Our mission to construct a new school house in the Dominican

My newest Build Mission!

Support my mission alongside Hhart, to construct a new school house in Batey Cangrejo.

The Dominican Republic, the place who stole my heart. I had the privilege of participating in several mission trips to the DR since November of 2023.

November of 2023, I joined both builders for change and live different in a build project in puerto plata. Within a week, we were able to complete three separate house projects for families deserving and celebrated with a community day in their homes. We were included the first time they experienced their space, the safety it brings by simply bringing them in from the rain.

I was reminded of how powerful a group of people with the same vision can be. We were a group of Managers whom set aside our Management titles that define us back home and worked together no matter the tasks to accomplish our goal, with success.

Returning in January 2024 with Hhart, led by Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Wasaga Beach our mission was to improve the lives of poor and disadvantaged people (primarily of Haitian heritage) living near Puerto Plata and Dominican Republic by providing humanitarian assistance.

My role, along side our team, was to covert a decrepit building into a safe environment for young children to come after school and continue learning, which we accomplished. More importantly my role was to engage in the community and not only get to know but get to understand its people. To make lasting friendships and bonds that will never be broken. As they say Relationships before tasks.

I am always asked what did you do for the people of Dominican. My answer is always the same, not nearly as much as they did for me.

These experiences changed me. They made me value my skills set and reminded me to slow down. They made me open up and see the world differently, to see all the opportunities there are and to many different people whom matter to me.

I met people that have changed my life. People who showed me that things don’t matter, that having faith in something, a purpose, matters more. I met people whom in our culture would be considered to have nothing, willing to give me their last cup of coffee to make me feel wanted. I met children who are welcoming and just wanting to be shown love and compassion. I made friends whom I can’t imagine now not having. Hardworking individuals who are amazing people and currently shaping me into a better person.

I am forever grateful and I find myself continuing with these missions not for me but for them. Being given the opportunity to return and assist in such an important project that will only positively impact the future of young children around the world, leaves me speechless.

Any amount of donation is much appreciated and will go towards facilitating my trip to and from the Dr as well as to the build directly. I will be working along side the Hhart team, providing Engineering assistance, physical labour during construction and overall design contribution. Our build team will be providing updates on our social platforms for you to tag along in real time.

Follow: Jocelyn Kent & Alair Homes Orillia on instagram for more!