Sonhos a Metro – Building Lives, Not Just Walls

In a quiet corner of Braga, a dream is taking shape — quite literally — brick by brick, meter by meter.

CERCI Braga, an organization committed to supporting young people and adults with intellectual and multiple disabilities, is in the middle of something extraordinary. They’re building a new Social Response Complex, and this isn’t just a building project — it’s a lifeline.

This new space will include:

🏠 A Residential Home for those who cannot live with their families, offering a safe, structured, and caring environment
🤝 A Center for Empowerment and Inclusion, where daily activities help promote autonomy, integration, and quality of life
🧑‍⚕️ A Specialized Home Care Service that delivers personalized therapeutic and occupational support directly to people’s homes

There are dozens of families in Braga who face challenges every single day — families without the resources or space to care for their loved ones properly, and individuals who want to live with dignity, independence, and a sense of belonging. This project is designed to meet those needs.

Why This Matters

This isn’t about charity. It’s about equity, inclusion, and dignity. It’s about ensuring that everyone — regardless of ability — has access to the basic human right of a safe place to live, meaningful daily activities, and the care they need.

The team at CERCI Braga understands this on a deep level. They’ve worked for years to support over 40 adults and 280 children with disabilities. But now, they’re taking a bold step — building a physical space that reflects the values they’ve always lived by.

My Part in the Story

In January of this year, my friend Vera — who also happens to be the president of CERCI Braga — reached out to me. She asked if I could help bring visibility to this campaign. I didn’t hesitate.

Photography, for me, has always been more than a profession. It’s a tool for storytelling, for connection, and sometimes, for change. So we got to work.

We created a campaign called “Sonhos a Metro” (Dreams by the Meter). Each portrait we made represents more than just a face — it represents strength, purpose, and the right to dream. The campaign celebrates the people at the center of this initiative. People who are often marginalized or overlooked. People with goals, talents, and energy, just like anyone else.

The process was emotional. Uplifting. Grounding. We didn’t pose people — we celebrated them. It reminded me once again why I do what I do. And it reminded me of the importance of creatives giving back whenever possible. Using our craft for something beyond ourselves is not just powerful — it’s necessary.