Gender Equality Dominican Republic Project #36639

Empower 15 women as leaders, Improve health of 600

by GRACE Cares, Inc.

Project Report | Jun 26, 2026
Project Hearts Update! Community Health Leadership

By Rebecca Goins | Global Engagement & Development Manager

Fiordelis helping students make bracelets

Since 2014, Project Hearts has trained 103 Community Health Leaders. These have primarily been women from Baitoa and surrounding communities who serve as the first point of health education and support for their neighbors. hese are not volunteers who show up once. They stay, they show up, and they bring the team with them. Here are some specific examples of community health leader graduates still making waves in the community:

After graduating from the communit health leader program, Fiordelis recently joined the Project Hearts team at a local elementary school to spend time with a group of volunteers and help students make bracelets.

Another graduate, Betty, regularly invites the team into her community school to deliver health education sessions directly to children.

Maritza, who runs a small neighborhood store, collects water tank payments on behalf of community members who are at work when the team passes through. Think of a practical solution that keeps families enrolled in the clean water program regardless of their work schedules.

The ripple effect of all 100+ trained leaders is unquantifiable, but here are some examples of what it looks like in practice: graduates who are still showing up, still bringing people in, and still finding ways to make the program work for their community long after their cohort ends.

Our next cohort is expected to begin in June 2026, with a goal of 10 new graduates. Seven women have already confirmed. Your support funds the transportation, training materials, and medical equipment that make it possible for each new leader to complete their training and serve effectively. Please consider supporting Project Hearts, or click the links below to learn more about their updates.

With gratitude,

GRACE Cares

Maritza collecting water tank payments

Betty delivering a health education session

Links:

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Feb 26, 2026
Project Update: Community Health Leadership Impact

By Rebecca Goins | Global Engagement & Development Manager

Project Hearts Community Health Program Cohort

Because of your support, Project Hearts’ Community Health Leadership (CHL) Program continues to strengthen health access and women’s leadership across Baitoa and surrounding communities.

Since our last update, the 12th CHL cohort successfully graduated: adding 8 new leaders (7 women and 1 man) and bringing the total to 105 trained Community Health Leaders serving Baitoa and neighboring areas.

2025 Impact Highlights

565 adults, teens, and children received life-changing health education
172 youth learned how to care for their mental and physical wellbeing
39 community presentations delivered across 9 communities
22 essential health topics taught, including chronic illness prevention, hygiene, reproductive health, and mental health
100% of CHL students reported personal and health improvements

Each graduate commits to serving voluntarily - checking blood pressure, administering insulin injections, educating families on disease prevention, and guiding neighbors toward safer health decisions. In a region where healthcare infrastructure is weak and many residents cannot afford hospital visits, these leaders often become the first line of care.

The ripple effect is real: graduates share each lesson with multiple families, expanding impact far beyond the classroom. Schools and churches are increasingly requesting workshops, recognizing Project Hearts as a trusted local resource.

Why Continued Support Matters

Despite this measurable impact, the program continues to operate with limited, inconsistent funding. Transportation for participants, training materials, medical equipment (like blood pressure cuffs), and workshop outreach all require steady investment.

We are just $4,095 away from fully funding this project.

Your gift today will:

Cover transportation so women can attend training without financial barriers
Provide medical tools that graduates use to serve their neighbors
Sustain workshops reaching hundreds more families

Your support over the years empowering 105 women has transformed an entire community. Will you help us close the gap and fully fund the next chapter of health leadership in Baitoa?

Thank you for believing in women and men as the drivers of lasting change in their own communities.

Community Hospital in Baitoa

Project Hearts Community Health Learner

Links:

Project Hearts' page on GRACE Cares

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Nov 1, 2025
Project Update: Advancing Care in Baitoa

By Rebecca R Goins | Global Engagement & Development Manager

Project Hearts Community Health Program

Thanks to your continued support, our 12th cohort of Community Health Leaders in Baitoa is nearing graduation and their impact is already being felt across the community.

Progress & Training Milestones

Despite a class being cancelled due to Hurricane Melissa precautions, the cohort remains on track. Four practical classes remain, each designed to equip participants with skills that directly improve health access:

(1) Injection administration:
Students will learn how to safely give injections, including insulin — eliminating the costly need for hospital visits for neighbors managing diabetes.
(2) Blood pressure monitoring:
Leaders will learn to assess hypertension risk and identify when someone needs urgent medical attention — a skill that has previously prevented life-threatening emergencies in the community.
(3&4) Comprehensive course review & final exam:
Ensuring graduates are confident and prepared to serve as trusted volunteer health resources in their neighborhoods.

Commitment to Service

Community Health Leaders in this program pledge to provide guidance and support to their communities without charging for their services, reinforcing our mission of community-driven, equitable healthcare.

As a gesture of appreciation for their dedication, each participant will receive a small “thank-you” gift during the final class and a group dinner.

Graduation Ahead

We anticipate holding the graduation ceremony in early December at a local restaurant — a special celebration recognizing the group’s hard work and leadership.

Your Impact

Your generosity continues to turn education into action. With every new cohort trained, health knowledge grows stronger in Baitoa household by household. These leaders become the first point of support when crises arise, helping neighbors make informed decisions that can save lives.

Thank you for your support in making health equity a reality in Baitoa.

Links:

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