Assis, São Paulo – Brazil

Project started: May 2010

Local Church Partner: A partnership of Baptist and Presbyterian Churches

Geographic setting: Urban

Language: Portuguese

Children participating per week: 100+

Economy: Mix of agricultural and manufacturing

Challenges: Poverty, drug traffic, addiction, violence, high male incarceration

Interesting tidbits: This neighborhood became the largest slum in the city of Assis when a government housing project was completed there in 2012. Today it is our largest single outreach location and the partnership with the local school is very strong. Open Arms acts as an auxiliary to the teaching staff, providing parties, parenting outreach, and other programs.