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Mustard Seed Communities Celebrates the Opening of Hogar Niños de Dios, Dominican Republic

Mustard Seed Communities Celebrates the Opening of Hogar Niños de Dios, Dominican Republic

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Dominican Republic Children with Disabilities Mission Trips Shelter

Canca La Reina, Moca, Dominican Republic — On October 26, 2024, Mustard Seed Communities celebrated the opening of Hogar Niños de Dios, a transformative new home for children with disabilities. 

Bishop Julio Cesar Corniel Amaro and young resident Diego share the honor of cutting the ribbon at the grand opening of Hogar Niños de Dios. They are joined by MSC DR board member Cy Yannarelli and his wife Marlene Zambrano, MSC USA board members Brian Young and his wife Anne, and local government officials, all united in celebration of this new chapter for Mustard Seed Communities in the Dominican Republic.

The ceremony was attended by nearly 150 guests, including Monsignor Julio Cesar Corniel Amaro, bishop of the Diocese of Puerto Plata; Licda. Patricia Muñoz, governor of Espaillat Province; Domingo Almonte, mayor of Licey; Minister of Agriculture Limber Cruz López, represented by Rafael Ortiz; Víctor Breton, district director of Canca la Reina; Soranlly Peralta, vice mayor of Juan López; Councilor Kelvin Peralta of Juan López; former Minister of Sports Francisco Camacho; Cecilia Hiciano, deputy director of the Strategic Plan of Espaillat Province; Espaillat Province Prosecutor Yorelvi Rivas; Santiago Alvarez of the Strategic Plan of Santiago; and Carlos Castillo, representative of Coopmedica Cooperative.

This remarkable facility was made possible through the collective dedication of numerous supporters, including Cy Yannarelli, Marlene Zambrano, and the Young Family Foundation, whose vision and commitment were instrumental in bringing Hogar Niños de Dios to life.

Left: The newly unveiled Hogar Niños de Dios sign, symbolizing a safe, loving home for children with disabilities. Right: A devoted caregiver shares a joyful moment with one of the home’s newest residents, embodying the compassion and care that defines Mustard Seed Communities.

Located on the outskirts of Santiago, Hogar Niños de Dios includes four planned residential cottages, a learning and therapy center, a health clinic, and volunteer housing. Phase 1 saw the completion of two cottages, which are now home to 20 children. Phase 2 will bring the addition of two more cottages and a chapel and an indoor activity center, ultimately allowing the home to serve 56 children while providing a dedicated space for spiritual nourishment.

Fr. Garvin Augustine addresses a heartfelt crowd of community members, supporters, and residents—including children from both Mustard Seed homes in the Dominican Republic.

A cornerstone of this facility is its health clinic, which will provide essential prenatal care and additional health services to the surrounding community. “This home is not just a place of residence but a resource for the community, providing essential health care to families in need,” stated Father Garvin Augustine, Executive Director of Mustard Seed Communities International.

Award recipients from Mustard Seed Communities and dedicated partners were honored for their remarkable contributions to Hogar Niños de Dios: from left, Michelle Shines, Director of International Programs at MSC,Maritza Acosta  MSC Dominican Republic PR Coordinator, Cy Yannarelli and his wife Marlene, with Anne Gilbert, MSC Dominican Republic Director, and Michelle Gross from Sharing Smiles on the right.

Awards were presented to Cy Yannarelli, whose guidance and support were pivotal to the project’s success; Bishop Julio Cesar Corniel Amaro, in recognition of his ongoing spiritual guidance and support for Mustard Seed Communities; and Michelle Gross of Sharing Smiles, honoring her contributions to the health and well-being of the residents through her organization’s partnership.

Anne Gilbert, Administrator of Mustard Seed Communities Dominican Republic, emphasized the community’s vital role: “The people of the Dominican Republic have come together in an amazing way to be able to open Hogar Niños de Dios. Because of them, this is a place where these children can grow and find belonging.”

MSC-DR Admin. Assistant Angela Miceli, Michelle Shines, Director of International Programs, and beloved residents share a joyful moment together, embodying care for the most vulnerable at the heart of Mustard Seed Communities.

Michelle Shines, Director of International Programs, reflected on the day’s significance: “Today, we celebrate a milestone in our journey, achieved through the support and shared vision of our community, our benefactors, and all who believe in our mission.”

A resident settles into her new home at Hogar Niños de Dios, a lifelong place of safety, warmth, and support.

Hogar Niños de Dios represents a significant expansion of Mustard Seed’s mission to provide care and a safe, loving home for vulnerable children. Building on the longstanding success of Hogar Immanuel in Puerto Plata, this new facility will enable us to support even more children in need, offering a dedicated space for health, education, and personal growth. With the opening of Hogar Niños de Dios, Mustard Seed Communities deepens its commitment to transforming lives, ensuring that each child receives compassionate, individualized care in a supportive community that values their potential and well-being.