From housing to education to healthcare, Bridges to Community addresses the most pressing needs of under-resourced communities in the Dominican Republic.
Our programs are made possible by volunteers and supporters like you who believe in the power of community. Your donation helps us reach our goal and fuels real, lasting change. And if you’re ready for an unforgettable experience, sign up for the trip below and join us on the ground—get your hands dirty, work alongside community members, and be part of meaningful work that transforms lives.
Meet Dominga Mateo
Dominga Mateo (45) and Jorge Luis Durán (52) have been part of the La Piedra community for nearly three years. They live with their two young children, Georgina (6) and Maxis (3), building their family life with love, patience, and hope.
Jorge Luis works as a truck driver, though he is currently unable to work after a serious accident that left him with a broken leg and surgical hardware. Dominga is a full-time homemaker, dedicating her days to caring for their children and home.
Their house, built entirely of zinc, has no flooring and offers very limited space. When it rains, water enters the home through leaks in the roof, making daily life especially challenging. Despite these conditions, the family holds legal documentation for their land through an official mayor’s act.
Through it all, Dominga and Jorge Luis remain grateful, joyful, and deeply optimistic. Being considered by Bridges to Community fills them with hope for a safe, dignified home where their children can grow and dream—without worrying about the rain.
Jorge Luis works as a truck driver, though he is currently unable to work after a serious accident that left him with a broken leg and surgical hardware. Dominga is a full-time homemaker, dedicating her days to caring for their children and home.
Their house, built entirely of zinc, has no flooring and offers very limited space. When it rains, water enters the home through leaks in the roof, making daily life especially challenging. Despite these conditions, the family holds legal documentation for their land through an official mayor’s act.
Through it all, Dominga and Jorge Luis remain grateful, joyful, and deeply optimistic. Being considered by Bridges to Community fills them with hope for a safe, dignified home where their children can grow and dream—without worrying about the rain.
Emanuel Suero
Emanuel Suero Escalante is from the city of San Juan de la Maguana. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role at BTC, having worked with cultural exchange and medical brigades of North American volunteer groups since 2018 before joining the Bridges’ team in January 2023.
Emanuel recently graduated with a degree in biology and chemistry and has participated in US-DR cultural exchange program on three separate occasions in Wisconsin, where he worked in hospitality and customer service. Outside of work, Emanuel is an avid movie enthusiast and loves exploring new music.
Starlin J. Montero
Starlin J. Montero B. is a Dominican translator and team leader from San Juan de la Maguana with over eight years of experience supporting nonprofit and community-based projects. He has worked with organizations such as Solid Rock International, Food For The Hungry, and Kids to Christ Ministry, leading teams and facilitating cross-cultural communication in both urban and rural settings.
Starlin is fluent in Spanish and English, with knowledge of French, and is known for his leadership, adaptability, and strong commitment to service.
About the Community
San Juan de la Maguana is located in the western region of the Dominican Republic and sits in a broad valley surrounded by mountain ranges. Known as the country’s agricultural heartland, approximately 85% of the province’s land is dedicated to farming, particularly beans, rice, and corn. The region’s fertile soil and open plains make it a vital contributor to the Dominican Republic’s food supply.
The climate is generally hot and sunny, with average daytime temperatures around 85°F (29°C). Due to its elevation and surrounding mountains, evenings tend to be cooler, especially after sunset. Rainfall is seasonal, resulting in lush, green landscapes during the rainy months and drier conditions at other times of the year.
San Juan is a predominantly rural province with limited infrastructure, simpler accommodations, and fewer commercial amenities. Visitors should be prepared for basic conditions, intermittent electricity, and limited internet access.
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