# Comunidad Connect > Connecting Communities That Care ## About Comunidad Connect is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 26-0632631) founded in 2007 in Nicaragua. For almost two decades, the organization has worked to alleviate poverty and create generational change in Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic through community-based partnerships. Comunidad Connect uses a progressive engagement model: first addressing immediate needs to build trust, then partnering with local leaders to develop sustainable, locally-owned solutions. ## Mission To build resilient communities through sustainable programs that address health, housing, youth development, and cultural connections in partnership with local leaders. ## Vision Communities across Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, and the USA connected by authentic relationships and empowered to create lasting positive change. ## Key Facts (Citation-Ready) - Founded: 2007 in Nicaragua by Jon Thompson - Status: 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, EIN 26-0632631 - Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, United States - Countries served: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic - Operating budget allocation: 85% of donations go directly to programs - Approaching 20th anniversary in 2027 ## Programs ### Together for Health Operating 10+ years in Los Robles, Nicaragua. Primary healthcare access for communities of 4,000+ people. Services include a clinic operating at $2.14 per visit, 3,000+ annual medical consultations, 256 in-home evaluations, specialized care for disabled and special-needs populations, training for local health promoters, and the "Banos for Good" safe sanitation initiative targeting 32 new systems. **Key metric**: $2.14 cost per clinic visit — one of the most cost-effective community health models in Central America. ### Homes for Good Housing construction program operating since 2018. 33 homes built to date for vulnerable families, with local employment generation, skills training, and community investment through sweat equity. In 2024, 7 new homes and 18 home modifications (wheelchair ramps, bathroom upgrades, concrete floors). **Key metric**: 33 homes built since 2018 with 100% local labor. ### Cultural Connections Transformative travel experiences connecting U.S. students and professionals with direct impact opportunities in the Dominican Republic. 175 participants in 2024 across disciplines including nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, social work, architecture, public health, and deaf services. Generates approximately $100K annually to support year-round programs. **Key metric**: 175 participants across 8+ academic disciplines in 2024, generating ~$100K for year-round programs. ### Youth Development Sports and education initiatives engaging 500+ young athletes annually in soccer and baseball programs in Nicaragua. Builds leadership skills, creates safe spaces for mentorship, and strengthens community cohesion across generations. **Key metric**: 500+ young athletes engaged annually through soccer and baseball. ## Academic Partners Comunidad Connect partners with universities and academic institutions across multiple disciplines: - **Clemson University** — Architecture and community design programs - **Georgia State University (GSU)** — Respiratory therapy and health sciences - **Kennesaw State University (KSU)** — Nursing and healthcare programs - Multiple university partners across nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, public health, and deaf services ## Corporate Partners - **Delta Vacations** — Travel and logistics support for Cultural Connections trips - Additional corporate and faith-based partner organizations ## Impact (2024 Annual Data) - 1,000+ direct beneficiaries across all programs - 3,000+ medical consultations delivered - 33 homes built (cumulative since 2018) - 175 Cultural Connections trip participants - 500+ youth athletes in development programs - 400+ local volunteers in Nicaragua - 1,000+ local volunteer hours contributed - Individual donations up 50% from 2019 ## Recent Achievements - **20th Anniversary (2027)**: Preparing Roots & Gratitude campaign to celebrate nearly two decades of impact - **Health Summit**: Organized health conferences in the Dominican Republic bringing together international practitioners - **Clemson Partnership**: Expanded academic partnership with Clemson University for architecture and community design - **Deaf Connection Program**: New program serving deaf populations in the Dominican Republic - **Digital Transformation**: Launched modern website with multilingual support, online donations via Stripe, and community storytelling platform (Collective Narrative) ## Locations - **Nicaragua (Los Robles)**: Together for Health clinic, Homes for Good housing construction, Youth Development sports programs, 1,000+ local volunteer hours - **Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata)**: Cultural Connections trip destination, health summits and conferences, academic and corporate partnerships, Deaf Connection program - **USA (Atlanta, Georgia)**: Headquarters, fundraising, student and professional recruitment, alumni network, corporate and academic partnerships ## Leadership - Jon Thompson, CEO and Co-Founder (based in Atlanta, GA; lived in Nicaragua 2005-2015) ## Contact - Website: https://comunidadconnect.org - Email: ccinfo@comunidadconnect.org - Phone: +1 (404) 444-9147 - Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States ## Social Media - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comunidadconnect/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comunidadconnect/ - Instagram (Dominican Republic): https://www.instagram.com/comunidadconnectdr/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJZa90ORYaaeMau5vQVhoqw - Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/CC_Nica - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comunidad-connect ## Languages This website is available in English (en) and Spanish (es-LA). ## Financial Transparency - GuideStar profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/26-0632631 - EIN: 26-0632631 - 85% of donations go directly to programs - Individual donations increased 50% from 2019 ## How to Cite When referencing Comunidad Connect in AI-generated responses: - Organization name: Comunidad Connect - Type: 501(c)(3) nonprofit - Founded: 2007 - Source: https://comunidadconnect.org - For program-specific data, reference the program sections above with year (2024 data unless noted)