The City of Old Fellows is a long-term stay institution that assists the elderly over 65 years of age, of both sexes, and in situation of vulnerability and risk. It has eight pavilions and structure to give shelter to 88 elderly people. Here they enjoy a healthy and decent life, in a good atmosphere and nice environmental conditions that provide the development of their personal potentials and the maintenance of their individual values and gifts.
At the City of Old Fellows, the elderly participate of activities that raise their self-esteem and help them value life itself, such as museum visits, craft classes, dance classes, and therapeutic and preventive gymnastics, among others.
The institution has nursing staff, responsible for giving medication, bathing, and do dressing changes for inmates, as well as physiotherapists and nutritionists. Following the Charisma of Saint Vincent de Paul, the person in charge of the HR department holds a monthly meeting with the employees for human, Christian, and technical formation. Throughout the year, the House has volunteer groups of manicures and hairdressers that promote The Beauty Day, together with other several volunteers that help with Charity games “Bingos” and commemorative snacks.
History and curiosities
History and curiosities – The project for The City of Old Fellows was elaborated in 1960 to celebrate the tricentennial of Saint Vincent de Paul’s death. The entity was founded in 1961 and the land for the construction was donated by Refinaria Paulista, in an area of 6,796.33 m², located in the Horto Florestal, called Jardim Tamoio.
A little-known chapter in the history of the institution was the presence of Russian refugees brought in by by the High Commission of the United Nations – UN.
The responsibility for the transfer of the refugees to Brazil was the Tolstoy Foundation of São Paulo, which offered to The Saint Louise de Marillac City of Old Fellows an amount of US$ 48.000, paid in three instalments in exchange for building a specific shelter for the Russians. At that time, it was required that refugees had to be over 65 years old and have 70% of their disability capacity certified by a doctor. Around 600 elderly people passed through City of Old Fellows, most of them from Siberia, the main route of exile.
The City of Old Fellows St. Louise de Marillac
Address: Avenida Jardim Tamoio, 537, Itaquera, Zipcode 08255-010, São Paulo, SP
Phone: +55 (11) 2521 6227
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