Our Work
ESPAço VIDA MAis (Second-Hand store)
Project Began in 2014 to Present
A vibrant second-hand store located in a working class and immigrant neighborhood of Massamá, about fifteen minutes northwest of central Lisbon, and also has an active local online presence with regular sales of costume jewelry donated by North Americans churches and individuals to Friends of Portugal. With a well-established presence in the neighborhood, Espaço VIda Mais is supported by a strong group of volunteers from a local Christian fellowship, as well as interns and a store manager. Providing high-quality clothing, jewelry, and household items at affordable prices to its clientele, allows its clients to make the best possible personal presentation for job interviews, the modern workplace, or for personal self-esteem. The store has also established strong community connections where many residents now actively support the store through regular donations to sustain the store and its service to Massamá, and through its work it has become a local "gathering place" for residents, clients, and youth. Clothing, coffee and encouragement is served in abundance at Espaco Vida Mais!
A Ponte
Project Began in 2015 to Present
Located in the heart of southern Loures, A Ponte is a spacious and newly renovated co-working space and enterprise incubator located just ten minutes from the Lisbon airport. The multi-story property hosts more than twenty businesses and features offices for rent on an hourly or monthly basis, meeting rooms, seminar areas, and connections to international business leaders and universities.
Shift PT
Project Began in 2020 to Present
In collaboration with A Ponte in Loures, and guided by the national goals of Portugal outlined in #Agenda2030, Shift PT is an acceleration program where hope, skills, and opportunities come together to create meaningful social businesses. Many of the members of the Friends of Portugal team involved in its various projects have received critical training, skills, and encouragement through the focused mentoring of Shift PT, which in 2021 graduated its first cohort of participants that are now engaged in the second phase of enterprise development. A new cohort began in Spring 2022, and aspiring social entrepreneurs throughout Portugal all participate in Shift PT, enabling it to have a truly national reach to all parts of the country.
Business and Cultural Trips
Project Began in 2011 to Present
FOP offers exceptional opportunities for business leaders, entrepreneurs, churches, groups, and individuals interested in entrepreneurship, social and sustainable projects, investing in Portugal, and connecting into this beautiful country, its history, and people. Our skilled and experienced leadership team works with participants to customize a trip to suit the group and maximize the experience for all! Trips generally take place in the Fall and Spring.
During trips, attendees meet with Friends of Portugal’s leadership and project managers of our business and social projects, A Ponte, Sete Casas, and Espaço Vida Mais, and hear about their exciting work and impact on the surrounding community. On the cultural side, we will visit several cities rich with history, such as Lisbon, Alcácer do Sal, Évora, Nazaré, tour landmarks and historical sites along the way.
