PROGRESS: Growth, Professional Staff and a New Home

1993 FUVIRESE Founded in Baños

1996 - Membership grows, a volunteer therapist offers part-time services from a small storefront

1997 - FUVIRESE USA, Inc. founded to support the work in Baños.

1998 - 2009 The Ministry of Health made a former hospital available to FUVIRESE in an agreement through which FUVIRESE manages the upkeep. There two physical therapists, two special educators, a social worker and administrative and support staff serve over 100 members and scores of private clients.

2002 - 2007 TAPRODIS, a wheelchair workshop employing people with disabilities began to produce individualized wheelchairs with the help of Rotary International, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Ascension Health System. The workshop closed in 2006 because the market was saturated with chairs manufactured in China and distributed at little or no cost to the recipient. While the workers lost their jobs, good management made it possible for them all to receive the retirement pay due them by law.

2009 - FUVIRESE celebrates its 15th anniversary with the presence of members and their families, civil and religious leaders and representatives of FUVIRESE, USA, Inc.