confirmed pooling in 80% of the construction costs of the home and 20% of the responsibility of “Centro de Mãe”.

October 2000: Release of a plot of land of approximately 4000 m2, by the Regional Government, in an area close to Hospital Dr. João de Almada. Donation to “Centro de Mãe” by the JB Fernandes Fernandes in New York, specifically for the construction of the home. May and

September 2001: Cancellation of Regional Government previous assignment, transfer to another parcel of land on the Mount, close to the former, with an approximate area of 3500m2, this land with mountainous terrain of steep slope.

September 2001: Entry into operation of the Service Centre to support several levels to the target population of the institution, given by the Parish of the Cathedral. This worked on Rua Brigadeiro Oudinot, in the city centre in a building with three floors of which worked in the institution 2nd floor.

September 2002: Cooperation Agreement with the Ministry of Social Affairs, in which it commits to a monthly financial support for the operation of the Service Centre.

October 2003: Signed the Protocol on Cooperation between the Regional Secretariat for Social Affairs and “Centro de Mãe” in which the first entity leasing the land for the construction of “Centro de Mãe” on the Mount, as well as for 80% of total costs the work. Three nuns, Sisters of the Congregation of the Good Shepherd, were admitted to “Centro de Mãe” to support the Centre, also with a view to ensuring the proper functioning of the future Home.

February 2004: The preliminary design of the home is presented to the Social Security Centre, with its assent in July, with minor modifications.

May 2005: Delivery of CMF officer of Home Architecture Project, delivered the Social Security Centre in early June. Period of drafting the expertise (supply JSJ Structures, Lisbon and Bright Idea - Planned Management of Electricity and Wood; by AREAM later, and Mr. Francisco Ferreira Funchal, Madeira).

2006: Several meetings at “Centro de Mãe” for the appreciation and thorough review of construction costs, before proceeding to final delivery. Some changes were introduced to the architecture project.

February 2007: Presentation to the Social Security Centre of Architecture and Projects Final Specialties with respective costs.

February 2008: Information from the Secretariat for Social Affairs: the money required for construction will be available from 2008: preparing to launch tender documentation.

Room Service

January 2001: Town Board gives floor in R. Brigadeiro Oudinot, for a period of two years.

March 2001: Modifications in flat at R Brigadier Oudinot 10-2 º, conducted by the Prison of Funchal.

November 2001: Start of work at the Care Centre, under the direction of Maria do Carmo Machado.

2002: Negotiation and Cooperation Agreement with the Regional Secretariat for Social Affairs for reimbursement of expenses from Room Service.

July 2002: Admission of an Administrative Assistant to the Centre.

November 2003: Renewal of Lease Agreement of the Service Centre, no longer a space donated by the parish, going to be an expense of the “Centro de Mãe”, also leased 3rd Floor of the same building with a view to teach Recurrent Education, 5th and 6th grades. With the support of the Regional Secretariat for Education and Culture, two teachers were identified to support this activity.

2004: Entry Psychologist intern.

September 2004: Rental of the 3rd floor in the same building to function as a classroom and training; works, purchase of furniture and equipment etc.. Subsequent improvement

September 2005: Detachment of a Psychologist by the Regional Education and Culture Ministry.

February 2006: Rental of 1st floor in R. Brigadeiro Oudinot, for offices for Psychologist and Social Worker, and housekeeping. Support of the City of Funchal on the rental and refurbishment of this flat.

April 2006: Entry of Social Worker intern.

January 2007: Procurement in “Centro de Mãe” with support from the Regional Employment Institute of Social Work, who had held the stage through the same entity.

August 2007: Information to the Secretariat for Social Affairs of the transfer to the Centre to a space in the District Hospital.

March 2008: Opening of new Room in the neighbourhood of Hospital Care.

Residency Home

October 2010: Opening of the Residence located in the urbanization of Engenho Velho, in S. Martinho.