Project Las Americas

I had the honor and pleasure of traveling with a student group from the University of Maryland to DR to work with Project Las Americas. We enjoyed learning about the multidimensional projects that PLA has invested in, from water filtration for better health to women's empowerment and reading programs for a better educated community. Thank you for allowing us to join us in your great work! It was clear that your PLA leaders are passionate about serving their communities and ensuring a brighter future for all.

I have been a donor for nearly 10 years. Very much admire the methods Project Las Americas takes in their programs. The design and execution of the safe water interventions is unprecedented in sustainability, the BioSand filters are great in longevity, but the trick is awareness to the point of acceptance. The education of community leaders that then pass on their knowledge to their communities is a fascinating approach as it becomes an inside intervention. I applaud their stewardship of funds to produce low cost, high impact projects and the additional focus on education and empowerment. The women’s group and their little sisters clubs have so much potential for change. Keep up the great work look forward to collaborating with you again!

Have had the good fortune to visit and see education and water projects for several years now. I like the fact that the officers and directors receive no compensation nor expenses from donations. They run efficient high impact low cost social programs and do so in a very humble way. There are bigger guys but have not come by anyone as trustworthy and community connected. Great Job Bob and Crew!

Excelente .
Project las Américas es una institucion totalmente confiable, trabajando siempre por el cresimiento y desarrollo comunitario, basado en la educacion y ayudar a niños de escaso recurso, sin dudas formaria parte de este gran projecto.
Y de tener la oportunidad de ayudar a muchos niños que estan en riesgo....

My experience with PLA was during my Peace Corps service in the DR and it was nothing short of fantastic. With PLA's help, I was able to secure over 60 concrete bio sand filters to distribute throughout the communities within I work. PLA partnered with myself and a local NGO, Agrega tu Luz to execute an educational campaign about these filters in impoverished communities along the Haitian-Dominican border. We ended up distributing filters throughout 5 communities. Additionally, I helped promote the bio sand filters across the country resulting in several other Peace Corps Volunteers implementing bio sand filter projects in their communities as well. Project Las Americas was professional, prompt, and courteous throughout the process. They are an excellent organization to work with.

I have been aware of Project Las Americas for almost 3 years and directly involved for the last two. PLA is deeply engaged in the community and has an ability to ferret out projects that benefit not only from monetary stimulus, but projects where the affected parties become actively engaged as well. It is like compounding any donation 10X. Our Rotary Club has committed to continuing support over the next several years because of PLA's solid leadership and its commitment to the people of the Dominican Republic and in particular the Province of Puerto Plata. Any Service Club or NGO should be proud to affiliate with this organization

Our Dominican team from our Rotary Club has been going to Puerto Plata for the past four years visiting water projects that we have helped sponsor thru Project Las Amerricas. PLA and Bob Hildreth has always done what they said they were going to do and the projects have have been supervised and watched to completion. Our club wholeheartedly supports PLA's efforts and we are planning on contributing more funds for the next three years! It is an excellent non-profit to work with!

I have been associated with PLA for the past two years and find the organization without peer in its dedication to the children and adults in Puerto Plata. As a Rotarian and active member of WASRAG (Water and Sanitation Rotary Action Group) PLA has been a leader in providing education to the residents of Puerto Plata in the need for available and safe water.

PLA's commitment to literacy and education is outstanding and deserves support from charities and NGOs in its pursuit of opportunities to better educate the children and adults of the province.

I have been supportiung project las americanas for 7 years and last year decided I wanted to go down to see what the operation was first hand. Bob met me at the airport and drove me around for the next few days showing all of the projects he was involved with. Introducing me to those who were taking their ideas and making them realities, with Bobs help. I was impressed with how Bob would help take an idea that just needed a little help and give it a lift up to the next level. He took an approach of engaging the community around the project, getting their direct involvement. The thinking was a community that really believes in something will have a larger impact than just providing money. Empowerment over charity. Education and clean water has been his emphasis since I have known about the group. I was fortunate enough to then take another trip with him to the school in Haiti. The needs there are enormous but with his steady hand I am confident that Bob and Caliph will have an impact on that village for many years.

Yo he sido beneficiada gracias a los proyecto de esta organización, soy parte de un proyecto de chicas emprendedoras, Nuevos Horizontes, he tenido aquí la oportunidad de desarrollarme como líder y tener los conocimientos necesarios para iniciar mi propio negocio, he sido capacitada profesionalmente y como parte de una sociedad colaboro con un grupo de adolescentes de mi comunidad, orientándolas para que puedan terminar sus estudios y superen las condiciones de abuso vividas en su niñez, también he podido llevar cursos técnicos a las mujeres de mi comunidad para que puedan tener herramientas para mantener sus hijos, recibo una beca universitaria y una colaboración para los proyectos con mi grupo de hermanitas, Adolescentes en alto riesgo,
Gracias a PLA puedo sentirme segura en mi desarrollo y el de mi comunidad.

