Fundación Manos Tendidas

About the foundation

Fundación Manos Tendidas is a charitable social-service foundation classified by Spain's Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, registered with the oversight authority under No. 28.1095, and designated as serving the public interest. A group of parents and guardians established it on June 14, 1998. It is affiliated with the Spanish Federation of Associations for People with Intellectual Disabilities (FEAPS) and is authorized by the Community of Madrid to operate as an occupational center under resolution No. C-0967.

Services

The foundation operates occupational centers for people with intellectual disabilities. They provide occupational therapy and comprehensive rehabilitative daytime care to build independence in daily activities and support social inclusion. Services include:

• Specialized daytime care for people with intellectual disabilities who need specific treatment.
• Support with personal and social development, care, and personal safety.
• Meals tailored to each person's needs.
• Transportation.
• Psychological services, including guidance and treatment to strengthen individual abilities.
• Rehabilitation to support personal development and social inclusion.
• Occupational therapy through non-production activities suited to each person's abilities.
• Sports, recreation, and leisure activities.
• Meals and health care while participants are at the center.
• Independent-living activities that help people stay connected to their familiar surroundings.

Training

Since its founding, the organization has offered courses for people with intellectual disabilities and/or social-integration barriers, aiming to support inclusion in society and the workplace. Courses have taken place at occupational centers and an equestrian center, with grants from institutions including the Community of Madrid, Madrid City Council, IMEFE, Spain's Ministry of Education and Science, the European Social Fund, and the regional Department of Family and Social Affairs. Courses have included:

• Employment training and guidance.
• Recreation program.
• Job guidance and pre-employment training workshop.
• Vocational training workshop.
• Leather goods course.
• Warehouse and loading assistant course.
• Basic office-software course.
• Introduction to computers and the internet.
• Caregiving courses for people with disabilities.
• Social Guarantee courses in stable management and horse care.
• Training course for instructors in supported employment.
• Caregiving course for people with disabilities and special educational needs.

After a participant enters the workforce, the foundation's multidisciplinary team provides individualized follow-up until the person has adjusted to the job.

Locations and contact

• Legazpi Occupational Center (headquarters and occupational center): 3 C/ Ricardo Damas, 28045 Madrid. Phone: 91 467 42 42. Email: legazpi@manostendidas.org.
• Arganda Occupational Center: 10 C/ Azucarera, La Poveda, José Mª de Llanos Industrial Park, 28500 Arganda del Rey. Phone: 91 871 15 38. Email: arganda@manostendidas.org.

The foundation has received financial assistance from the Community of Madrid and the European Union through the European Social Fund to offset expenses related to the COVID-19 crisis. It also installed 9 kWp of solar panels at its Madrid headquarters with funding from the European Union's NextGenerationEU program.