La Calaixera

Work and inclusion in Barcelona

La Calaixera is a social initiative and special employment center supported by the Arep Association for Mental Health. Operating since 1999, it creates quality jobs for people whose disabilities are related to mental health conditions. The organization reports a staff of more than 70 professionals.

Services

• Delivery and parcel services: foot and van delivery, including home parcel service. Businesses entrust La Calaixera with shipping their goods.
• Cleaning: services at Arep facilities, including residences, its main office, youth spaces, and supported homes, as well as for outside businesses, institutions, and individuals since 2019.
• Painting: a painting crew serving clients, with particular experience in schools.
• School and office supplies: a store on Passeig de Maragall.
• Copying and reprographics.
• Fruit and corporate gift boxes: fruit baskets, holiday boxes, breakfasts, and food gifts for businesses and organizations, using locally sourced goods and social suppliers.

History

La Calaixera began in 1999 as Arep's special employment center, with carpentry, product assembly, and bookbinding. In 2008, it shifted toward community inclusion and service work. It opened a school and office supply store and started its painting service in 2010. In 2011, it began parcel delivery with ASM, later GLS. In 2012, its Al teu ritme project received BBVA's Integra Award. In 2014, it opened Cal Romesco, a food store that closed in 2023; fruit baskets and corporate food gifts continued. In 2025, it began a new communications and visibility effort.

Location and contact

Address: 124 Passeig Maragall, Barcelona 08027. Phone: 932 432 041.