I am a current Peace Corps volunteer working in a rural mountain community. Through the support of PLA, I attended a free of charge training on the method, install and use of biosand filters. In the fall of 2014, myself and key community contacts, installed 50 water filters providing a simple long lasting source of clean drinking water to 222 direct beneficiaries. The project was such a resounding success that a second installation is planned. With funding for Friends of the DR, and fund matching by PLA, we plan to install 60 more filters, including local schools. It has been nothing but a pleasure to work with Bob and PLA.

I am a Peace Corps Volunteer working a with a small cacao producers association. The small, rural community was interested in a water filter project. I was put in contact with PLA and immediately invited to a training for Biosand Water Filter projects. During the course of the project I was assisted by PLA and received a visit where they helped with some installations. In total, 57 filters were installed with 225 direct beneficiaries that now have a clean, long lasting water source. The community is extremely pleased with the quality of the filters and their ease of use. It was a pleasure working with PLA.

I'm a Peace Corps volunteer currently building a community technology center on the Haitian-Dominican border, Since this center is being built in a very rural area, a lot of infrastructure had to be installed including a 100 ft tower, inverters, and a radio equipment. Project Las Americas was VERY helpful in setting up a matching grant program where half the money I raised would be matched. This project definitely couldn't have been done without PLA's support. Additionally, this organization played an important role helping me obtain hundreds of biosand water filters in the middle of a cholera scare.

I am very pleased to have been able to work with PLA!!

I am new to the volunteer position, and I was new to traveling outside of the United States. I will say that this organization was very helpful in getting me oriented in the Dominican Republic. This organization has a good idea about empowering the community and not just coming in and just building a house and being done with it. Robert Hildreth was a great help and learning the history of how he started up the business was inspiring to me and changed the way I view life and the importance of my education. I really enjoyed the fact that this organization works with local organizations such as the one started by Sandra Tineo to aid the community of Nuevo Renacer, also previously known as Aguas Negras. I didn't do much outside of Puerto Plata in the barrio Nuevo Renacer but it was definitely an experience and I would not change anything about it because the work that is done within the community I think has been changing not only the well-being of the community but also the mindset of people. I don't know how much of an influence that I made during my time there but I know that I hope to come back one day because the community there on the outskirts of Puerto Plata deserves it. Also I had learned much about NGOs and non-profits but in my own opinion I think the work that is being done not just "for" the community but "with" the community is amazing and I hope I will get a chance to work with them again. Also in this video you can see and hear a better description of the conditions and some of the work done by Sandra Tineo with the help of Project Las Americas. I watched this video and it surprised me how much had changed and it had only been a year. I didn't make the video this is another person's video and I am only adding it to give a perspective on where I volunteered

I have been associated with Project Las Americas since 2003 both as a board member and volunteer. The opportunity to help others and see changes is the most rewarding thing one can do in life. The spontaneous smile from an unsuspecting child is the greatest payment one may ever receive. Having had the opportunity to work with disabled children, safe water projects, deaf children, and the elderly and community development has changed my life and the way I see it.

PLA has worked with Tears 2 Smiles since 2011 in our education projects in Sosua, Dominican Republic. They provided funds to construct our church and schools. With their assistance we provide poor Haitian and Dominican children education and a feeding program. PLA continues to provide the necessary resources to pay our teachers and purchase food. This year we have expanded to opened a school in Trou-Louis Jeune, La Gonave, Haiti, the school is the first and only school to operate in my home village in almost 3 years. These projects are now serving 165 children in Haiti and 173 children in the Dominican Republic. Blessings to those who contribute to my community.

For more than 4 years I worked day by day with PLA. From literacy projects to boys and girls club, school supplies, sewing classes for women, medical projects, empower community organization, Safe water projects. etc.
I can say each project is done with total financial transparency, respect , ethic and love. Hard work, effort, and always believing in a positive impact and change in individuals and communities. During my time as part of PLA, I saw many people inspired by Bod Hildreth's work coming year after year to the Dominican Republic to help in the projects, and be part of amazing changes in communities.
Definitely, for me it was an honor to have been part of those changes too, and have worked closely with Bob. Those 4 years marked a before and after in my life.

Tuve el inmenso placer de trabajar con Bob Hildreth y Project Las Américas por dos años. Solo me queda decir que PLA es una institución que realmente trabaja SIN fines de lucro y con todo el deseo de beneficiar a los más pobres no solo de la zona de Puerto Plata en República Dominicana, sino en cualquier lugar del país a los que se les solicite ayuda para comunidades o grupos necesitados. Estuve trabajando con el Proyecto de Filtros Bioarena y la cantidad de comunidades completas beneficiadas con estos, son innumerables. Además de contar con el apoyo de este tremendo profesional y ser humano que ha adoptado a toda un área inmensa de la provincia de Puerto Plata como suya. No tengo como agradecer las enseñanzas y apoyo recibido del señor Bob Hildreth durante el tiempo que tuve la oportunidad de trabajar con él. Dios bendiga a PLA!

