1 person found this review helpful
PROJECT ESPERANZA
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January 17, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
I had the opportunity to work with Project Esperanza in the English Immersion Summer Camp known as "Cambia Mis Estrellas" over the course of 3 weeks in the summer of 2012. The Camp served both Dominican and Haitian children (most of whom were also born in the DR). As an experienced teacher, I can say that the work was challenging but rewarding and I met some great people who were volunteering and some wonderful Haitians/Dominicans as well. I think they could use more help structuring the camp from teachers who have experience teaching ESL and languages to diverse populations. I saw first hand the difficult but excellent work that PE and especially Caitlin (the President) have been doing in the Puerto Plata area of the Dominican Republic. Moreover, I can attest that Caitlin "walks the walk"...she lives a simple life (by most American standards) with her family and devotes incredible time and energy and her own funds to the project...she seems to live and breathe Project Esperanza and I admire her courage and work. Although there may be larger organizations who make a bigger impact in different ways, there is no doubt that any money donated to PE will not be used unwisely and will make a difference in the lives of some wonderful, bright children. I loved my experience and highly recommend Project Esperanza to those who are looking to donate money or lend a hand.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Some
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
2 people found this review helpful
November 16, 2012
2 people found this review helpful
I spent two weeks of the summer volunteering in the Dominican Republic, mostly working with kids, & it was one the best experiences of my life. I've been a part of numerous volunteering & mission trips, & not that any of them were bad, but this one exceeded my expectations. Caitlin, the director, is inspiring & has a huge heart that shines. I loved having free time where I got to really enjoy the culture along with time teaching & playing with kids. It was a perfect balance. I'm planning to return again & hope to see this organization flourish! It was a genuine experience that taught me things I probably would have never learned living in the US.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
2 people found this review helpful
November 8, 2012
2 people found this review helpful
I volunteered this summer for 3 weeks working in the Cambria mis Estrellas program, which teaches english to some of the kiddos Caitlin knows. I had a great time but the most impressive part of the program was Caitlin as a person. She is powerful and amazing. She is a world changer and an inspiration to be around. She has the most genuine and honest intentions at heart. You will not find a program director with more integrity and honesty than Caitlin.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Likely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Some
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
2 people found this review helpful
November 6, 2012
2 people found this review helpful
I recently heard Caitlin speak in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. I was very impressed with her degree of commitment, but most of all with her level of understanding and acknowledgement of the power relationships that exist in development projects between developed and developing countries, and of the impacts of international tourism. I think that kind of humble attitude is absolutely essential for long term positive impact of non profit development organizations, and an issue that is so often not addressed or acknowledged. Their strong networking and partnering with local groups and individuals will also ensure more sensitive and sustained impacts. I also enjoyed learning a lot about the history of the Dominican Republic and Haiti and about the cultural relationships between those two countries. Definitely an organization I hope and believe will continue great work!
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
2 people found this review helpful
October 31, 2012
2 people found this review helpful
As a student at Virginia Tech, I participated briefly with this organization before they branched out and turned their student run organization into a full blown non-profit organization to better serve their community, here and abroad. They are exemplary people doing exemplary work to give children with no means the means to become educated and live better lives. With only one motivation--to help children who have nothing to one day have something--this organization stands among the best.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2006
2 people found this review helpful
October 31, 2012
2 people found this review helpful
Project Esperanza is an amazing non-profit and it is all because of the ambitious and optimistic leader. Caitlin McHale's willingness to help the youth of Puerto Plata and surrounding areas is so infectious. She continuously gives to youth of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and portrays so much drive and ambition. The basis of this organization is education, friendship and faith. The students love this organization and volunteers always benefit from interactions and their ability to truly make a difference. Personally, this organization provided the opportunity to give to the community and provide education to students with a true desire to learn.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2007
1 person found this review helpful
October 27, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
My first experience with Project Esperanza and it`s director Caitlin McHale was in 2010. I was in Puerto Plata and had met with several different groups on this trip, hoping to find one that I would want to continue working with. I knew immediately that Project Esperanza was the group for me. Caitlin was refreshingly honest when telling of the organizations work. She is commited in a way that is rarely seen, living among the people she is working so hard to help. We visited several of the organizations projects including the two grassroots schools, a community garden and a community center/ art shop. We stopped by the boy`s home ( for street kids) so that I could see it but did not go in, Caitlin has the utmost respect for the boys privacy and the sensitive situation they are in....I went home and remained in constant contact with Caitlin. The more I spoke with her and heard about Project Esperanza the more I knew that I wanted to focus on helping with this group. I became a monthly sponsor and eventually volunteered to be the sponsor coordinator and then later I also became a student sponsor. I have been back to Puerto Plata three times since that trip and have spent most of my vacation time volunteering with Project Esperanza. My family, including my children (19 and 9 years old) have both gone along with me and I believe that this experience has taught them more than any class in school. My older son has even decided to take an International Development course in University because of his experience with Project Esperanza. The work that Project Esperanza does is real....it is done solely for the betterment of the lives of the people they work with. Esperanza means hope and Project Esperanza is bringing hope to those who have had little in the past.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
2 people found this review helpful
October 26, 2012
2 people found this review helpful
I first learned about Project Esperanza when its Director, Caitlin, worked for me part time in Puerto Plata. She was earning money for the project. She is conscientious and very competent and did outstanding work. I also came to know her family and some of the kids she is helping. In terms of "bang for the buck" you can't do better for charity giving. She helps Haitian kids who previously were living on the street being exploited by adults and -- at best -- ignored by the Dominican government. She and her family live simply and she is tireless in helping her kids, trying to get them treated fairly, and giving them a better and lasting chance in life through education. I've since moved back to the USA and count my blessings every day for being born in a country with 24x7 electricity, streets without yawning uncovered man-holes, and the rule of law. Help Project Esperanza early and often and as much as you can.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
2 people found this review helpful
October 24, 2012
2 people found this review helpful
Project Esperanza touched me personally and I think about the organization very often. It has changed my outlook on life and humbled me in a huge way. The organization's Director is completely selfless, driven, positive, and determined to make a difference in the Dominican Republic community as well as to increase awareness for needs in other communities. I feel that the organization is doing God's work. Through this organization, we are able to see God's children helping one another. How amazing and encouraging to think that I can make such a difference in someone's life by sponsoring a student or becoming a monthly sponsor. I look forward to being continually involved in Project Esperanza and hopeful that we'll see the organization continue to grow and do great things!
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Likely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
2 people found this review helpful
October 24, 2012
2 people found this review helpful
This in an excellent organization that strives to meet the needs of so many in the Dominican Republic, from Haitian children working on the streets to struggling single mothers to handicapped babies. The director of Project Esperanza has sacrificed so much for others and needs support in order help the many hurting individuals who come across her path.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
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