The mission of our organization, Marcelino Pan y Vino, Inc. (MAPAVI) is to awaken in all members of society the desire to serve our neighbors and practice basic values such as solidarity, responsibility and generosity. MAPAVI's primary role is to promote volunteerism among all socioeconomic groups, becoming multipliers of peace and justice for the neediest in society through our example, works, promotion, disease prevention programs, support for campaigns for the dignity of immigrants, message of nonviolence, and presence at the international level.

MAPAVI helps families of persons needing organ transplants. Ever since our beginning, our blood and bone marrow donor campaigns have successfully increased the registry of donors of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). From 1992 to date, donor registration in the Hispanic community has increased thanks to local and national campaigns.

MAPAVI has been instrumental in providing resources for heart surgeries, and kidney and corneal transplants and other surgical interventions. We bring educational activities which provide health promotion and disease prevention information to the community.

HIV/AIDS is one of our major concerns. This is why Amigos de la Salud (Friends of Health)/MAPAVI encourages healthy lifestyles in the community through special programs and confidential support groups to prevent epidemics and help people to live healthier lives.

Another important aspect of MAPAVI is support for immigrants. Our immigration workshops -- "One Day of Legal Consultation" -- have been well-known over the years as a way to offer easy legalization. In this way we smooth the path for new immigrants so that they can achieve the American dream.

One of our missions in the world today is to develop awareness in young people so that they will take on an important role in our society and today's world -- protecting them with educational, cultural, social and sporting activities to keep them from participating in violence or joining gangs. Our goal is to rehabilitate gang members so that they will be productive and good citizens of the world.