Hogar El Sarandí is an institution that provides comprehensive care for people with severe intellectual and physical disabilities, improving their quality of life and supporting their families. This diaconal ministry was founded in 1971 and is considered today to be one of the leading institutions of its kind in Uruguay.
The following report was adapted for English speaking readers from an article on the website of the Evangelical Waldensian Church in the Rio de la Plata.
On Saturday, April 18th, Hogar El Sarandí celebrated over half a century of its existence in a day marked by joy, togetherness, and gratitude. The celebration brought together residents, families, and representatives from various partner institutions in order to honor Hogar El Sarandí’s history as a “house that has been home to so many.”
The opening worship service was led by Pastor Hugo Malán, followed by remarks from Hogar El Sarandí’s director, Marina Yorston, who recalled that this project was born from a shared dream of people who were responding to the need for comprehensive care for people with severe disabilities. “That dream became a reality, and today, more than half a century later, we continue dreaming and walking together,” the director said.
The Board of Directors shared a reflection based on the “living hope” mentioned by the Apostle Peter (I Peter 1:3), highlighting that hope as the impetus to work from each person’s gifts and abilities. In the context of this biblical reflection, the establishment of Hogar El Sarandí’s new psychosocial specialty was announced.
This growth in Hogar El Sarandí’s capacity to serve people with severe needs is possible because of years of responsible management that has allowed the institution to experience a period of economic stability. Furthermore, Hogar El Sarandí’s relationship with the diaconal work of the Evangelical Waldensian Church in the Río de la Plata was reaffirmed.
A defining feature of this anniversary was the emphasis on Hogar El Sarandí’s integration with its surroundings. “We want to highlight the importance of community, of being a home with open doors,” Hogar El Sarandí’s director Marina Yorston noted. This openness translates into active participation in local life: from using the Club Esparta swimming pool and spending afternoons at the Casa Valdense library, to walks in the sports complex.
Innovation is also present through new communication channels, including the creation of a new podcast with voices from the community and the expansion of an existing newsletter—projects that seek to share the daily life of Hogar El Sarandí with families as well as with the entire community.
The day also provided an opportunity to say thank you for the community’s support. Thanks were specifically given to the Lions Club of Colonia Valdense, the Rotary Club, and the Women’s League of the Waldensian Church, whose tasty waffles are already a hallmark of every celebration.
Special thanks were given to Margarita Delmonte, a social worker, and Marlene Fernandez, a cook, both of whom are retiring after 20 years of dedicated service to Hogar El Sarandí. Their work exemplifies the daily effort of the entire team—caregivers, nurses, workshop facilitators, and support staff—that makes Hogar El Sarandí possible.
Hogar El Sarandí is a home where there is always room for everyone.
This is article was adapted for English speaking readers from an original report written by the El Sarandí Communications Team.
