Your Adventure Awaits!
If you dream about helping others and traveling the world, the opportunities are endless. Participate in a building project for a neighborhood revitalization, be part of a medical outreach trip, or participate in a teaching partnership. Bring the family along to enjoy an enriching educational experience or eco-tour.
First, we work to build rapport with communities and identify their most pressing needs. Then, we design solutions to solve these needs in a sustainable manner. While we realize the necessity of temporary relief at times, we primarily focus on sustainable solutions that will improve communities long-term.
This is your adventure, your mission. We have so many projects we can’t wait to get started on. But we need YOU!
Though we took a break a break from scheduled trips due to COVID-19, we are now getting back to work. We are planning some upcoming opportunities now. Please fill out our form to get in touch with us about opportunities to serve in the Dominican Republic.
Recently Completed
2021
January -April: Barabocoa Community Center Build
A small community of approximately 1,000 people rests on the northern side of the Dominican Republic. Barabacoa had a long ago abandoned building, where some members within the community saw an opportunity. They envisioned a community center, a meeting place, an educational platform, that would help all members of their community. After much discussion, they agreed to provide all of the labor needed to complete the renovation voluntarily. ACES simply purchased the materials needed.
Four months later, the building site is unrecognizable and has been in-use nearly every day since it’s completion.
Some members from ACES were able to visit in January, 2022 and were happy to see so many volunteers teaching classes.
Build Site (courtesy of a member of the Barabacoa community)
Completed Community Center
2020
January 26-February 9: Angosto Build Project
Tucked away in the mountains outside of Jarabacoa, it isn’t easy to find this small village. The only way in is a four wheel drive vehicle – or the Dominican favorite, by motorcycle. Twists and turns up this mountain road take you past homes built precariously onto the side of the mountain.
ACES is working with two local residents who have made it their life’s work to address the problems this community faces. Poverty, alcoholism, and sex trafficking have been ongoing issues they seek to remedy. Eladio and Griselda have purchased the land and built a thriving community center in 2014. Used by 100 people each month, it houses bible studies, homework rooms, summer/winter camps, sporting activities, and medical services.
They need a kitchen where meals can be prepared for the children and adults who utilize this facility. This will be the next step in their vision for the community center aimed at healing in every way.
Build Site
Kitchen Rendering
2019
November 18-26: A Musical Adventure
Starting with a visit to the Cafe Samir coffee plantation in Rancho Ariba the group will get guided tour through a working coffee plantation nestled in the mountains of the Dominican. Next, will be some recon work in Angosto where we are sharpening our pencils for the next build project. Visit the local school and community center in the process. The final destination will be Las Terrenas, on the northern coast of the island. Here the group will spend a few days with our El Taller community arts group.
This is an ACES sponsored project provided free to the local community, teaching art – and now MUSIC to children and teens. The project will provide creative ideas for musical instruments, rhythm, and having loads of fun while doing it!
El Taller Arts Group
Visit to Angosto Build Site
Cafe Samir Coffee Plantation
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic
2023 Service Trip
Cost: $700 + airfare.
Dates: January 26-February 2nd
Flight Information
Departing: 1/26/2022 Newark Airport (EWR)
Flight – United 2452. 7:20am
Arrive: Santiago Airport (STI) 12:07pm
Returning: 2/2/2023 Santiago Airport (STI)
Flight – United 620. 1:12pm
Arrive: Newark Airport (EWR) 4:15pm
Transportation: 8 passenger van.
Lodging: Airbnb in Jarabacoa. May stay in Angosto a few nights.
Food: Will grocery shop upon arrival. Cooking meals at home when possible. Eating out when we cannot. May have family meal in Angosto.
Projects: Angosto Kids Club. Repairs and maintenance work.
Swing set installation
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Friday: Workday Angosto. Scraping, parging. Prepare for swing set.
Afternoon, play with kids. -
Saturday: Activities in Angosto with kids. Cook meal.
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Sunday: Church service. Talk about addiction? Potluck?
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Monday: Angosto, stairs and install swing set.
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Tuesday: Fun Day. Choice of: Horseback riding spirit mountain.
Coffee tour of Café Monte Alto. Waterfall hike. -
Wednesday: Finishing touches Angosto.