Sergio has plans for marriage and represented Colombia at the International Leadership Meeting in the United States. With the savings from his job, Diego bought an apartment. Eyner finished high school and dreams of studying automotive mechanics to become a micro-entrepreneur. They are part of Amigos del Alma, a program of Best Buddies Colombia that, thanks to the support of partners such as Juan Valdez®, offers more than 500 Colombians with intellectual disabilities the possibility of having a job.

Seeing how these men and women, regardless of their condition, give the best of themselves in their work, has sensitized the other collaborators of the company, they are responsible, honest, and their commitment is reflected in the care of every detail in their coffee preparations.

For nine years, Amigos del Alma have been working in Juan Valdez® stores, serving customers, preparing drinks and performing the same functions as other employees. “It’s breaking that barrier or paradigm that we suddenly have of a person with a disability. Personally, I have experienced it and working with them means seeing another way of being, and the contribution is very beneficial and is a majority at the business level,” says one of the bar leaders.

For the Coordinator of the program at Juan Valdez®, employers should give themselves the opportunity to learn about the world of disability and take advantage of this available human resource. This program has raised awareness among employees who are close to a Soul Friend, who are now more aware that this is a reality that can also touch them.
From the Amigos del Alma, one learns to care about others and to give more than others expect, says the coordinator. Thanks to the work she shares with Eyner, a young man with cognitive disabilities who pays debts and helps his family with his work, she also understood that there are no limits, that like any other Juan Valdez® employee, they have the same skills and desire to learn, always looking for the way to go further.

With their work, people with cognitive limitations are achieving their goals. That is why at Juan Valdez® we will continue to support labor inclusion in our environment.