The Association “Il Sorriso di Cristian Onlus” has been operating in the area since December 2013. It was established in memory of Cristian Persia, a young man from Civitella Roveto who died prematurely due to a severe form of muscular dystrophy. His family wanted, through the Association, to transform the pain of his absence into hope. Hope, for all those people experiencing a time of economic hardship, through a help concrete, thinking of the weakest and most defenseless people: children. In fact, since its establishment, are collected and distributed, clothes and what is necessary for the growth of a child (baby carriages, cribs, changing tables, strollers, etc.), but also books, notebooks, pens, pencils, colors and toys.

Anyone can come to our Center and pick up, free of charge, the things they need. Because of our experience over the years, we also wanted to take into account other people who are vulnerable. For this reason, we have added to the activities carried out so far, a day care center for people differently abled people. Inexistent in our territory (Roveto Valley) and already having the authorization to operation. It occupies a portion of the building, which the Association holds on loan for use, located in Civitella Roveto (Aq), via Piana n.8. In recent years we have created an educational vegetable garden, for use by the Day Center, which is flanked by a small farm with domestic animals, so as to allow our guests, a direct contact with the nature.

The children will carry out recreational activities, compatible with their abilities and entrusted to staff qualified and competent (psychologist, educator, assistant). The Center must have an openness to the rest of the community starting with the involvement of schools, the children will be able to visit the newly created vegetable garden and herb house. We have thought of them first, because in their eyes and minds diversity does not exist. Our goal is to make the stay in the Center pleasant and comfortable, where families feel peaceful in entrusting us with their special and special children, siblings, grandchildren. We envision a place where each of them feels welcomed, a place where they can spend hours quiet and stimulating away from home and allow families at the same time to have valuable help in the management of everyday life. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)