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 school restrooms
Establishing a free-standing pre-school that serves 90 students
Providing monthly food delivery to families in need

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
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

Our Program Partners

Thrive in Joy has been a part of USC Caruso Catholic Center’s Alternative Spring Break program, with up to 15 students joining our annual March trip to the DR. The program is open to all USC students. After joining a Thrive in Joy mission trip, students have served as interns and volunteers for Thrive in Joy projects in the U.S. Elizabeth Rojas, a three-time trip team member, now serves on our Board of Directors.

Thrive in Joy works closely with VisionTrust to provide for the needs of the children and young adults who attend Tia Tatiana school in the Herrera community, one of the most underserved sections of Santo Domingo. VisionTrust manages several programs in the DR. focusing on the education, health, and spiritual development of vulnerable children.

In partnership with Casa Misionera, Thrive in Joy identifies and responds to needs of vulnerable children and their families with a focus on the communities of Herrera and Nagua where the majority of the population lives below the poverty level. Casa Misionera is a leadership program for young adults in the DR. who wish to serve their communities and grow in their faith while pursuing their educational goals.

Our Funding Partners

The LB Charitable Foundation has provided funds for the completion of the new Tia Tatiana preschool classrooms serving 90 children and the installation of a commercial kitchen at the Remar Orphanage serving 65 children and
staff. Additional support has provided over 720 meals and household supplies for families in need.

RetailROI raises awareness and provides real solutions for the more than 400 million vulnerable children worldwide. Through the support of RetailROI, Thrive in Joy has been able to improve the quality of life for over 650 children at Tia Tatiana school and the Remar Orphanage through facility upgrades and support of Tia Tatiana preschool operations.

Our June 2024 Trip

Our March 2023 Trip