Serafico: A Beacon of Care and Innovation for Individuals with Disabilities
For 150 years, Serafico of Assisi has stood as a cornerstone in the care and rehabilitation of children and young people with severe and profound disabilities. This year, the esteemed institution released its Ethical-Social Balance Sheet, a testament not merely to financial reporting, but to a groundbreaking model of care.
The document, presented by Professor Giorgio Mion of the University of Verona, highlights Serafico’s commitment to person-centered care.
This approach meticulously charts stakeholders, emphasizing the positive ripple effect of its work on patients, families, collaborators, the community, and the environment alike.
Serafico’s national reach is undeniable.
In the past year alone, children from 14 Italian regions, including Tuscany, Lazio, and Campania, have sought care at its Assisi facility, establishing Serafico as a leading destination for innovative, quality, and personalized care.
Financially, Serafico thrives on solidity and transparency.
A 4.5% growth in added value has positively impacted both staff and those under its care.
The absence of structural debt and robust assets solidify its financial autonomy, allowing Serafico to invest continously in advancing its care model.
The Social Report consequentially demonstrates the success of Serafico’s economic model.
Through years of networking, both public and private resources have become integral to its operation.
While 70% of its revenue comes from public sources, the remaining 30% is derived from the trust and generosity of over 60,000 donors across Italy. These individuals and organizations contribute, on average, 27.90 euros per gift and 47.41 euros annually.
This dedicated support enables Serafico not only to offer free and enhanced services to its patients, valued at over 844,000 euros, but also to provide over 167,000 euros worth of free treatment to external patients.
This commitment to accessibility positions Serafico as a national leader in inclusive care, supported by a passionate community that shares its values of equity and inclusion.
Such successful partnerships exemplify how collaborations between the Health Service and civil society can multiply resources, delivering truly personalized and high-quality care.
Investing in human capital is paramount to Serafico’s success.
Its team of 192 employees, with 138 being women, is the driving force behind the quality care provided. In recent years, the institute has implemented innovative corporate welfare measures, including flexible working hours and family support programs like summer camps for employees’ children.
Continuous training is another cornerstone of Serafico’s commitment to excellence.
Educators and operators continually participate in specialized courses, updating their technical, interpersonal, and ethical skills. This approach equips them to confidently tackle new challenges in neuropsychiatry and rehabilitation.
Serafico’s approach extends beyond mere service provision to cultivate a model of inclusive care.
Engaging the local community in shared projects through cultural events and awareness campaigns, Serafico promotes a culture of care that embraces both individual and collective well-being.
Among its many achievements, the “InVita” Research Center, active since 2018, stands out.
Dedicated to developing innovative projects in neuroscience applied to rehabilitation, the center intensified its activities in 2023, establishing partnerships with the University of Perugia and international entities.
Together, they address critical issues such as pain management, communication, and enhancing the emotional well-being of patients.
Through the integration of research and clinical practice
How does Serafico ensure accessibility to care for individuals who cannot afford treatment?
## Serafico: A Conversation about Compassion and Care
**Host:** Welcome to the show. Today, we’re joined by [Guest Name], to discuss the work of Serafico, a remarkable institution celebrating 150 years of dedication to children and young adults with disabilities. [Guest Name], thank you for being here.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me. It’s a privilege to talk about Serafico and the inspiring work they do.
**Host:** Let’s start with the big picture. Serafico recently released its Ethical-Social Balance Sheet. This isn’t just a financial report, right?
**Guest:** Absolutely. It’s a groundbreaking document that goes beyond numbers. It showcases Serafico’s deeply rooted commitment to person-centered care, where the well-being of each individual is at the core of everything they do. This approach considers not just the patients but also their families, the staff, the community, and even the environment.
**Host:** That’s a truly holistic approach. And it seems people are recognizing this success.
**Guest:** Indeed. Serafico attracts nationwide attention. Children from 14 different Italian regions sought care there just last year. That speaks volumes about their reputation for innovative and personalized care.
**Host:** And how does Serafico sustain this high-quality care?
**Guest:** Serafico is remarkably transparent and financially sound. They’ve experienced a 4.5% growth in added value, which benefits both staff and patients. They’re debt-free and have robust assets, allowing them to constantly invest in improving their care model.
**Host:** It’s remarkable. What about those who can’t afford treatment?
**Guest:** This is where Serafico’s dedication truly shines. They offer free and enhanced services, valued at over 844,000 euros, to patients in need, and also provide over 167,000 euros worth of free treatment to external patients. It shows their unwavering commitment to accessibility and ensuring everyone receives the care they deserve.
**Host:** It’s clear Serafico’s impact extends far beyond its walls. [Guest Name], thank you so much for shedding light on this incredible institution.
**Guest:** My pleasure. I encourage everyone to learn more about Serafico and their essential work.
