One of the essential tenets of Dominican heritage is pride. With a population of over two million people, Dominican Americans are the fifth-largest Latin American demographic in the United States. Just about all of them recognize the beauty and importance of Dominican culture.
That’s why we are giving a shout-out to our Dominican American friends! This special group carries a lot of weight in providing support and resources for those still living in-country.
Advocates of Love works in one province in particular – the region of Samaná. Anyone familiar with Dominican history knows that the Samaná province has undergone hardship for centuries and continues to struggle today.
The native people of Samaná struggle to find employment opportunities that aren’t physical labor, like fishing and building. Those that are able to find work end up in relatively dangerous and physically intense jobs to provide for themselves, their families, and to live sustainably. Most children are forced to leave school to take up basic labor and peddling jobs to further offer support to the family. It’s not uncommon for working adults to suffer injuries and lose their jobs. Often, these conditions leave many vulnerable children orphaned, neglected and without a place to go.
But it’s not all bad.
The Samaná province embodies the culture and tradition of their home and the entire Dominican Republic, the same way that most Dominican Americans do.
How Dominican Americans Can Help
Advocates of Love believes that Dominican culture is even stronger when everyone works together. Therefore, our mission is to help connect Dominicans across the world and use our resources to help struggling families in the Dominican Republic.
In 2013, our team helped create the first children’s home in Samaná, where kids can learn together, grow together, and live happier and healthier lives.
Since its establishment, our children’s home is still the only resource recognized by the Children and Adolescents National Council where children can go to get care. Every dollar donated to Advocates of Love goes toward creating a brighter future for Samanán Children.
To donate or learn more, email the Advocates of Love team at info@advocatesoflove.org.
