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 Karina Galva
Karina Galva is a lifelong resident of the Buena Vista community. She currently lives in a rented home with her husband and two children, having resided there for the past year. The family works daily to move forward amid limited economic opportunities.
Karina and her husband run a small fried-food business that provides an important source of income. Her husband also works as a day laborer and has begun university studies in hopes of improving his future. Karina manages household duties and prepares food for the family business.
Their home is in poor condition, but Karina remains there due to financial constraints that prevent her from affording another option. Economic instability and limited job opportunities are among the family’s main challenges.
Karina and her husband run a small fried-food business that provides an important source of income. Her husband also works as a day laborer and has begun university studies in hopes of improving his future. Karina manages household duties and prepares food for the family business.
Their home is in poor condition, but Karina remains there due to financial constraints that prevent her from affording another option. Economic instability and limited job opportunities are among the family’s main challenges.
Rosa Garcia
Young professional passionate about education and service, with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a strong interest in secondary education. She has been actively involved in community service from an early age, collaborating with organizations such as Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and church-based initiatives focused on supporting children and the community.
She values continuous learning and believes that consistency and commitment are key to serving with excellence and making a positive impact.
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.
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.
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.