HAVE BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECTS LAS AMERICAS FOR SEVERAL YEARS. THE DIFFERENCE IS THERE IS ZERO ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE. YES, ZERO.
HAVE WORKED WITH THEIR WATER PROJECTS, BUILT A COMMUNITY CISTERN, PROVIDED AID TO MORE THAN FIFTEEN STUDENTS ATTENDING THE UNIVERSITY, PROVIDED TRANSPORTATION TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO HUNDRES OF YOUTHS, BUILT HOUSES, PUT ROOFS ON ONE COMPLETE COMMUNITY AND MANY OTHER WORTH WHILE ENDEAVORS. ALL DONE WITHOUT EXPENSING PLA. THEY DO NOT PAY ANY OF THE VOLUNTEERS. A REALLY FINE ORGANIZATION. A LATE FRIEND FROM MISSOURI WAS SO IMPRESSED, HE LEFT A TRUST TO PROVIDE FUNDS TO PLA FOR EVER. BEST CHARITY I KNOW OF,
ANY WHERE, ANY TIME

I am a currently-serving Peace Corps education volunteer in a poor barrio of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. PLA's support (both financially and organizationally) has been absolutely critical to the success of my project. With their help, I have constructed and stocked a library, established a childhood literacy program amongst the local youth, and organized and run a teacher-training conference. They also are the principal source of funds for one of the elementary-level schools I work with, and have provided school supplies, computers, and the actual school building. In my personal dealings with the staff, they have always been professional, well-organized, responsible, friendly, and honest. Thanks to PLA, the children of our barrio have a chance at bettering their lives that they never would have had otherwise.

I first became acquainted with Project Las Americas and Bob Hildreth in 2004 on my first trip to the Dominican Republic with the Rotary District 6360 Children’s Safe Water Project. Since that time our Michigan-based Project has partnered with PLA and Bob on a number of projects and matching grants in several areas. My wife and I have made numerous trips to the DR to review project work, and have found Bob’s approach to helping people to find ways to change their life situations to be realistic and very successful. Everything done has been very transparent and truly oriented to what the recipients determine that they need and want. Bob’s ability to get people to take ownership for their own solutions is very refreshing.

We have made several personal contributions to PLA for specific projects, and my wife and I have found that we would trust Bob Hildreth with our personal checkbooks. As a District Governor for Rotary this year, I am helping to get several Clubs aligned with PLA so that they can undertake “signature” international projects in the DR specific to their members’ particular interests. I have no reservations about recommending PLA and Bob Hildreth to anyone looking for a partner in humanitarian projects, or considering a donation to PLA.

I worked with Project Las Americas throughout my time as a Peace Corps Volunteer (2009-2013). Of all the organizations I worked with PLA was my favorite. They were instrumental in helping me get funding for my two water projects and water filters and amazing to work with. I also help set up connections between PLA and other Peace Corps volunteers that got several other water projects funded and completed.

We met Bob through Rotary volunteer work in the Dominican Republic in 2001.. We have been involved in many grants together to advance safe water. Over the years we have helped with funding for a variety of projects beyond safe water. Project Las Americas approaches their work by finding a need and working together with the people to plan for and implement a solution to the need. Empowering people so they can improve their life circumstance and building community have been hallmarks of Project Las Americas. Their work under Bobs leadership is inspiring.

I have been associated with Project Las Americas since 2003 with the Children's Safe Water Project Featuring BioSand Water Filters, as well as other water projects, literacy projects, and many other social projects. The key person, Bob Hildreth is a very responsible person, providing very good reporting, Including photos of project for our communication with the Rotary Clubs in our Rotary District 6360 in Southwestern Michigan (USA). It is great to be able to fund and administer projects from a distance, knowing that the $$$ will be expended properly .

I was introduced to Project Las Americas when I joined Rotary in 2005. Our club has partnered with them and other Rotary clubs through out the US bringing clean water to communities, breakfast to children in schools, literacy projects, painting and other neighbor improvement projects all in the Dominican Republic. Project Las Americas has been our feet on the ground in the Dominican Republic.
Project Las Americas is all about helping others. Working with them and through them you know the funds are all being used to make the lives of others better. Thank you Project Las Americas.

After viewing the work of Project Las Americas several years ago through Rotary, my husband and I have continued to support Project Las Americas and the work that they are involved with. We are completely confident that all donations impact those in great need and done in such a way that is beneficial to all involved.

As a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic, Project Las Americas was pivotal in obtaining funds for my primary project: the construction of rainwater catchment systems for Dominican families living below the poverty line. PLA was quick to respond and offer assistance via telephone and/or email, a feat not easily achieved in a country with questionable cell phone service! Project Las Americas is making a tangible change in the Dominican Republic and doing so in a sustainable, ethical manner.

I along with other Rotarians from across Michigan have worked with Project Las Americas to identify homes without access to clean water, in the Dominican Republic and to support installation of water filters. I have also supported other projects, school improvement etc., with financial contributions for several years.