The Autonomous Community is funding more than €439,000 for care for 41 people with mental health problems at the day center of the Cieza and Region Association for the Mentally Ill (Afemce), an organization recognized with one of BBVA's "Integra" awards. Verónica López, managing director of the Murcian Institute for Social Action (IMAS), attended the award ceremony, which recognizes initiatives that generate innovative, sustainable, and quality employment for people with disabilities.
The organization has been recognized for an innovative project that will create six jobs for people with disabilities: the management and operation of the Atalaya Rural Complex for tourism by workers with mental health issues. Its goal is to generate as many jobs as possible for these individuals through the tourism management of the rural complex.
For the director of IMAS, "receiving this award represents a boost and recognition for the project, a business model that has a dual objective: offering rural tourist accommodation in Cieza and organizing recreational activities for children, while also creating jobs for people with mental illness."
“Afemce's job placement program is a success story, demonstrating that these people's enthusiasm and desire to work can help them overcome barriers and enhance their work capabilities,” said Verónica López.
The professional profiles are receptionists, cleaning staff, maintenance staff, and kitchen staff. The entire staff is made up of people with mental health issues, with the exception of tourism and job placement specialists, as well as the complex's management.