The Drop of Lube, a Special Mission
The Drop of Lube Association has been operating since 2018, supporting those who want to rebuild their lives with seriousness, loyalty, and commitment after experiencing the hard, exhausting, and often humiliating reality of restricted freedom: first in prison, and later outside, under what are known as alternative measures. We do not deal with prisons or prisoners but focus on those serving their sentences outside. Our goal is to implement projects that facilitate these individuals’ reintegration into the workforce. We call this effort our “charitable action.” This goal has now taken a concrete form: it is called the Welcoming Enterprise Project. This initiative seeks to prepare individuals for employment while “hunting” for job opportunities by connecting with “welcoming” and forward-thinking entrepreneurs willing to hire our “users.”
The people we assist are primarily individuals serving the final parts of their sentences outside prison, often through probation, house arrest, or a “trial period” as an alternative to judicial proceedings for minor offenses. These are the focus of our efforts. Essentially, we work with individuals—adults and young adults—whose freedom is restricted and who are overseen by a justice entity. For adults, this is the Office of External Penal Execution (Uepe); for young adults, the Office of Juvenile Social Services (Ussm), coordinated by the Juvenile Justice Center (Cgm).
These individuals represent a largely overlooked reality, affecting increasing numbers of people across Italy, especially in the areas where we operate. For instance, in Piedmont, 4,765 individuals were under probation or house arrest and overseen by local Uepe offices in 2022. In 2023, the Turin and Asti areas saw 2,800 adults affected by alternative sentences, compared to over 2,700 in the previous year. These numbers highlight the existence of a group living among us under restricted freedom who will soon regain complete liberty. Shouldn’t we address this reality, both for their well-being and society’s?
The individuals followed by Uepe, Ussm, and our association are particularly vulnerable. Beyond the limitations on their freedom, they must secure work to support themselves and integrate into society while facing the challenges common to all “free” individuals. Employment is a crucial tool in reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
The Drop of Lube collaborates with Uepe and Ussm. Our volunteers work exclusively on behalf and under the direction of these two justice entities. After receiving referrals, our volunteers conduct interviews and guide individuals along a job search pathway. Through our “Job Search Group” (Grl), we provide opportunities by building stable partnerships with employers’ organizations, public employment centers, the Adecco agency, and key training institutions. Volunteers act as “companions,” supporting individuals in their recovery efforts, even when facing setbacks. The goal is always to encourage persistence and starting anew.
Many are curious about our name. In the “About Us” section of our website, the “Drop” is explained as a reference to Chopin’s Prelude No. 15. But why “Lube”? “Lu” comes from Lucia, a young woman who tragically lost her life in November 1994 during a landslide caused by a devastating flood in Piedmont. She shielded her infant daughter, who survived unharmed. This act of protection symbolizes the support we aim to provide to those we assist. The “Be” refers to Bernardino, known as Don Berna, a significant figure for many of our volunteers, particularly Walter Beccaria and his wife Marcella Ravera, the founders of this association. Walter Beccaria, the association’s inspiration, was commemorated in 2024 on the twelfth anniversary of his passing.
Marcella Ravera was the first president and now serves as honorary president of The Drop of Lube. Adriano Moraglio is the current president, with Dario Valenzano as vice president. The board includes Paolo Jorio, Marcella Pilatone, Antonello Sechi, Giovanni Franzone, and Paolo Stanchi. Within the Welcoming Enterprise Project, Bianca Maria Eula coordinates individual support, while Silvia Lessona manages job search efforts. Together, they lead the association’s 35 active volunteers.
As a Third Sector organization, The Drop of Lube is eligible for funding through the 5×1000 tax designation to support its activities and employment projects.
You can support us by including our tax code 90026890013 in your tax return.