The Gloria Fuertes Cultural Center, in the district of Barajas, is now home to Envera Gastro, the first cafeteria managed by people with disabilities in a municipal facility in Madrid. This initiative, promoted by the Barajas Municipal Council in collaboration with the social entity Envera, aims to promote the labor integration of vulnerable groups by reopening a service highly valued by the users of this cultural center.
The inauguration ceremony today saw the participation of the delegate for Social Policies, Family, and Equality, José Fernández, and the councilor of Barajas, Juan Peña. During the visit, they were able to explore the gastronomic offerings of the new space and meet the human team behind it: individuals with intellectual disabilities working in the cafeteria or undergoing internships as part of their professional inclusion process.
During the visit, delegate José Fernández emphasized that the City of Madrid does not view labor inclusion as a matter of political correctness, but rather as an injection of talent, creativity, and a vital perspective that is greatly needed. Fernández highlighted that individuals with disabilities «daily give us a masterful lesson in resilience and how to address challenges.» Thanks to initiatives like this, «individuals who may have felt invisible before will now become fundamental pillars in their work team and enrich our society,» Fernández stressed.
On his part, Juan Peña highlighted that with this reopening, «a much-requested service for users is once again in operation, while providing stable employment and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.» He also noted that this space is open to both center users and those waiting for someone participating in workshops or cultural activities, who «can enjoy the warm reception, care, quality, and variety that they are now receiving in this useful corner.»
The councilor of Barajas emphasized the district’s management model, based on the idea of «moving forward hand in hand, something we have already demonstrated in all district celebrations and now with the promotion of accessibility in our centers, because the future of Barajas is inclusive.»
The opening of Envera Gastro represents a milestone in social integration and provides a unique opportunity to showcase the professional abilities of individuals with disabilities in a competitive work environment. This initiative is part of the Barajas district’s commitment to universal accessibility and equal opportunities. Thanks to this project, five young individuals with disabilities now have stable and protected employment. Additionally, the cafeteria includes a space for students from Envera’s Culinary Training program to carry out internships, facilitating their future entry into the hospitality sector.
Envera is a non-profit organization founded 48 years ago by Iberia employees with children with intellectual disabilities. It is accredited for transparency by the Lealtad Foundation and serves over 5,000 individuals with disabilities and their families annually. This organization has received the City of Madrid’s Award for Labor Inclusion 2024, among other accolades, for its work.
