The collaboration between the IRES Foundation and Suara Cooperativa began 20 years ago, but now it is taking a step further with the aim of having its own and unique cooperative model of care for people.
Since 2003, Suara Cooperativa and IRES Foundation have collaborated on different projects, which aim to improve the lives of people, especially those who are in a situation of greater vulnerability. Now, however, they have gone a step further and signed an agreement that opens a new stage. This is a strategic alliance that seeks to consolidate a unique cooperative model in the care of people services; as well as face the main challenges of the present and future in this sector, adding experience, resources and talent.
“From experience we know that alliances not only add, but also multiply. Therefore, intercooperation is essential to provide answers to the present and future challenges we face as a society. With this objective in mind, we began collaborating with the IRES Foundation more than 20 years ago and now we are strengthening our relationship with the aim of offering better support to people and moving towards more just and equitable societies”, said Laia Bonastra, president of Suara Cooperativa, at the signing of the agreement that took place this Monday.
Among the most evident effects of this alliance is that it will be possible to provide answers to more than 70,000 people, 49,286 by Suara and 19,770 by Fundació IRES (closing data for 2023) while also making it possible to expand the type and number of services offered.
Currently, Suara Cooperativa manages 283 services throughout Catalonia, in which people are served in their different life cycles, so they range from nursery schools to residences or day centers for the elderly. In the case of the IRES Foundation, it has 50 specialized services in intervention in conflicts and violence and the judicial field, the promotion of social inclusion and support for people and families in situations of vulnerability, in the lines of work of socio-educational care,
In addition, this agreement will allow to increase the territorial reach of both entities, since, currently, the IRES Foundation manages different services in the Balearic Islands. Therefore, this will allow to reach a greater number of people and guarantee equal opportunities in social care.
Building a more just and equitable society
The will of both entities is to move towards the construction of a more just and inclusive society. With this objective, they have decided to sign this agreement, which reinforces their commitment to achieving a future where all people have the same opportunities to develop their life project.
“This alliance is the result of a long journey between Suara Cooperativa and the IRES Foundation, we sign this agreement with the enthusiasm and conviction to continue building our history, which my father began more than 50 years ago together with other very close people. With this step towards the future, we will continue with our raison d’être and essence: the attention to people and families in situations of vulnerability”, indicated Andreu Soldevila Casals, president of the IRES Foundation.
The collaboration between Suara Cooperativa and Fundació IRES began in 2003 with the joint management of a Day Center in the Font de la Pólvora neighborhood of Girona and, step by step, has expanded with outstanding projects such as the creation of the Intermèdia Foundation and the launch of programs linked to different types of violence with the Department of Justice.
Previously, at the signing of the agreement, people from the IRES Foundation were able to see the facilities of Suara de Glòries in Barcelona, as well as the different projects linked to the Social Digital Lab, such as, for example, the immersive reality room or the Temi robot, which the cooperative uses in home care services and in residential centers to improve care for the elderly.
