Reflections on the foundation's impact

On January 15, 2025, I took time to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made in the Dominican Republic with the Dominican Starfish Foundation. It is awe-inspiring to see how a small dream has grown into a powerful force for good, helping countless people in need.

Our journey began with the Maggiolo School, our first major project in 2012. Since then, we’ve expanded our efforts to provide homes, support education, and create a better future for the people in the community. We've completed over 250 homebuilding projects since 2013, including the beautiful home for Kate and her 20+ children in February 2024.

In 2017, we opened the Starfish Center, which serves as a community hub for humanitarian work. It provides accommodations for volunteers and is a base for ongoing support efforts. We are currently working towards completing the third level to expand its capacity for community events and learning.

Our efforts also include the Children’s Playground in Javillar, built in 2022, and the Youth Upliftment School, a project we began in 2020 and expanded in 2023. We are proud to support over 200 children there.

One of the most touching recent projects was the creation of a Women's Shelter and Girl's Orphanage, which started in April 2024. We are deeply committed to providing a safe haven for women and girls who are vulnerable to trafficking and abuse.

Additionally, we’ve made a significant impact in Loma de la Bestia, where Roxane Quaranta and Walt Lorgan’s support has enabled us to build an entire new community.

These initiatives represent just a few of the "7 Wonders" of our world here in the Dominican Republic. The progress we’ve made is a testament to the power of community, hope, and collective effort. We are grateful for the support of everyone who has helped make this possible.