Fundació Els Garrofers

Residential support in Canet de Mar

Fundació Els Garrofers is a nonprofit established in 2007 that operates a residential campus for people with intellectual and/or physical disabilities in Canet de Mar, in Catalonia’s Maresme region. The project grew out of work by people associated with Associació Terra i Cel, who began advocating in 2000 for residential placements because the area lacked these resources.

History and development

• 2000: The need for residential placements for people with disabilities in Maresme became clear, and advocacy began under Teresa Rovira and Associació Terra i Cel.
• 2005: The Government of Catalonia committed to supporting the project, and Canet de Mar donated a site of more than 5,000 square meters.
• 2007: Fundació Els Garrofers was established.
• 2008: The project was presented and construction began.
• 2010: Construction was completed, and a residential campus with 2,200 square meters of built space officially opened.
• 2011: Residents moved in gradually, reaching 40 placements.
• 2012: A second intake phase brought the number of service users to 50.

Facilities and services

The campus has six residential cottages, each with capacity for 10 residents. Each cottage has two single rooms, six double rooms, a kitchenette, a living and dining area, and adapted bathrooms. Facilities also include a 300-square-meter multipurpose room that can be divided into three activity rooms, a multisensory stimulation room (Snoezelen), a physical therapy room, and a heated therapeutic pool. Outdoors, there are 1,000 square meters of landscaped grounds, a 300-square-meter terrace with sea views, and a large covered porch. The service area includes an on-site kitchen and laundry, internal transportation, and additional podiatry, beauty, and hairdressing services.

Person-centered support

The campus uses a person-centered program with individual goals and comprehensive support for physical, emotional, and social needs. It promotes independence and social inclusion through community participation, recreation, leisure, traditions, and physical therapy.

Donations and volunteering

The foundation accepts financial donations. According to its published information, individuals may deduct 25% on their income tax return, while businesses may deduct 35% on corporate taxes. It also accepts donations of usable items, including furniture, wheelchairs, special beds, tables, computers, photo and video equipment, and music players. More than 20 volunteers help with resident activities or general tasks such as gardening, maintenance, administration, and laundry.

Published occupancy information

The published profile reports that the residential campus was 83% occupied, with one cottage (10 placements) still awaiting opening because of budget constraints. Its stated near-term goals included reaching full occupancy, signing a funding agreement with the Government of Catalonia, and securing private funding.

Contact

Address: C/ Josep Baró 32, Canet de Mar. Phone: 937 956 308. Email: info@fundacioelsgarrofers.org.