Meet Daniel Familia
Daniel Familia is 32 years old and has lived in his community his entire life. He lives with his partner and their young daughter.
Daniel works in agriculture when work is available and takes on additional jobs whenever possible to support his family.
For the past eight years, the family has been living in a borrowed home. While they are grateful for the support, the situation lacks stability and privacy. The space is limited, and as their family grows, it has become increasingly difficult to meet their needs.
One of Daniel’s main concerns is not being able to provide his daughter with a comfortable and adequate space of her own. The current home feels crowded and does not allow her the room she needs to grow and develop.
Despite these challenges, Daniel remains focused on building a better future for his family.
Having a home of their own would bring stability, privacy, and peace of mind, giving his daughter the opportunity to grow in a safe and secure environment.
Meet your Team Leaders
Starlin J. Monter
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.
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.
About the Community
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.