SortCivoli, swings, a picnic corner with tables and benches and lots of green: where there was an abandoned outdoor space, in the Bollate prison (MI), next day, a few days after Mother’s Day, a redeveloped area will be inaugurated to make the prisoners spend some time in peace with the children. A beautiful place, where children and mothers want to return to share precious moments. The “hugs in freedom” project is of the Santo Versace Foundationwho made it with the support of Banca del Fucino.
Followed by step by step, from the idea of the ribbon cutting, is Francesca De Stefano, wife of Santo, lawyer, former state manager, now full -time engaged in solidarity as vice -president of the Foundation. A woman who, as she will often repeat in our conversation, feels grateful to life for what she has received. And that, thanks also to a path of spirituality accomplished together with her husband, are trying to return as much as possible to those who, on the other hand, have had little or nothing.
How did the idea of ”hugs in freedom” come about?
A friend has reported this unused space in Bollate. We already present in prisons with some projects, in this we chose to support motherhood. The moment of the meeting between a prisoner and a child is very delicate; If it takes place in an unsuitable, squalid place, it becomes mortifying and brings pain. We said to each other: why don’t we do an oasis of beauty so that it is attractive, that children want to go back to share a peaceful time with their mother? We decided to give space to young people and we turned to architects under 35. In the end we chose the Imge Duzgun project, 28 years old, of the Ideas studio in Milan, which excited us more. It is an open space with many areas for different moments; There are swings and slides, tables and benches to eat together or chat, educational games to share, flower flower beds, trees and hedges to guarantee privacy.
Do you think you reply the project?
Certain. Our commitment does not end with the inauguration. We will see how it goes, if you have to plant another plant, we will plant it. We will develop it over time but in the meantime we are already in contact with other structures, we hope to bring it to other penitentiary institutes.
The projects of the Versace Foundation
It is not your first project for prisoners.
No. In Taranto, in the female department, we support the expansion of Made in prison, a laboratory where they are made with accessories waste fabrics, shirts, bags, gadgets. We think that the function of the penalty is the recovery of people, and the way to get there is first of all the work that, it is demonstrated, knocks down the recurrence. Not everyone thinks so, unfortunately. Instead, we strongly believe it and try to offer the tools to help reintegration into society. In addition to work, it is important to be able to exercise parenting: a prisoner who can make mom feels alive, has its own dignity and more motivation to not return inside. I add a personal note: I am not a mother, but I can satisfy my maternal instinct by helping mothers in difficulty being happy with their children. I feel happy with them.
Francesca De Stefano, lawyer, is the wife of Santo Versace and vice -president of the Santo Versace Foundation. Photo by Gianmarco Chieregato.
“Hugs in freedom” is the latest project of the Foundation. Does it tell us how was it born?
We were already close to different situations of fragility, such as Made in prison. A few years ago we decided to organize ourselves, create a structure. My holy husband, the love of my life, wanted the foundation to be called Santo and Francesca Versace. I told him that if I had a son I would have liked it like him, a volcano, and that this foundation would have been a bit of a child. The name had to be his. And so it was.
What do you deal with?
We did not make a precise choice, we embrace the 360 ° fragility. We have an international project in Kenya, “The miracle of life”, where we created a refuge house for young mothers who live on the street. The most fortunate prostitute themselves; The other sniffs glue so as not to hear the bites of hunger. We welcome them thanks to a mentor that knows that life; We offer accommodation and teach them a job, so that they are autonomous. In Italy we are alongside the Pope John XXIII community, founded by Don Benzi, for women victims of trafficking. With the “taste of the good” we support the Redenta artisan laboratory, where they produce jams and fruit juices. I often go to find them, I have baptized some of their daughters, they have an incredible force. And every time I feel grateful to God, to life, to my husband, to the family. I do a job that makes me happy, I’m lucky.
A spiritual path in two
She is a lawyer, she was manager of the Prime Minister, she worked in the Senate. Then he left everything. Why?
I was at the height of his career, I returned home in the very late evening. I realized, however, that my greatest desire was to enjoy every moment with saint. I left everything. I have lived in this condition of grace for twenty years. Our is a great love; I met Santo at 35, now I have 55. We got married on July 8, 2023.
The rendering of the new space of the Bollate prison (MI) for the meetings between the prisoners and children, strongly desired by the Santo Versace Foundation.
In 2014 you had already married civilly married. Why the choice of marriage in the church, after nine years?
When we met Santo was Agnostic, I was a “warm” believer. Together we shared a spiritual journey, we discovered the strength of prayer. We got our hand in hand, overturning our priorities. I liked working a lot, but only to commit myself to helping others made me happy. With the Foundation I can do it systematically, trying to restore as much as possible the gifts I have had from life.
Next objectives?
Create a virtuous network, because if you work together with the same end you can achieve more important results. We start by starting to do it: I think of the Citadel of the boys in San Vittore Olona, for teenagers in difficulty, where we collaborate with Dolce & Gabbana. If there is a connection, interventions are optimized. My husband taught me when he created the Altagamma Foundation, which brings together the companies of Italian excellence. Now we will do it with solidarity. © RESERVED REPRODUCTION
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