Per Buténas
We met Per one early morning in Vårberg, a suburb of Stockholm known for its challenges with gang-related activities - an environment where Per himself was raised. We discussed the struggle of addiction from a young age and the journey to overcome it. As we strolled, we passed by the apartment where Per spent his childhood, a place where he experienced episodes of psychosis. Today, Per dedicates himself to supporting other youth in Vårby. He's become a local role model, shining brightly in his community.
What do you work with?
I work at an assisted living for youth, primarily those with a background in criminality and substance abuse. I have been part of a non-profit organization called "FOLK i Skärholmen" for a few years. We provide quality culture, support local artists and empower local democracy in Skärholmen, the area of Stockholm where I grew up. I am also a Spoken Word Artist, performing written pieces on stage. Most of my poems are vulnerable and personal—many talks about finding strength, hope and courage even in the darkest experiences.
How did you start working on this, and where does your commitment come from?
My commitment to social work, professionally and in non-profit organizations, stems from my own experiences of being outside society in different ways. I've struggled with trauma, addiction, mental unhealth and toxic stress my whole upbringing, both around me in my family and my own experience. I got clean and sober in 2011 after luckily surviving a head-first jump from a third-story balcony during a drug-induced psychosis. That experience ignited a strong feeling within me of wanting to live and live fully. This meant I had to start taking responsibility for my health. Not long after, I found that helping others and contributing to the communities I am a part of is a big piece of the puzzle. I thrive when I feel that I am a part of something bigger than myself.
In what way do you think your work makes a difference?
I don't know if my work makes any difference. Still, my life experiences help me build safe and sound relationships with people who usually have difficulty trusting, for example, social workers like myself. Having been through hard and good times, I can speak from the heart. Combining that with professional experience and education also provides essential tools. Knowing that I turned out okay despite my hardships makes me believe harder in others and have faith in them to be able to do the same.
What does the term Everyday Hero mean to you?
To be an Everyday Hero is to do the absolute best with what you have to make sure to get the most out of yourself despite the circumstances. If they deny me to get in the front door, I'll make damn sure to get around and enter through the back somehow.
Which tool do you think is essential to prevent violence in society?
The most important tool to prevent violence is to build relationships. To create a "we" instead of glorifying the "i". To welcome our youth. To empower them. To meet them where they are. To give them the experience needed to believe in themselves and to provide options. To stop glamorizing the idea of money as the only significant value in society. To educate in soft matters. To build strong self-esteem, encourage creativity while having zero tolerance for violence in any shape or form.
What is the biggest lesson you learned from working in what you do?
The greatest lesson I've learned working with others is that all progress is on their own terms. The result rarely comes instantly. But if I keep showing up and having faith, I can help plant a seed that grows over time. Working long-term is key—patience, patience, patience.
According to you, is there something everyone can do (regardless of profession, background, age, etc.) to contribute to a less violent society?
Just do whatever you can and want to do based on the tools and resources at hand. It could be everything from starting a non-profit organization to smiling at strangers a few times daily. It's important to remember that we can all only do our part. No one can do everything, and keeping ourselves healthy is vital to doing our part for those we want to provide for.
If you could nominate someone you know as an Everyday Hero, who would it be and why?
I would nominate my grandfather, who's no longer with us physically. He had the patience to teach me how to swim even though I must've been one of the most challenging kids ever. Those small life lessons built the foundation of me even having the slightest self-esteem.
I work at an assisted living for youth, primarily those with a background in criminality and substance abuse. I have been part of a non-profit organization called "FOLK i Skärholmen" for a few years. We provide quality culture, support local artists and empower local democracy in Skärholmen, the area of Stockholm where I grew up. I am also a Spoken Word Artist, performing written pieces on stage. Most of my poems are vulnerable and personal—many talks about finding strength, hope and courage even in the darkest experiences.
How did you start working on this, and where does your commitment come from?
My commitment to social work, professionally and in non-profit organizations, stems from my own experiences of being outside society in different ways. I've struggled with trauma, addiction, mental unhealth and toxic stress my whole upbringing, both around me in my family and my own experience. I got clean and sober in 2011 after luckily surviving a head-first jump from a third-story balcony during a drug-induced psychosis. That experience ignited a strong feeling within me of wanting to live and live fully. This meant I had to start taking responsibility for my health. Not long after, I found that helping others and contributing to the communities I am a part of is a big piece of the puzzle. I thrive when I feel that I am a part of something bigger than myself.
In what way do you think your work makes a difference?
I don't know if my work makes any difference. Still, my life experiences help me build safe and sound relationships with people who usually have difficulty trusting, for example, social workers like myself. Having been through hard and good times, I can speak from the heart. Combining that with professional experience and education also provides essential tools. Knowing that I turned out okay despite my hardships makes me believe harder in others and have faith in them to be able to do the same.
What does the term Everyday Hero mean to you?
To be an Everyday Hero is to do the absolute best with what you have to make sure to get the most out of yourself despite the circumstances. If they deny me to get in the front door, I'll make damn sure to get around and enter through the back somehow.
Which tool do you think is essential to prevent violence in society?
The most important tool to prevent violence is to build relationships. To create a "we" instead of glorifying the "i". To welcome our youth. To empower them. To meet them where they are. To give them the experience needed to believe in themselves and to provide options. To stop glamorizing the idea of money as the only significant value in society. To educate in soft matters. To build strong self-esteem, encourage creativity while having zero tolerance for violence in any shape or form.
What is the biggest lesson you learned from working in what you do?
The greatest lesson I've learned working with others is that all progress is on their own terms. The result rarely comes instantly. But if I keep showing up and having faith, I can help plant a seed that grows over time. Working long-term is key—patience, patience, patience.
According to you, is there something everyone can do (regardless of profession, background, age, etc.) to contribute to a less violent society?
Just do whatever you can and want to do based on the tools and resources at hand. It could be everything from starting a non-profit organization to smiling at strangers a few times daily. It's important to remember that we can all only do our part. No one can do everything, and keeping ourselves healthy is vital to doing our part for those we want to provide for.
If you could nominate someone you know as an Everyday Hero, who would it be and why?
I would nominate my grandfather, who's no longer with us physically. He had the patience to teach me how to swim even though I must've been one of the most challenging kids ever. Those small life lessons built the foundation of me even having the slightest self-esteem.
