Social Impact Projects

Navigating life after high school can feel like stepping into the unknown — especially for students from underprivileged backgrounds. Lisbon Mentors is working on bridging gaps in formal education by connecting teens with professionals and university students who provide guidance and career insights. The project will offer additional resources to better prepare students for their future, such as advice on financial literacy and soft skills. Through partnerships with schools and NGOs in Lisbon, the initiative aims to create a sustainable support system, ensuring students have access to role models and resources that empower them to pursue their dreams.

Imagine making a shelter pet’s wish come true—a cozy blanket, a toy, or a meal for the day. Many animal shelters in Lisbon struggle with overcrowding, limited resources, and low adoption rates, leaving many animals without proper care. Patas Felizes will support shelters by encouraging shoppers to donate essential items through a wish-list system in pet and grocery stores. To raise awareness, the project will distribute pamphlets on pet care, shelter support, and adoption. A community group will also be created to engage supporters beyond donations. Running from January to April 2025 and culminating on World Pet Day, the initiative will provide direct aid to shelters while promoting responsible pet ownership and long-term community involvement.

Effective communication is key to successful collaboration and meaningful work. While professionals in the private sector often receive structured training, social impact organizations face resource constraints, leaving volunteers ill-equipped to tackle complex challenges. ImpactLX bridges this gap by offering hands-on training in communication and creative problem-solving. Our interactive workshops teach essential skills like clear messaging, constructive feedback, and understanding different communication styles. Through theory, simulations, and brainstorming, volunteers learn to navigate diverse perspectives and high-pressure situations. Our adaptable “toolbox” provides mini-guides and checklists for practical strategies in everyday volunteer work. By making communication training accessible and actionable, ImpactLX strengthens teamwork, boosts volunteer confidence, and amplifies the impact of social initiatives.

Economic and social barriers prevent many immigrants in Lisbon’s Carnide neighborhood from fully integrating into the local community. This project will partner with a local association to offer employability workshops focused on professional English, CV writing, and interview preparation, helping participants gain confidence and access job opportunities. By leveraging the association’s existing infrastructure and networks, the initiative will ensure accessibility and long-term impact. Through targeted skills training and mentorship, the project will empower immigrants to enter the workforce and foster stronger connections with Lisbon’s broader community.

Memories shape the future when they are shared. In Lisbon’s social housing communities, elders hold untold stories of resilience, while youth lack connection to their community’s past. Ecos da Alta will bring both generations together through storytelling sessions where elders share their lived experiences, and youth document them through interviews, photography, and creative formats. The project will culminate in a public exhibition, preserving these stories and strengthening community ties. By amplifying unheard voices, the initiative will foster intergenerational understanding and help create a lasting archive of Lisbon’s history.

For many homeless individuals, moving forward isn’t just about resources—it’s about belonging. Social isolation makes it harder for individuals to transition out of homelessness, as they lack the support networks that help sustain long-term change. Under One Roof will create a recurring social dinner event where homeless individuals and the general public share a meal in a welcoming space. By fostering connections through conversation, the initiative will help reduce isolation and build motivation for participants to engage with rehabilitation programs. Implemented with local shelters and volunteer organizations, the event will create an ongoing support network, promoting social inclusion and encouraging long-term change.