Thrive in Joy in the Dominican Republic

When Nick was 13 years-old, he recruited his Little League teammates to collect equipment to send to kids in the Dominican Republic. No one could have foreseen how this act of kindness would spark a movement improving the living conditions for over 450 vulnerable children and their families in the DR.

Just months after Nick’s passing, his parents, Mary and Jay, joined a service trip to the Dominican Republic, a trip that Mary had always planned to take with Nick. They thought it was a one-time tribute to Nick. However, since 2014, over 130 volunteers from the U.S. have traveled to the DR with Thrive in Joy to bring their love to the children the Foundation serves in partnership with VisionTrust Dominicana and Casa Misionera. Today, TJNFF remains deeply connected to the Tia Tatiana school community in Herrera, the Remar Orphanage, and families in need in the Nagua community.

Our work at Tia Tatiana, a school for 400 students in one of the most underserved neighborhoods of Santo Domingo, has included:

• Installing a computer lab

• Refurbishing 10 classrooms, including desks and school supplies

• Renovating the school kitchen and installing a commercial grade equipment

• Renovating the gym with new basketball backboards, nets, and volleyball net

The Remar Orphanage, located outside of the city of Santo Domingo, serves approximately 80 children and young adults ages 4 through 18. Our work has included:

• Excavating land for a play field

• Facility repairs throughout the property

• Constructing a brand new commercial kitchen and communal dining area

In the community of Nagua, located approximately two hours north of Santo Domingo, our work has included:

• Repairing homes damaged by the 2022 hurricane

• Replacing household items destroyed by the hurricane (mattresses, stoves, etc.)

• Providing monthly food delivery to families in need