As part of our ongoing commitment to community, Loisa donates 2% of online sales each month to a community organization. This month, in honor of the rich cultural heritage and community impact of the Juan Pablo Duarte Foundation, we are proud to support this organization that uplifts Dominican communities and beyond.

For families and individuals in our community, access to resources and support can make all the difference. The Juan Pablo Duarte Foundation is dedicated to serving as a vital resource for underfunded community groups, students, and artists while preserving and celebrating Dominican heritage. More than just a support organization, it’s a cultural haven—a space that fosters education, opportunity, and connection in Northern Manhattan and beyond.

Empowering and Supporting Our Community

The Juan Pablo Duarte Foundation understands the profound importance of creating opportunities and building support networks within the community. Their mission is to provide resources, cultural preservation, and educational opportunities for young people, families, and entrepreneurs. Through their initiatives, they are helping individuals and families achieve their potential and fostering a vibrant, resilient community.

Comprehensive Support for Every Step of the Journey

As a cornerstone of the community, the Juan Pablo Duarte Foundation offers a variety of programs designed to address immediate needs while creating pathways to long-term success. Their initiatives span educational, cultural, and economic empowerment, including:

Educational Scholarships and Resources: Founded in 2003 by Laura Acosta and Guillermo Linares, the foundation has prioritized education by providing scholarships to young people in the community, primarily of Dominican descent. These scholarships not only support education locally but also extend to students in the Dominican Republic, ensuring that talented individuals have the resources they need to succeed.

Cultural Preservation: Each year, the foundation organizes El Festival del Boulevard, a festival celebrating the renaming of St. Nicholas Avenue as Juan Pablo Duarte Boulevard. For over 25 years, this festival has been a cornerstone of cultural preservation, celebrating Dominican customs, traditions, and contributions to the community.

Practical Support When It Matters Most

The Juan Pablo Duarte Foundation recognizes the importance of addressing the immediate needs of the community while fostering long-term growth. They provide practical assistance through programs and initiatives such as:

• Thanksgiving Turkey Drive: Each year, the foundation distributes thousands of turkeys and food items to families in need, ensuring that no one in the community goes without during the holiday season.
• Toy Drives: During the holiday season, the foundation organizes a toy drive, distributing hundreds of toys to children in the community and spreading joy during a special time of year.
• Book bag distribution: At the end of each summer, the foundation along with its local partners, helps hundreds of families in the community by providing them with a book bag and the educational tools necessary for them to succeed during the upcoming school year. 
• Mercadito Duarte: Supporting local entrepreneurs, the foundation hosts monthly pop-up markets where small businesses can showcase their work, helping to foster economic growth and entrepreneurship within the community.

Community-Centered Programs

The foundation’s space at Port Authority on 179th Street serves as a hub for community engagement and support. It houses other nonprofits providing services such as civic and citizenship assistance and youth programs for those recently incarcerated. The foundation also offers workshops celebrating Dominican artistic traditions and cultural heritage, ensuring these customs are preserved for future generations.

Through its dedication to empowering individuals and fostering a strong community spirit, the Juan Pablo Duarte Foundation is making a meaningful impact in the lives of countless families.

This month, we are honored to support their mission and their work to uplift and celebrate the vibrant community they serve.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Juan Pablo Duarte Foundation and their programs, visit them at their space in the Port Authority or visit https://www.jpdfoundation.org and on Instagram @juanpabloduartefoundation. Explore their events and initiatives online. Together, we can help build a stronger, more united community.