A Commitment to Reintegration
On November 30, the Santa Anna church in Barcelona became the scene of a significant presentation: ASRESOLA, a new association dedicated to the socio-labor reintegration of people who have been deprived of their liberty. With an innovative approach, this non-profit organization seeks to provide emotional and practical support to those facing the difficult transition from prison life to society.
An Initiative Born in the Interior
Paco Pardo, president and founder of the association, shared his inspiring story during the event. He revealed that ASRESOLA is not a conventional organization; it was born within the walls of a prison, which allows it to deeply understand the needs and challenges faced by inmates. In his words, “we are the only entity that truly understands the reality of the prison system.”
A Passionate and Prepared Team
Since its creation in 2019, ASRESOLA has grown with a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers who share a common vision: to facilitate effective reintegration for those who have served their sentences. Paco Pardo expressed his desire for the association to become a true bridge of help, addressing the weaknesses of the current system and working to prevent relapses.
RESILIENCE Magazine: A Seller of Hope
One of ASRESOLA’s most significant projects is the monthly magazine RESILIÈNCIA, a communication tool that provides valuable information and entertainment to inmates. With articles on law, psychology and recreational sections, the publication becomes an essential channel to maintain the connection between inmates and the outside world.
Voices that Inspire
Montse Barcelona, a volunteer with two decades of experience, explained her role within the association, detailing the various tasks they perform to help inmates and their families. She stressed the importance of visits and emotional support, especially for those who are isolated from their families.
Challenges of the Penitentiary System
Fernando Oriente, a prison lawyer, provided a critical perspective on the current system, pointing out the high recidivism rates and the difficulty inmates face in reintegrating into society. He stressed that, although ASRESOLA cannot solve the structural problems, its work is essential in mitigating the negative effects of the system.
The Importance of Emotional Support
Dr. Francisco Javier Moreno, an expert in psychology, recalled that freedom is essential to human nature and that the prison environment can have devastating consequences for the mental health of inmates. He stressed the vital role that volunteers play in providing emotional support and helping to restore inmates’ self-esteem.
Experiences That Transform Lives
One of the most moving moments of the event was the testimony of Roberto, a former inmate who shared his path to reintegration. Her story of loss and loneliness was a reminder of the power of the help ASRESOLA provides, highlighting how the association has helped her find work and meet her basic needs.
A Promising Future
With the urgent need to expand its team of volunteers and ensure that it has financial resources, ASRESOLA is preparing to face future challenges. Its mission remains clear: to create an environment where people who have made mistakes in the past have a second chance to successfully reintegrate into society.
