A mission close to his heart.

For Elcio Francisco da Silva, a training leader in our Brazil casting operations team, volunteering for his favorite nonprofit hits close to home. Elcio is a volunteer leader of Association of Parents and Friends of the Exceptional (APAE), which provides support and resources for children with disabilities, including his own daughter.

“From the experience I’ve had with the APAE for my daughter Priscila, I became aware of its needs and decided to become a volunteer,” he explained. “I enjoy driving improvements within the organization to better service the students and provide support for local families in Andradas that are in the similar situation as myself.”

Elcio began volunteering for APAE in 2014 and served as its president in Andradas until 2016. Now as vice president, he raises funds and assists with general management of the organization. Currently, he is helping create a platform to amplify the nonprofit’s services, including medical and psychological assistance, to a wider population. Most recently, he helped develop an equine therapy center for the Andradas region.

“My experience with APAE has really taught me the importance of being open to ideas and listening to others,” Elcio said. “No matter how small our efforts, we all can truly help make a positive impact in the lives of those in our own communities.”