Comunidad Connect

Since 2024, 83 families in Nicaragua have a new bathroom through Comunidad Connect’s Baños For Good initiative.

That means safer, healthier, more dignified living conditions for 83 families, and more are on the way.

This work is possible because of the generous donors who believe that something as basic as a safe and sanitary bathroom can make a meaningful difference in a family’s life. We thank you!

This summer, Valerie Duhamel joined us through Clemson University’s Landscape Architecture program for an 11-week internship in Puerto Plata. Her reflection captures so much of what we hope students take away from their time with our communities and partners.

Thank you, Valerie, for sharing your experience, and for spending part of your summer with us!

Valerie’s reflection:

Some of the best learning happens when you step completely outside of what you know.

For 11 weeks this summer, I had the opportunity to intern with Comunidad Connect, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting underrepresented communities in and around Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

My days looked a little different every week - I guided student groups through home visits and home modifications, practiced Spanish daily while working alongside local communities and living with my host family, participated in land surveys, learned firsthand how a nonprofit operates, and ultimately developed a comprehensive landscape design package for the Board of Directors and potential investors.

This summer reinforced how much I value stepping into unfamiliar environments, learning directly from the people around me, and using design as a tool to support communities in meaningful ways.

Very grateful to Comunidad Connect and everyone in Puerto Plata who welcomed me, taught me, challenged me, and made this summer one I won’t forget.

Together for Health Spotlight:

Meet Rogelio, a longtime participant in our Together for Health program in Nicaragua.

At 72, Rogelio manages ongoing health challenges that require regular medical care, medications, and follow-up appointments.

Rogelio has been a longtime supporter of Comunidad Connect's work and a valued part of our relationship with the community of Los Robles. Six years ago, he became a participant in Together for Health, receiving monthly medications and support with transportation to medical appointments.

Despite some mobility challenges, Rogelio stays active however he can, helping his wife bake bread and tending to his grafted guava trees.

Thank you to everyone who helps Comunidad Connect be there for families when they need it most.

You are invited to two special events this fall!!

Salsa on the Square | September 19 | 4:00–10:30 PM | Downtown Decatur, Georgia

We are back in Decatur Square to celebrate with live Latin music, dance lessons and presentations, food, art, and crafts from across Latin America. Stop by the Comunidad Connect booth, say hello, and grab some merch from your favorite nonprofit! With over 4,000 people attending last year, don't miss out on Salsa on the Square!

Comunidad Connect 20th Anniversary Benefit Show | November 21 | The Avon Theater, Avondale Estates

Join us for a benefit concert celebrating two decades of social impact with the people and partners who made it possible. It’s a special night to look back at where we’ve been, celebrate what we’ve accomplished together, and look ahead to what’s next!

More information is coming soon about reserved seating, our live music lineup, and special guests.

Save the dates; we hope to see you this fall!

We’re excited to welcome Otniel De León as the new Director of Deaf Connections in the Dominican Republic.

With more than two decades of experience working alongside the Deaf community, Otniel brings a unique combination of experience in education, technology, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting, and advocacy to this growing initiative.

As we continue developing Deaf Connections, Otniel will help us build new opportunities for Deaf individuals and their families, working to break down communication barriers and expand access to education, employment, sports, and community life.

We’re excited about what’s ahead and look forward to sharing more about Otniel, his journey, and the vision for Deaf Connections in the coming weeks.

Welcome to the team, Otniel!
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Nos alegra mucho darle la bienvenida a Otniel l De León como nuevo Director de Conexiones Sordas en República Dominicana.

Con más de dos décadas de experiencia trabajando junto a la comunidad sorda, Otniel aporta una combinación única de experiencia en educación, tecnología, interpretación de Lengua de Señas Americana (ASL) y promoción de la inclusión.

Mientras seguimos desarrollando Conexiones Sordas, Otniel nos ayudará a crear nuevas oportunidades para las personas sordas y sus familias, trabajando para eliminar las barreras de comunicación y ampliar el acceso a la educación, el empleo, los deportes y la participación comunitaria.

Estamos muy entusiasmados con lo que viene y esperamos compartir más sobre Otniel, su trayectoria y el trabajo de Conexiones Sordas en las próximas semanas.

¡Bienvenido al equipo, Otniel!

Together for Health Spotlight:

Meet Juan Carlos, a longtime participant in Comunidad Connect's Together for Health program.

Juan Carlos has lived with cerebral palsy and epilepsy since childhood. Today, at 36 years old, he requires daily support from his mother, who has been his constant caregiver throughout his life. For years, accessing specialized care and medications was a challenge for their family.

Since joining Together for Health in 2012, Juan Carlos has received consistent medical support, including monthly medications and in-home medical visits that have helped him maintain his health and quality of life.

For more than a decade, Together for Health has walked alongside Juan Carlos and his family, ensuring they continue to receive the care and support they need.

Thank you to everyone who makes stories like Juan Carlos's possible. Your support is helping children and families across Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic access the care they deserve.

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." — Arthur Ashe

Thank you for being part of our community. Every act of kindness, every partnership, and every step forward helps create lasting change.

Wishing you a happy Wednesday and thank you for being part of the journey.

We're excited to welcome Inter Campus back to Nicaragua for its annual visit through our Youth Connections program!

is the global social responsibility program of Inter Milan, using the game of soccer to promote inclusion, education, and personal development for children around the world.

Our collaboration in San Juan del Sur is active year-round, with local coaches leading regular training sessions for children in the community. This annual visit gives the Inter Campus team the opportunity to work alongside our coaches and players, monitor the program's progress, provide training for local coaches and youth participants, and continue strengthening a program that's making a lasting impact.

Through this partnership, children gain much more than soccer skills, they build confidence, teamwork, discipline, and friendships that extend far beyond the field.

Thank you, Inter Campus, for believing in the power of sport to create opportunity. Here's to another year of learning, growing, and playing together.

⚽ Did you know? Inter Milan are the 2026 Serie A champions!

Together for Health Spotlight:

Meet Alicia, an 8-month-old who joined Comunidad Connect's Together for Health program earlier this year.

Before Alicia was born, doctors diagnosed her with hydrocephalus and other complex medical conditions that required specialized care immediately after birth. She spent her first two months in the hospital and continues to receive ongoing care from pediatric specialists and therapists.

Since joining Together for Health in January 2026, Alicia's family has received support for essential medical appointments, specialized formula, and the follow-up care she needs as she grows.

Her parents remain hopeful for her future and are committed to giving her every opportunity to thrive.

Thank you to everyone who makes stories like Alicia's possible. Your support is helping children and families across Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic access the care they deserve.