A Real Impact on the Community, the REMAR Social Dining Hall in Carabanchel offers more than just food: training workshops, job search support, and a path toward social inclusion for thousands of people in vulnerable situations.
The REMAR Carabanchel Social Dining Hall is a lifeline for those facing food insecurity. By offering more than 1,000 meals per week and a variety of support services, the dining hall is making a profound impact on the lives of individuals and families in the community.
Carabanchel, Madrid, August 2024
In the heart of Carabanchel, there is a door of hope for those struggling with food insecurity and social exclusion. The Social Dining Hall of the NGO REMAR, established in 2018, has become an indispensable lifeline for hundreds of individuals and families, providing not only food but also a path towards social integration and strengthening users.
IMPACT FIGURES
Since its creation in 2018, the REMAR Carabanchel Social Dining Hall has supported thousands of people in the community. In recent years, the figures speak for themselves:
- 2021: 12,293 meals were served.
- 2022: 22,346 meals were served.
- 2023: 37,320 meals were served.
- 2024 (to date): 14,265 meals have been served.
A total of 86,224 meals served to a total of 6,374 men and 1,824 women.
The REMAR Carabanchel Social Dining Hall serves as a refuge and help point for those facing difficulties in Carabanchel. Beyond offering over 1,000 meals per week, the dining hall works tirelessly to empower individuals and foster their social inclusion.
A Fundamental Pillar for the Community:
During the year 2024, the REMAR Carabanchel Social Dining Hall has organized a total of 24 training workshops focused on job training, averaging 3 workshops per month. These workshops are designed for different groups of people:
- For newcomers to the country, workshops are offered on the first steps in Spain, immigration procedures, and legal management, as well as guidance on financial health. These workshops are regularly held on the first and third Fridays of each month.
- For those who have a DNI/NIE and are seeking employment, workshops focus on active job search, interview preparation, and financial saving strategies.
During the months of June and July, additional support was provided on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to assist with resume creation and active job search.
Regarding job placements, 45 were achieved in 2024 and 60 in 2023, highlighting the dining hall’s ongoing commitment to facilitating employment opportunities and improving people’s integration into the community.
A Path of Empowerment
The REMAR Carabanchel Social Dining Hall goes far beyond simply providing food. Since its inception, the project’s vision was to create a different space where not only food was provided, but also courses, job search support, and more. Today, this goal has been achieved, becoming a reference and a social support center. The dining hall offers a variety of services and workshops aimed at helping individuals and fostering their social inclusion. These activities include:
- Hygiene and healthy habits workshops: Conducted in collaboration with Doctors of the World, these workshops educate participants on healthy eating habits and the importance of proper nutrition.
- Immigration information workshops with the support of the Social Action Network: With the backing of the Social Action Network, informative workshops and advisory services are offered to individuals needing support with their immigration status.
- Employment skills workshops: These workshops equip participants with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the job market, including resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
- Individualized support services: A social worker provides personalized support to each participant, assessing their needs and connecting them with appropriate resources and services.
A Commitment to Social Inclusion
The REMAR Carabanchel Social Dining Hall is committed to promoting social inclusion, ensuring that all participants have equal access to their services and opportunities. The dining hall recognizes the unique challenges faced by people in vulnerable situations and implements specific initiatives to address these needs, such as:
- Equal: Workshops aimed at women, providing a safe space to discuss issues related to violence, discrimination, and other forms of oppression. It also offers tools and strategies for empowerment and personal growth.
- Dedicated housing: The dining hall offers two specialized housing units for individuals and their families, providing a safe and supportive environment where they can rebuild their lives.
Impact and Commitment of the Carabanchel Social Dining Hall
The Social Dining Hall of the NGO REMAR has had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and families in the Carabanchel community. As it looks to the future, the dining hall remains steadfast in its commitment to providing essential services, improving the living conditions of the people it serves, and promoting a more equitable and supportive community.
Key Objectives for 2024
- Increase meal service capacity: Aim to serve 85% of the dining hall’s capacity daily, ensuring that even more people have access to nutritious meals.
- Expand the food distribution program: Reach 30 families weekly with food baskets, providing essential food items to complement their diets and alleviate food insecurity.
- Support through knowledge: Ensure that 80% of workshop participants are satisfied with the information provided by health professionals, promoting healthy habits and well-being.
- Improve employability skills: Train 240 individuals through employment skills workshops, equipping them with the tools they need to secure employment and achieve economic independence.
- Individualized support for success: Provide individualized support to each participant through personalized itineraries, helping them overcome barriers and reach their full potential.
We thank God for the work of each volunteer at the REMAR Social Dining Hall in Carabanchel, as it is a testament to the power of love for God and neighbor, compassion, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those most in need. Through their tireless efforts, the dining hall continues to foster a community where hope and opportunities flourish, bringing to life the words of Jesus in Matthew 14:16: “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
Join us in the fight against hunger and social exclusion!
The REMAR Carabanchel Social Dining Hall needs everyone’s help to continue supporting thousands of people in vulnerable situations.
How can you help?
- Donate food or essential products.
- Offer your time as a volunteer.
- Make a financial donation.
- Share this information with your friends and family.
Every little bit helps make a difference.
Visit our website and be a part of the change in many lives.
