Raul Garcia Sanchez, founder and CEO of the Oficina Pro Ayuda Personas con Impedimentos Inc. (OPAPI), in Yabucoa, acknowledges that community service work is challenging, sacrificial, and causes physical and emotional exhaustion. However, Raúl is not discouraged nor does he give in to frustration because he draws strength from deep within himself to keep going. That is why his organization remains active during the Covid-19 pandemic, focusing on provide prevention and protection services to older adults.
“This kind of community effort to prevent coronavirus contagion is challenging because the risk does not disappear; we are all vulnerable to contracting the virus; it is very sacrificial, one gets physically and emotionally tired,» comments Raúl.
To avoid faltering, he says he finds encouragement within himself. “The energy to continue doesn't diminish because it's inside me, where the roots of public service lie. Until God says otherwise, I will continue serving the community,” he adds.
OPAPI is one of twenty-three non-profit organizations implementing the strategy of Community-based COVID-19 response, designed by the Puerto Rico Community Foundation (FCPR).
The non-profit organization will provide prevention and protection measures to prevent coronavirus contagion for 13 residents of the Casa Dorada nursing home and 100 elderly adults in the Calabazas neighborhood, the town, and the residential area.
With the donation that the FCPR granted to OPAPI, the organization will be able to provide the following services to the previously identified population:
- Access to non-perishable food.
- Access to informational material about Covid-19, which aims to prevent other infectious diseases associated with inadequate hygiene.
- Access to hygiene and protection equipment.
- Covid-19 Test Administration.
“The greatest satisfaction for me is that the community is well-oriented on protection, prevention; keeping the community active in preventing COVID-19,” Raúl highlights.
She also comments that they decided to join the community-based Covid-19 prevention efforts because «we want a healthy town.”.
According to the Department of Health Dashboard, As of June 12, 2020, Yabucoa has five confirmed coronavirus cases.
OPAPI is a community-based organization with over 20 years of experience, dedicated to meeting the needs of low-income individuals, people with disabilities, seniors, families with children, and the homeless. It promotes alternative lifestyles and direct services to individuals, children, and families, with an emphasis on people with disabilities and seniors.
Community Activation to Stop the Coronavirus
donation awarded to OPAPI by the FCPR seeks to promote Community activation through nonprofit organizations to prevent and contain the virus, particularly among the elderly population, community most at risk of death, according to experts. Support is also provided to other vulnerable populations due to social distancing measures related to Covid-19.
To meet its objective, the FCPR outlined four strategies that guide donations: (1) supporting community health clinics (330 Centers), (2) community organizing efforts to establish geriatric health initiatives in communities, (3) and efforts addressing the needs of the homeless and women, as well as housing and water access initiatives, and promoting community economic activation. The fourth strategy is the development of alliances.
Learn more at COVID-19.
Photos Provided