The youngest of these boys is 11 years old. Many were abandoned or homeless for years. Their time of rehabilitation is 8 months and includes education as well as detoxification. They have requested more guitars (only 4 are in working order), a library, a computer room and recreational equipment.
Padre Gabriel recieves the Prize from the Queen of Spain on March 8, 2000.
The Queen Sofia Prize is given to non-governmental and non-religious therapeutic communities in Hispanoamerica. It is an annual prize and has been given for 10 years. The queen also sent support for the opening of two new centers- a Ladies center in Pereira and one in Bogota.