KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Establishing the Foundation: A flea market-style store was opened in Arecibo to fund the construction of the home. The license to operate as a shelter for girls and young women between the ages of 10 and 18 was officially received from the Department of Family Services in May 2012. The home was inaugurated in August 2012, welcoming its first residents in October 2012.

Fundraising for Growth On September 26, 2010, the Board of Directors organized the first fundraising event called “Arteando,” a fusion of fashion, art, and gastronomy. This event was held annually for seven consecutive years, with the last event taking place on September 9, 2016.

Community Support During the Crisis Following Hurricane Maria, the home provided crucial assistance to more than 2,000 Arecibo residents, including completing FEMA applications and offering guidance on disaster relief resources. The “Promoting Self-Management in Times of Crisis” program was launched, providing more than 500 young people across Puerto Rico with crisis management tools. The Revitalizing Downtown Arecibo project was launched to assist families who lost their homes or belongings during Hurricane Maria. The project, which ran from October 2018 to March 2019, repaired 10 residences in downtown Arecibo.

Launch of Educational Programs The Educational Program was developed and expanded and a new classroom was built to accommodate more participants in 2018.

Specialized Accreditation Achievement: In 2021, the facility was accredited as a Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) to provide specialized services to crime victims with mild mental health diagnoses. It received accreditation from The Joint Commission under the “Behavioral Health Care Human Services Accreditation Program,” meeting the highest standards of care for its residents. Reaccreditation was obtained from The Joint Commission in 2024.

New Initiatives : Inauguration of the HADA Beauty Salon, held on September 12, 2025.

Ongoing Commitment Over the years, Hogar Abrazo de Amor has served more than 125 girls, providing them with psychological support, education, and the necessary tools
for a successful and independent life. The shelter continues to develop trauma-informed practices and collaborates with the community to expand services and ensure efficient use of resources, maximizing its impact.