Advocates of Love Response to COVID-19

The world has been turned upside down in the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Life as we know it has come to a grinding halt. Many businesses like JC Penny, JCrew, and the GAP have filed for bankruptcy, we were forbidden to meet in public places, like restaurants and churches. Social distancing has created a new culture where we meet over Zoom rather than at restaurants and Churches. In America alone 23.1 million people are suddenly out of work, children are forced to pursue online education, and human connection seems like a distant memory.

Still, there is a silver lining...

Similar to the attacks of 9/11 and The Great Recession, in times of despair human goodness prevails. People line balconies for nightly applause thanking tireless healthcare workers, neighbors sing together from behind open windows, and free food trains grace most American neighborhoods – these all paint a picture of kindness and resilience that will lead to a brighter tomorrow.

Humanity has given us hope in this dark time.

The Dominican Republic has seen more than 8,400 cases and 350 deaths from COVID-19, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University. While other places such as Cuba and Puerto Rico also have more than 1,000 cases, the Dominican Republic was the hardest hit Caribbean nation.

In response to the outbreak, officials instituted a nationwide curfew from 5 pm – 6 am to curb activity around the country and hopefully stifle the spread of the disease. In addition, they partnered with local businesses and humanitarian organizations to increase testing. They are giving access to food and necessities without drawing large crowds.

While the local government works to curb the virus and its spread, a group of Major League Baseball players, Albert Pujols, Michael Ozuna, and Juan Soto to name a few,  have come together to help their home country navigate and recover from the damage of the COVID pandemic.

Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez and a coalition of over 40 current and retired Major League Baseball players have united to launch the “Step Up to the Plate” fund to support coronavirus relief efforts in the Dominican Republic.

The coalition, organized by the Pedro Martinez Foundation, has raised over $550,000 to provide essential supplies, personal protective equipment and food in the Dominican Republic.

Parallel to this initiative, we are accepting monetary and in-kind donations at this time to help support the children. As we are working towards our new campus, some things that we are looking for are:

  • Commercial Kitchen Appliances: Double Wall Oven, Microwave, Refrigerator, Commercial Dishwasher, and Sinks.
  • Commercial Laundry Appliances: Commercial Washing Machines and Dryers
  • Kitchenware: Pots, Pans, Plates, Cups, Bakeware
  • Furniture for Children's Home: Couches, Kitchen Tables, Dining Tables, Office Furniture, a Large table for a Classroom, and Classroom Chairs.
  • Bedroom Needs: Bath Towels, Twin Bedsheets

Moments like these are defined not only by how we take care of ourselves, but also how we take care of others.

  • We are stronger together.​

Back to All News

Child Highlight: Daniela

March 28, 2022

A parent’s tragic illness is a common way that children in the Samaná province in the Dominican Republic come into our care. Without adequate financial

Read More »

The US-based organization, Advocates of Love is an approved 501c3. Under the guidance of its Board of Directors, Advocates of Love is responsible for raising mission awareness, fundraising, and operational management of the non-governmental organization (NGO) in the Dominican Republic. Advocates of Love has final approval over all activities required to operate the Children’s Home.

The Dominican Republic-based organization, Fundacion Defensores De Amor, is an approved NGO. The NGO, in partnership with local churches, is accountable for the daily operations and responsibilities of the Children’s Home, the community-based care program, and children’s churches.

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Advocates of Love

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1936 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

Wesley Chapel, FL 33543-9262

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Melissa Schol

Melissa is originally from Ocala, FL and after moving around Florida, Georgia & North Carolina, she has settled back in Ocala. Melissa went to the College of Central Florida and has pursued a life of service in various administrative, customer service and marketing roles. She has now settled into her dream role as the Communications Director for Advocates of Love.

Melissa was on the state board of the Florida Foster and Adoptive Parent Association while serving 4 years as a foster and then adoptive mom. She has two adopted daughters, Kenzi and Shyne, who keep her busy. Melissa also serves in her local church. 

You can reach Melissa via email: melissa@advocatesoflove.org.