Marcelino, Pan y Vino (MAPAVI) was founded in 1992 to meet the needs of the thousands of immigrants coming into the Washington metropolitan area for the first time, fleeing the violence of civil war or lack of economic opportunity. MAPAVI seeks to awaken in all members of society the desire to serve our neighbors and practice basic values such as solidarity, responsibility, and generosity. Its primary role is to promote volunteerism among all socioeconomic groups, becoming multipliers of peace and justice for the neediest members of society through example, works, promotion, disease prevention programs, support for campaigns for the dignity of immigrants, message of nonviolence, and presence at the international level. Today MAPAVI works in many different areas and countries, including the United States, El Salvador, Bolivia, Colombia, and more.