Welcoming Three New Communities
Image by Sebastian Kowalski
We are thrilled to share a significant milestone in Community Empowerment’s history! After successfully implementing our sustainable model in Peralta and Villa Verde, we have expanded into three new communities in the Dominican Republic (DR) this year: Oregano Grande, La Victoria, and Rancho Arriba. Each of the three communities presents unique characteristics and challenges, backed by strong leadership.
These developments mark major advancements and growth for our impact in the DR. It’s an exciting step forward in our mission to increase access to quality, community-owned healthcare in chronically underserved communities.
Orégano Grande is geographically isolated behind the Yaque del Sur River, with agriculture serving as its primary economic activity. Residents have extremely limited access to education, transportation, and healthcare services. La Victoria, by contrast, has a stronger basis for community organization and greater access to transportation and educational opportunities. Meanwhile, Rancho Arriba stands out for the resilience of families relocated by natural disasters and for the strength of its community leadership despite significant transportation and infrastructure limitations.
Image by Sebastian Kowalski
Image by Sebastian Kowalski
Orégano Grande
Number of CE trips: 3*
Patients seen: 1,024*
Orégano Grande, located in Hato Nuevo Cortés, Las Yayas de Viajama in the province of Azua, is an agricultural community of 490 families. Since 2021, local leadership has been working on community development initiatives focused on peaceful coexistence.
The community has identified several urgent needs affecting daily life in Orégano Grande. The most pressing issue is a lack of government support. The residents do not have access to a healthcare facility nearby, making healthcare prohibitively expensive. Additionally, deteriorated roads and the unsafe and improvised bridge that connects the community to the municipality place residents at serious risk and limit transportation and communication, especially during rainy reason. Community members also highlighted the absence of recreational spaces for children and youth, reducing opportunities for sports and healthy social activities.
La Victoria
Number of CE trips: 2*
Patients seen: 880*
La Virgen, located in La Victoria, Santo Domingo Norte, is a community of approximately 2,000 residents and 479 homes. It was founded in 1997 by the Asociación de Campesinos Sin Tierra, a group of families seeking a safe place to establish permanent housing and stability for their children.
The community has identified the following needs: a health center with permanent access to medical services, paved roads, potable water, and recreational spaces for families and children. Although La Victoria has greater access to transportation, education, employment opportunities, and health services compared to the other communities, significant needs still remain.
RANCHO ARRIBA
La Vigía, located in Rancho Arriba, San José de Ocoa, is a community of approximately 1,200 residents. Many of its residents originally lived in mountainous areas but were relocated by the government after a major storm.
Community leaders and residents say that the lack of local healthcare services prevents consistent and accessible care. Transportation limitations and a perilous access road during rainy season makes traveling for care exceptionally difficult. Constructing a safe bridge to enter and exit the community during rainy seasons would significantly reduce risk.
The first primary care team is scheduled for July 2026 and scoping potential development projects is underway!
*Numbers accurate as of May 2026