OBRA DO BERÇO
OUR HISTORY
Since 1928, we have welcomed families and built a history of care, pioneering spirit, and social commitment.
Obra do Berço was founded in 1928 by former students of Colégio Sion to support families facing social vulnerability. A decade later, it gained its own headquarters at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas in Rio’s South Zone, becoming a landmark in the city’s social and architectural history. the first architectural project by Oscar Niemeyer, listed by INEPAC on December 14, 1978.
Foundation of Obra do Berço with the goal of providing prenatal and child-health outpatient services, as well as distributing milk and layettes to families in vulnerable situations.
Rio de Janeiro City Hall Donates Land to First Lady Darcy Vargas for construction of the institution’s headquarters, and on April 27 the foundation stone is laid.
Inauguration of the Headquarters at Lagoa with the first project by the then-young architect Oscar Niemeyer. At that time, services were expanded to include prenatal and neonatal care, as well as pediatric and gynecological follow-up.
Registration with the National Social Assistance Council (Case No. 18,548/1938) and creation of a residential program for children from 6 months to 3 years old. The Vincentian Sisters take over administration.
Visit by First Lady Darcy Vargas who played an important role in sustaining the organization.
The Organization Holds Lectures on health and early-childhood care topics for mothers.
Start of Full-Time Care for 100 children from 6 months to 6 years old.
Receipt of the Certificate of Philanthropic Entity No. 267,006/71.
The Vincentian Sisters Leave the Organization’s Administration and the Statutory Board takes over, beginning the professionalization of administrative and care services.
Granting of the Title of Federal Public Utility Status.
Obra do Berço Is Listed by INEPAC (the State Institute of Cultural Heritage).
Partnership Agreement with FEEM (State Foundation for the Education of Minors) and expansion of care to up to 100 children, including orphans, from 6 months to 6 years old.
Reformulation of Care Policies with the creation of the Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA). A special regime was established that allowed children to stay at Obra do Berço from Monday to Friday, strengthening family life on weekends.
Obra do Berço Transitions from Residential to Semi-Residential Care – children stay at the institution during the week and return to their families on weekends.
Receipt of the Certificate of Charitable Social Assistance Entity and listing of the headquarters as National Historic Heritage.
Creation of the First Brand Identity institutional visual identity.
Inauguration of the Early Childhood Education School for children from 6 months to 6 years old.
Then-President Maria Luiza Marinho Meets Pope Francis at World Youth Day, celebrating Obra do Berço’s 85th anniversary. The date also marks the launch of a stamp created by cartoonist Ziraldo and the publication of a commemorative book.
Holding of the First June Festival with Open Doors, bringing the institution closer to the community and strengthening fundraising.
1 - Inauguração do novo espaço de Acolhimento e criação da Feijoada Literária.
2 – Creation of Literary Week, featuring Literary Tea and Literary Feijoada.
Implementation of the Hands to Work Project, strengthening volunteer work and structural improvements.
Celebration of Obra do Berço’s 90th Anniversary with the launch of the Obra do Berço Memorial, dedicated to preserving the organization’s history and Oscar Niemeyer’s architectural legacy.
Creation of the Garden with support from volunteers and donors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person care was limited to children in residential care, while food baskets and hygiene items were distributed to families and volunteer medical support was provided by phone.
Opening of the Obra do Berço Store at Shopping da Gávea.
Strengthening of Governance through the drafting of new Bylaws and Internal Regulations, as well as implementation of new management and governance policies with a review of the mission, vision, values, and purpose.
Execution of a Partnership Agreement with the Municipal Department of Social Assistance to strengthen institutional actions and reopen the Obra do Berço façade.
Redesign of the Website, social media, and all institutional materials, modernizing the visual language and beginning to structure the Institutional Development area.
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