Our Work,
Rooted In Community
From healthcare to education, from gender equity to economic opportunity—our programs are designed to uplift, empower, and create lasting change in La Piedra and beyond.
Our Medical Clinic — UNAP La Piedra — was first built in 2011 and remodeled in 2019 to better serve our community. Today, it provides free healthcare to more than 1,700 families in La Piedra.
The clinic operates with just one physician, four nurses, and ten public health advisors, yet it remains the lifeline of the community. With no ambulance vehicles and only one two-story medical building, every resource is stretched thin — but the dedication of our staff ensures families continue to receive essential care both in our facility and during home visits.
Our Health Partners
Community Development
Empowering Growth,
One project at a time
We believe that strong communities are built from the ground up—through homes, parks, clean water, and shared spaces that bring people together. In La Piedra, our community development efforts focus on providing the essential infrastructure and opportunity needed to thrive.
Repaired and built 102 houses
Built 6 purifying mini water tanks/ aqueducts
Maintaining 1 family recreational park
Protecting 5 caves with underground water
Built 35 latrines in our buildings
"Now we have safe water, a park for our kids, and a community that keeps growing."
- Luis, La Piedra Resident
Community Education
Learning
Without Limits
Education is at the heart of long-term change. In La Piedra, we work to provide inclusive learning environments where Haitian and Dominican children, youth, and adults can grow together—regardless of background or nationality. From early childhood education to university partnerships, our goal is to unlock opportunity through access, equity, and empowerment.
Access & Opportunity
01
Scholarships
Financial aid for students pursuing secondary and higher education.
02
Internships
Hands-on work experience for real-world career development.
03
Gap Year Program
Purpose-driven service and leaning for recent graduates.
Skills & Training
01
Technical Training
Vocational and job-ready courses taught by local partners.
02
Dental Training Program
Skill-building for future oral health professionals.
03
Medical Mission Training
Health-focused service training for students and volunteers
04
Financial Literacy
Education in budgeting, entrepreneurship, and saving.
05
Leadership Development
Workshops in confidence, communication, and community building.
Early Learning & Community
UNIBE Business School
Collaboration agreement between the Ibero-American University (UNIBE) and the Guanin Cultural Center, Inc, which constitutes a declaration of intentions, whose purpose is to promote authentic relations of mutual benefit in terms of academic collaboration and integral human development articulated to the common good.
Existing Support
In the last Twenty years that we have worked with these isolated communities of resource-poor people, we have come to realize the necessity of seeking an international school where both Haitian and Dominican can assist without any different of nationality and colors.
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Number of existing teachers: 15
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Number of International scholarships provided each year: 8
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Technical training local partners: 2
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Number of existing educational facilities: 2
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Number of children who receive meals every day: 365
Support our education efforts
Community Sports
Building Confidence, Connection, and a Healthier Future
In La Piedra, access to sports isn’t just about play—it’s about belonging, well-being, and growth.
For many children and teens, the field is where friendships are built, leadership is learned, and dreams begin to form. Yet today, too many youth in our community lack the resources, equipment, and safe spaces to experience the benefits of organized sports.
We’re working to change that.
With your support, we can provide uniforms, balls, training spaces, and dedicated mentors to help children:
- Stay active and healthy
- Learn teamwork and discipline
- Build self-esteem and community pride
- Stay focused and off the streets
Socio-Economic Opportunity
We envision a world where the rural poor hold the power to create opportunity for themselves and others. At Guanín, we are developing pathways for sustainable jobs within the community, so that women and young people no longer feel forced to leave La Piedra for Santo Domingo or tourist destinations in search of work. By fostering local entrepreneurship and economic resilience, we aim to keep families together while building a stronger, more self-reliant community.
Co-Op Guanin
Co-op Guanin is our community-driven cooperative that supports local families—especially women entrepreneurs—by providing access to training, resources, and economic opportunities. From handcrafted goods to local produce, every item created through the co-op represents dignity, skill, and sustainable progress.
We're supported by our partners:
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Dr. Denise Pralle Dr. Denise Pralle Ph,D in medicine.
Gender Equality
The Youth Leadership Association (Asociación Jóvenes de la Piedra) is a grassroots movement formed by young people from La Piedra and neighboring communities. Led proudly by local women, this youth-driven initiative empowers emerging leaders from San Antonio de Guerra, La Caleta, and Boca Chica to create meaningful change in their communities.
Through mentorship, service, and solidarity, these young leaders are breaking down barriers, uplifting one another, and shaping a more equitable future for all.
Community of La Piedra:
A Place of Strength and Potential
La Piedra and its neighboring communities—Valiente, Boca Chica, and beyond—are home to resilient, vibrant people, including many of Haitian descent. While some families face barriers such as limited documentation or access to education and healthcare, the spirit of the community is one of perseverance and potential.
Youth in the area encounter complex challenges, including early pregnancies, health risks, and lack of opportunity—but they also represent the future of this region. With the right support systems, mentorship, and access to vital resources, these young people can break cycles of poverty and rise as leaders, role models, and changemakers.
At Guanin, we believe in building from the ground up—creating access to quality education, safe spaces for children and teens, youth leadership programs, and holistic health services that empower every generation. Together, we’re working to ensure every child has the chance to thrive.
Inclusion
Everyone belongs. We celebrate diversity and create spaces where every voice is heard, respected, and empowered to lead.
Equity
Fairness is foundational. We tailor support to meet people where they are—so everyone has a real chance to succeed.
Access
Opportunity should never be out of reach. We remove barriers and open doors to education, healthcare, and economic growth for all.