ABOUT Brazilian Resource Center
The Brazilian Resource Center is the leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization fully focused on assisting the low-income, homeless and immigrant community on Cape Cod and the Islands. We provide direct services, collaboration with governmental and non-profit organizations, and community-building activities to over 8000 residents, many of whom use multiple services many times a year.
MISSION:
Our mission is to promote spiritual, mental, and physical wellness, to empower people by addressing the social determinants of health, and to provide health and disease prevention education programs and physical activities.
OBJECTIVE:
We are dedicated to the health and well-being of the community, in body, mind, and spirit. We promote health through knowledge and skills that serve our diverse community. We seek strategies to promote better lifestyles that enhance and stimulate the well-being of all.
OUR GOAL AND VISION
Our goal is to improve health outcomes in our community. We look to provide healthful opportunities to advance physical, mental, and spiritual wellness to those with limited resources. Our vision is to eliminate barriers to health and wellness.
ORGANIZATION HISTORY
The Brazilian Resource Center was founded by Michael Mecenas in June, 2017 as a volunteer-led organization. We were incorporated in December, 2019, and began services in 2020 right before Covid.
Despite significant growth, we remained volunteer-based until 2023. At that time, with support of the Fish Family Foundation, Mr. Mecenas transitioned to a full-time role as President and Executive Director, and the board of directors was reconstituted to position the organization for further growth.
Explore Our Services!
• ITIN- Tax ID Number and Brazilian Consular Services
• Bridge Care -Free Medical Clinic
• Optometry Exams
• Mobile Dental Hygiene services
• CPR/First Aid Training
• Youth After School Program (kids Jiu-Jitsu classes)
• The 4-H Youth Development is part of the UMass Extension Program
• Wellness Programs (Zumba, Step, Jump classes and Pilates)
• Mental Health Support- Focus group and A.A meetings
• Food Pantry and Community Garden
• MassHealth/Health Connector Insurance Assistance
• Translation and Interpretation Services
• MA Driver’s License Assistance
• Notary Public Services
• Citizenship Application
• School Enrollment Assistance
• Vaccine clinics and blood drive
Why are Educational and Community Programs Important?
Educational and community programs and strategies have played an essential role in achieving the goal of healthier people. These programs are designed to reach people outside of traditional healthcare settings, such as:
Workplaces, Schools, Health Centers, Churches, and Community Spaces.
Each setting offers opportunities to reach people using existing social structures. This maximizes positive impact, and reduces the time and resources required for program development. People generally have multiple contacts with community settings, both directly and indirectly.
Programs that combine multiple settings, can have a more significant impact than programs using only one parameter. Although program populations sometimes overlap, people who are not accessible in one setting may be in another.
The use of non-traditional settings can help to encourage the informal sharing of information in communities through peer social interaction. Reaching out to people in different contexts also allows for greater customization of information and health education.
The Brazilian Resource Center believes that community programs encourage and enhance health and well-being through education on topics such as:
• Chronic diseases (diabetes, etc.)
• Injuries prevention
• Domestic Violence Prevention.
• Mental illness (Depression and Anxiety).
• Suicide Prevention.
• Prenatal care.
• Oral health.
• Drug problem, alcohol and tobacco use.
• A.A meetings
• Nutritional education, Physical activity and Obesity Prevention
The Brazilian Resource Center belives:
Multiple influences determine health status and health-related behaviors, personal, organizational /institutional, environmental, and political. As there are significant and dynamic interrelationships between these health determinants, educational and community programs most effectively improve health and well-being when they address influences at all levels, and in a variety of settings.
What We Do Not Do:
• The Brazilian Resource Center does not take place or compete with existing community entities, but instead collaborates and partners with them.
• We serve the mission of the Brazilian Resource Center in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and health practice standards.
Michael mecenas
ceo | Board Member
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BOARD MEMBERS
Michael Mecenas
Founder / President
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CLINIC'S DOCTORS
Come and explore all our amazing programs!
DONATION IS A FORM OF SHARING LOVE
HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
As a trusted nonprofit organization, we partner with others in our community to serve the most vulnerable population, including the immigrant community.
HELP OUR CAUSE
Your support and contributions will help fund our mission to positively impact our community. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.Your donations are tax deductible.
- 769 MA-28 Unit B, South Yarmouth, MA 02664
- (774)470-4946