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 Guarione Piña
Guarione Piña was born in the La Loma community and lives with his son, who has a mental disability. His livelihood comes from agriculture, and he dedicates much of his time to caring for his son.
His home is in poor condition, with openings that allow rainwater to enter. His main challenges are covering medical expenses and ensuring daily food.
Guarione experienced the loss of his wife, with whom he shared 40 years of marriage. He inherited his current home, which he managed to build despite many hardships. He is proud of having cared for his wife until the end and providing her with a dignified life.
Support from this project would allow him to offer his son a safer and more dignified space. Guarione expresses gratitude and highlights the importance of institutions that support vulnerable communities. His greatest wish is to secure employment that allows him to continue supporting his son.
His home is in poor condition, with openings that allow rainwater to enter. His main challenges are covering medical expenses and ensuring daily food.
Guarione experienced the loss of his wife, with whom he shared 40 years of marriage. He inherited his current home, which he managed to build despite many hardships. He is proud of having cared for his wife until the end and providing her with a dignified life.
Support from this project would allow him to offer his son a safer and more dignified space. Guarione expresses gratitude and highlights the importance of institutions that support vulnerable communities. His greatest wish is to secure employment that allows him to continue supporting his son.
Otoniel Suero
Otoniel M. Suero Escalante is from San Juan de la Maguana and began working with Bridges as a Volunteer Coordinator in February 2023. He brings over six years of experience working with North American volunteer groups across the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Canada. Additionally, Oto has held various summer positions in the United States, spending time in Virginia and North Carolina. What he enjoys most about working with Bridges is supporting others as they create positive change in their lives and building meaningful connections with volunteers.
Otoniel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is also trained as a certified medical and simultaneous interpreter. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar and hiking.
Randy Bautista
Randy Esteban Bautista is a 37-year-old Dominican native from San Juan de la Maguana. He holds a degree in Basic Education and brings over 10 years of experience working with Solid Rock International, where he served as an interpreter and Construction Area Coordinator. In this role, he led and supported multiple groups of American volunteers on construction projects, ensuring smooth communication and successful execution on the ground.
Randy is known for his open-minded attitude, strong sense of responsibility, and willingness to learn. He embraces new challenges daily and views mistakes not as setbacks, but as valuable steps toward growth and excellence (and yes, lessons learned the hard way tend to stick best!).
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.