1.
It’s a New
Year and
we expect
miracles!
Already
many good
things have
happened!

2.
Donations are on the move again.
11 travelers brought 27 bags of humanitarian items to the
Dominican Republic on January 9. Thanks to all! They are safely at
our Starfish Center ready for distribution in the communities.

3.
Dominican
Starfish
Foundation is in
the people
business. Our
motto is to
make a
difference to
“that one”, one
person, one
family, one
school class,
one
marginalized
group at a time.
We continue to support university students,
high school students and a sponsorship
program in the Youth Upliftment School.

4.
From an article called How “Does Hunger Affect Learning?” by
Alyssa Cogan, we read: “Hunger affects learning by curbing
a child’s physical development, inhibiting their ability to
focus and perform, and limiting their future achievements.”
We have several people donating
to support the Hot Lunch
Program at the Youth Upliftment
School. Included in our luggage
was over 100 pounds of peanut
butter. With 160 children
enrolled in the school it takes a
50 lb. bag of rice to provide lunch
for the children each day.

5.
We are looking for monthly donors to help with this
program. We also have 35 more students who need
sponsors.

6.
20 consultants from a
great company,
“Sweet Sheets”
headquartered in
Raymond, Alberta
visited bringing with
them many items for
donation. These
included 250 pounds
of sheets from the
company executives,
Tekarra Roach and
Keshia Larson.
Other donations from
the consultants included
hygiene packs, school
supplies and more.

7.
We asked Kate, the director of the school, to choose
someone to receive a set of sheets. Right away she chose
Agathe. Her daughter Julissa attends the school. Agathe
was taken out of a severely abusive situation and lives in a
tiny room with a curtain for a door. When Megan McKendry
heard of the situation, she raised the money to buy a new
door. Thanks to Megan and other donors.

8.
The Sweet Sheets group also delivered food packs in
the community of Javillar.

9.
Anywhere, layoffs are do
hard but for people who
literally have nothing, it’s
devastating. After many
years of faithful service,
Jesus lost his job. We
were able to raise funds
to send him on his way
to his next adventure,
looking after his sick and
aging mother in the
capital city. Thanks to
wonderful supporters
who make a difference
in so many ways!!

10.
Creating employment is another of our mandates. After
providing education for hair dressing and nail courses,
these ladies and others have permanent businesses in
the new employment center in La Seiba.
Thanks to Heidi
Smith from
Calgary for
sending additional
supplies with us
to help the nail
and hair salon
move forward!

11.
Dr. Dante has been a teacher at Saint Paul’s
Elementary school in Lethbridge, Alberta for
51 years!! She learned of Dominican Starfish
Foundation from a fellow teacher, Glenn
Viney whose wife Vesta is a former board
member and great supporter. Dr. Dante has
been donating to help another marginalized
group in the Dominican, the elderly.

12.
Being here on the ground, we have opportunity to meet new
people who in turn become supporters. Two Sundays in a row
we met 2 couples at church. We had the opportunity to take
them to Javillar to see our projects. They have already started
helping the foundation. We don’t meet people by accident.

13.
The home for Juliany and Ravel is complete!! Thanks to
Wade and Kim Payne from Utah and everyone involved!!

14.
The home for the Santana family is complete.
Thanks to the Palmer family from Maryland and to
all who have helped!!

15.
December 31 January 29
The home for Daniela and family is
nearing completion. Thanks to
Walt and Roxane Quaranta from
North Carolina and anyone who has
helped to make this possible.

16.
Zuleka and
Alberto’s home
in San Marcos
was started
January 19. The
second photo is
January 28.

17.
With the addition funds raised on Giving Tuesday and the
auction, we were able to purchase a small home for Odias
who lives in terrible conditions. We are fixing the home.
We have made an addition to include a bathroom. We have
replaced the roof and we will be painting the home. He will
be moving in early in February.

18.
As soon as we have completed the home for Odias, we will tear
down the existing structure and building the new home for
Dinora, Jackson and family. I (Louise) was able to meet her on a
visit to the community. They are the family that took in the
orphan children who we raised money for in November for
Giving Tuesday. Their home will be started in February.

19.
For the 12 Days of Christmas, we
raised funds to finish a home for Paly
in Llanos de Perez. That home is
currently under construction as well.

20.
Thank you to Show Home Furniture in
Calgary for donating funds for a bathroom
and running water for the
Employment/Education Center we have
helped with in La Seiba.
Currently the materials have been
purchased and the septic tank is
being prepared.

21.
We are starting to share our dream for the 3rd and final level of our
Starfish Center. We are hoping to find a corporate sponsor or
someone with means to help us with this. It will be a space for
additional community events, English, art and music classes.

22.
Thanks for your continued support
as we head into February!