Fort Buchanan’s team and representatives from Corazón Azul pose for a group photo during the event held June 26, 2021 showing the satisfaction of a job well-done in support of the community of adults with severe autism.

FORT BUCHANAN, PR -- Volunteers from USAG Fort Buchanan joined the Religious Support Office (RSO) team June 26, 2021 to support Corazón Azul, Inc.

The independent living center for adults over 21 years of age with the condition of autism in its severest form, located in Bayamón, is a non-profit organization.

Its goal is to offer independent living skills, vocational rehabilitation, therapies, and related treatments. The school provides areas such as an apartment setting, cafeteria, grocery store, laundromat, library, and office to teach adults with autism life skills that will help them to have a more productive and independent life.

Corazón Azul, Inc. will provide services to adults over 21 years of age who otherwise would not have the support from a government program. The PR Department of Education leased the facilities that used to be an elementary school, at a cost of $1.00.

Volunteers cleaned, planted gardens, scraped and as seen here on the ladder, Derrick W. Hood, deputy to the garrison commander, painted.

Fort Buchanan volunteers in action.The independent living center located in Bayamón, will serve adults over 21 years of age with the condition of autism in its severe form.

Fort Buchanan Garrison Command Chaplain (Maj.) David S. Keller and Soide Y. Rodriguez, from the Rodriguez Army Health Clinic, Educational & Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS) coordinated the initiative with Corazón Azul’s Director, Vanessa Villegas. Garrison Commander Col. Tomika M. Seaberry, joined the group of approximately 30 volunteers from the Command Group, the Directorate of Public Works; the Directorate of Family and, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Army Community Services, Installation Legal Office and Rodriguez Army Health Clinic cleaning and painting the facilities.

Corazón Azul Director, Vanessa Villegas addresses Fort Buchanan volunteers who went to support the non-profit organization cleaning and painting the facilities located in the municipality of Bayamón, where they will serve adults with severe autism to become more independent and productive persons.

“We feel blessed to have such a large volunteer effort from Fort Buchanan,” said Corazón Azul, Inc. Director.

Fort Buchanan volunteers lend a hand to those in need cleaning and painting Corazón Azul facilities to support the community of adults with severe autism that will receive services at the non-profit organization.

The initiative, part of the garrison’s community outreach, was highlighted by Col. Seaberry who concluded, “We strive to be good neighbors and positive role models within the community by taking every opportunity to participate in events to give a hand to those in need.”