Special Projects
Christmas Boxes
There are so many desperately needy families in Puerto Plata and the surrounding slums that simply don’t have enough money to buy even a single gift for their children for Christmas, let alone provide them with a special treat or hearty meal. This year we are putting together Christmas boxes to send to Liz in Puerto Plata to distribute to the neediest families. If you would like to put one of these boxes together we will be happy to give it to a very grateful Dominican family. Boxes can include: Peanut butter, personal hygiene items (toothbrushes, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.), clothing, small toys and candy. To sponsor a family for Christmas email us at: dovemissions@msn.com.
Mustard Seed
The people of Mustard Seed Communities consider their disabled children as their greatest source of inspiration. They currently have 12 children in their care in a small handicapped children’s home in the slums outside the city of Puerto Plata . These children are always happy to have visitors and Dove mission volunteers often enjoy singing songs with them and just holding them and giving them much needed love and attention.
Albergue Casa de Martina
Attached to a large Catholic school is the Albergue Casa De Martina girls’ orphanage. They are always in need of school supplies, and everything needed to care for little girls. Dove mission volunteers often visit the orphanage to spend time doing crafts, singing songs, working on English skills and just playing with the girls. The girls squeal with delight when they see us coming.
Integration Juvenil
Integration Juvenil is a Homeless Children’s Vocational School that ensures that children enroll in school, and then busses them in the afternoon to a school where they learn a trade. They also provide counseling and art therapy. The three vocations taught are sewing, hairdressing and wood and leather working. Dove mission volunteers are always welcome at Integration Juvenil to help with teaching English and training youth in vocational skills. We also purchase uniforms, register children for school and encourage homeless youth to participate in this wonderful program.
Haitian immigrants and a
home for the elderly
We work with a variety of other organizations that include helping the elderly and immigrants. Haitian immigrants live in deplorable conditions at the city dump, and in slums surrounding Puerto Plata. We help them find food and clean water to drink. We also provide basic first aid and financial assistance when we can, especially in the cases where young parents are dieing from AIDs. Dove mission volunteers frequently find it very rewarding to distribute food and clothing to these desperately poor individuals. They also share their love and fellowship with the people, and their presence brings hope and comfort to the people living in these impoverished communities.
