The Uprise, Inc.

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In the Dominican Republic, communities of Haitian children are growing up without opportunity. They are not recognized by the Haitian or Dominican Republic governments, and many of them are without parents. They don’t have a nationality, a family, an identity, protections, or rights to education or career opportunities. On paper, they don't even exist.

We have personally met them. They are bright, beautiful, loving kids with dreams and ambitions. But they are haunted by the understanding that they are stuck without the privileges to pursue those dreams.

The creation of The Center will greatly influence the outcomes for these children. This will be the center to educate the spirits, minds, and hearts of the children in this wonderful community. It will be leveraged to provide church, school, a refuge for orphan children, and sponsorship programs that will expand their opportunities. It will be a center for hope, connection, and empowerment.

We are asking for your help. Not to just give them a roof, or walls, or windows, but a home, a haven. A refuge from both the literal and metaphorical storms of life. In their efforts to build this Center, they are not just laying cement bricks. They are laying a foundation in these children’s lives to set them up for success in the world.

Despite their discouraging circumstances, these people are not sitting in despair. They are doing everything they can to put faith and hope into action. This community is not looking for a handout. They are working tirelessly for self-sufficiency. But in their humble circumstances with very limited opportunities to generate income and also not being eligible for government support, it is almost impossible for them to achieve their goals without your help.

Your donation will go entirely towards the materials needed to build this Center. Donations are put to work immediately. While we were there, we witnessed someone donate a few hundred dollars from their wallet towards The Center. Phone calls were immediately made and workers were there within 30 minutes laying more cement blocks!

This project is led by collaborative partnerships with multiple organizations including Lift a Life and The Uprise. to ensure this project is carried out in the most effective ways, and to work with local leadership to ensure the long-term goals for these children are met throughout the future. As a 501c3 non-profit, your donations are 100% tax deductible.

If you would like to contribute to this cause in other ways, or if you are interested in coming to the Dominican Republic to serve these amazing people in person, please reach out.


FAQ : 

Where is The Center located?

The Center is located in the town of Anamuya on the east side of The Dominican Republic. The town is about 20 minutes northeast from the larger city of Higuey in the Altagracia Province. (see red star on map below)

 



Who is The Center helping?
The Center will have a primary focus on helping Haitian children and adolescents in this area of the Dominican Republic.

What type of children are being helped?
The children being served are “displaced” children who come from a variety of backgrounds. While The Center is not an orphanage, some of the children are orphans with no family support. There are some children who may have a parent or family member who is not involved in their lives and not providing any support. Some belong to families who are migrant refugees who have come to the Dominican Republic seeking safety from heavy violence, corruption, or earthquakes in their home country of Haiti. 

What is the purpose?
To provide a refuge that empowers Haitian children with the resources they need to realize more of their potential in life.  Most of these Haitian children are lacking educational and career opportunities. The Center will also serve as a school, a church, and a place to feed some of the children.

What are the goals for the children?
The primary goal is to connect these under-privileged children with a caring community that can provide them with resources which will enable them to have a better life. 

As our relationship continues, we hope to offer sponsorships, sustainable programs, English lessons, computer skills, and learning skills to make products that can be sold locally.

What is The Center’s story?
Pastor Jose Pye is a Dominican Haitian living in the Dominican Republic. He visited the Anamuya area about 12 years ago. At that time, it was a place that was looked down on. The pastor had a vision in which he was told that through his ministry, the sun will shine in this area. He started a ministry with his wife. They initially were caring for many orphan children, but then in 2014, their building was tragically burned down, and they have not had a structure that can serve the community since then.

Who will be managing the operations of The Center?
Pastor Jose Pye, his wife, and other adults in this community will serve the daily needs of the community through this Center. Our non-profit organizations will also continue to oversee, advise, and mentor the local leaders to help ensure the childrens’ needs continue to be met in the most effective ways. 


How many children will be helped?
The exact number is not yet known, but Pastor Jose is now helping over 100 children. As the project continues throughout the future, we anticipate that many more children will benefit from The Center and its resources over time.

What will The Center look like?
The Center will be a two story building. The first level will have an open multi-purpose area and kitchen. The second level will have a few classrooms and also some bedrooms for children facing hardships and needing temporary shelter. See photos of architectural rendition below.

 

How much will The Center cost?
The Center will cost 2,244,407 Dominican Pesos which is equivalent to $40,000 USD.

Who is leading this project?
This project is currently led by a collaborative partnership of multiple leaders and non-profit organizations.

The Uprise is a non-profit entity dedicated to empowering children and youth who have been failed by other adults, systems, or institutions with the tools that will ignite their potential to live a joyful, successful, and fulfilling life. This organization is led by Robbie and Jessica Schaack who reside in New Braunfels, Texas.

Steve Spencer, who has done multiple technology start-up companies, served a two-year volunteer mission in Haiti and speaks Haitian Creole, is also involved with The Uprise.

HumanEkdromi is a humanitarian excursion business with a social impact focus. This organization is led by Illens Dort, a native Haitian business consultant who has now lived in the United States for the past 35 years and currently resides in Utah. He has led many humanitarian projects for Haitian communities in the Dominican Republic over the past several decades.

Who is managing the donation funds?
Funds donated through the Go Fund Me page (see link below) are managed by The Uprise, a 501c3 non-profit organization, in collaboration with other project leaders mentioned above. 

How will the donated funds be spent?
All funds will go directly towards the construction of The Center. 

Funds donated to The Uprise through the Go Fund Me Page will NOT be used to compensate any individuals or to fund any travel expenses for volunteers. The Uprise is a non-profit organization that is run strictly on a volunteer basis without administrative expenses or paid employees.

Are donations tax deductible?
Yes! We are a 501c3 organization. As a verified GoFundMe 501c3 charity, donations made through the Go Fund Me page will automatically receive a tax donation receipt via email.


Thank you for your generous donations!