Bridges to Community

Victor and Ordalina grew up in Corocitos, where they raised nine children, three of whom still live with them in a rented home. Farming is their only income, but it barely covers rent and Ordalina’s medical bills after suffering a stroke, which left her unable to work. Their rented home, with a leaking roof and dirt floor, was dire, but the family didn’t own land and therefore didn’t qualify for the BTC housing program. Moved by their situation and a lifelong friendship, their neighbor Lorenzo generously donated land, enabling the family to apply for a house. In November 2024, with the support of BTC volunteers, Victor and Ordalina moved into their new home—a fresh start that brings hope for a more stable future. In 2025, we want to continue to grow our impact and build 20 more homes for families like Ordalina's.?We also hope to construct bathrooms to improve community sanitation, undertake house repairs to ensure safe and comfortable living conditions, provide more university scholarships, and work with our youth ecological brigade to empower the next generation of leaders. Your donation before December 31st will be a crucial catalyst in realizing these ambitions.?It will help us build stronger, more sustainable communities and continue changing the lives of thousands. This holiday season, offer hope and support to families and help break the cycle of poverty.?Give today: https://lnkd.in/gjps7vYK

In 2024, you helped Bridges make tremendous strides, growing our projects and programs while fostering transformative, hands-on experiences for our North American volunteers. Through these efforts, we not only strengthened our impact in partner communities but also deepened the connection and mutual understanding between volunteers and our Dominican counterparts. Together, we: ->Awarded scholarships to 9 students, supporting their academic success and opening doors to better employment opportunities. ->Built 15 homes, providing over 80 beneficiaries with a safe, dignified space to live and thrive. ->Repaired 9 houses, improving living conditions for 50 community members by upgrading cement floors, roofs, doors, and windows. ->Constructed 7 bathrooms, complete with flushing toilets, shower stalls, sinks, and septic tanks, enhancing sanitation and addressing environmental concerns. ->Distributed $7,500 in micro-loans, empowering individuals to grow their farms, start small businesses, and navigate emergencies. ->Hosted 19 groups and over 215 volunteers, building meaningful connections and driving lasting change for both the volunteers and the communities they served. Next year we hope to expand our programming, but we need your help.?Your financial support is vital to sustaining and growing our impact. Every dollar you give directly supports our work on the ground.?Donate today and help us transform more lives in 2025: https://lnkd.in/gjps7vYK

In 2024, Bridges achieved incredible milestones, expanding our projects and programs while creating life-changing experiences for our North American volunteers. In 2025, we want to do even more. Together, we can ->Expand our economic development loans, creating more opportunities for community members to improve their livelihoods and take control of their futures through sustainable economic growth. ->Award scholarships to more students, empowering young Dominicans to attend college and secure brighter futures for themselves and their families. ->Build 20 homes, providing stability and safety for families living in dire and overcrowded conditions. ->Invest in community youth?through our ecological brigade and English language classes, equipping them with new skills and preparing the next generation of community leaders. We can only make these goals a reality with your help. Please consider making a donation before December 31st to help us expand our reach and create lasting change in our partner communities in 2025. Every dollar makes a difference! Donate today: https://lnkd.in/gjps7vYK

Giving Tuesday?is here - a day when supporters around the world pledge to help transform lives and make a lasting impact. With Bridges, your financial contribution empowers our partner communities through housing stability, improved public health, and enhanced education and economic opportunities. Your support creates a lasting impact, transforming lives one scholarship, one bathroom, one microloan, and one home at a time. We’re working to raise $10,000 this Giving Tuesday to ensure that we can continue to sustainably provide our partner communities with vital projects and programs in the Dominican Republic. And great news! A generous donor has committed to matching dollar for dollar every donation received up to $5,000. Double your impact this #GivingTuesday, support us today: https://lnkd.in/egcxM7eh

On October 17th, Bridges to Community will proudly celebrate Jim Allen, a dedicated volunteer, board member, and cherished friend of our organization. Jim’s commitment to service spans over almost 15 years of impactful work. From his volunteer trips to Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic with groups like Katonah Presbyterian Church and Larchmont Avenue Church to his role as a trip organizer, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism, community service, and empowering our global neighbors. Jim also spearheaded the first Morgan Stanley Investment Bank volunteer trip in 2018, a milestone that has since grown exponentially. In 2024, Morgan Stanley's volunteer team grew to 34 members, building three homes in just one week in the Dominican Republic. Jim's impact goes far beyond volunteerism—he has also contributed to Bridges’ leadership, serving on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer, ensuring the long-term success of the organization. We invite you to join us in honoring Jim Allen for his extraordinary commitment and the lasting change he has created in the lives of those in Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. His dedication has helped transform communities, and on October 17th, we celebrate not only his service but the ripple effect of his work. Help us show Jim the appreciation he deserves! Ways you can support Jim: Join us at the event October 17th, purchase your tickets here- https://lnkd.in/etafYy9f Send your congratulations and well-wishes to Jim through our event journal, submit your kind words here-https://lnkd.in/eUFgwiMc Honor Jim’s unwavering dedication and service by?making a donation in his name.?Your contribution will continue the transformative work Jim has championed, directly supporting communities in the Dominican Republic. Donate here- https://lnkd.in/ezxSmUye

Buy your tickets to our Leadership Dinner this October 17th! Join us in celebrating another year of accomplishments in our partner communities in the Dominican Republic. This year we will honor Morgan Stanley Investment Bank and Jim Allen, Treasurer and Trip Organizer for Bridges to Community. We will also have a special tribute to honor our organizational partner Building Communities Together (formally Bridges to Community Canada). Purchase tickets and see full event details here: https://lnkd.in/gHStu26t

Join us in celebrating another year of accomplishments in our partner communities in the Dominican Republic. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers and generous donors, we have made a significant impact. Let's continue making a difference together! This year we will honor Morgan Stanley Investment Bank and Jim Allen, Treasurer and Trip Organizer for Bridges to Community. We will also have a special tribute to honor our organizational partner Building Communities Together (formally Bridges to Community Canada). Purchase tickets and see full event details here: https://lnkd.in/gHStu26t