Founded in 1985 thanks to a donation of land to the Salesians Don Bosco by noblewoman Donna Mira, the Soggiorno Proposta has always been dedicated to the recovery and rehabilitation of young people who face serious difficulties such as drug addiction, alcoholism and other forms of addiction including the new challenges related to pathological gambling, the internet and “new drugs”. But it is not limited to this: the association also addresses young people with legal, psychological and relationship issues, setting itself as a point of reference for those who have experienced situations of marginalisation and social disorientation.
The work of the Soggiorno Proposta goes beyond simple assistance. In step with Salesian principles and the vision of its founder, Fr Giovannoni, the association has always pursued an integrated approach, with activities that combine prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration. Its main mission is to restore dignity and perspectives to young people often considered “lost”, offering them a structured path that is attentive to both the educational and therapeutic dimensions.
The centre stands out for its continuous commitment in psycho-social, humanitarian and school-professional areas, offering formation and refresher projects for operators and volunteers, as well as developing research and publication programmes aimed at raising awareness and preventing youth distress. The Soggiorno Proposta also deals with the promotion of work activities for therapeutic purposes, collaborating with various local production companies.
Over the years, the association has built a solid network of collaborations with other organisations at the regional, national and international levels and its work is recognised by the institutions.
In the afternoon of 28 September, at 4.30 p.m., the conference kicked off with a touching story accompanied by images and narrated by Antonio Tucci. His address retraced the history of the Soggiorno Proposta, intertwining emotion and memory as he recalled the challenges faced and the goals achieved.
Greetings from Fr Carmine Miccoli, Episcopal Vicar of the Diocese of Lanciano-Ortona, Fr Daniele Merlini, Vice-Provincial of the Salesian Circumscription of Central Italy, and Fr Daniele Pusti, current president of the Soggiorno Proposta, followed. They highlighted the crucial role that the association has played in the social fabric of the local community, offering support and hope to young people with problems of dependence and marginalisation.
One of the most significant moments was the address by Fr Giovannoni, founder of the work, who shared his experience with Mr Gaetano, the first collaborator of the reception centre and a key figure in its growth. Their words evoked the first steps taken by the association, which was founded with the intention of offering a safe and hopeful place to young people in difficulty.
Over the course of the day, educators and young people who have been through the journey of the Soggiorno Proposta over the years shared their stories and their journey of rebirth. The contribution of Bishop Gaetano Galbusera, SDB, Bishop Emeritus of Pucallpa, Peru, former Superior of the then Salesian Adriatic Province, further enriched the framework of a community that has been able to combine hospitality and formation.
The future of the Soggiorno Proposta was at the centre of the final addresses. Valentina Toro, Anna Recchia, Antonio La Monica and Pierluca Moro illustrated the projects under development, underlining how the association continues to respond to the challenges of the present and to work for a more inclusive and supportive society. The centre's activities range from prevention to the care and rehabilitation of young people with addictions, as well as their social reintegration, with a view to promoting civil participation and volunteering.
