In 2019, Partners in Deed and the T.E.A.R.S. Foundation collaborated to fund and establish a Health and Wellness Centre in the under-served community of Maria Auxiliadora, Dominican Republic.
 
This neighbourhood (near the city of La Vega) is one of the most impoverished areas within the DR and is comprised mainly of families displaced by Hurricane David (1979). Community members suffer from a disproportionate amount of health challenges that remain undertreated or untreated.
 
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we were able to raise funds to build a Health and Wellness Centre within the existing T.E.A.R.S. high school. The Centre includes dental, counseling, and medical facilities. The Centre focuses on the health of the T.E.A.R.S. School students and their families (upwards of 2,000 people) and is locally led by experienced health and education professionals. 

Currently, the Centre employs a full-time dentist who provides dental care and education for students/staff and, when possible, to other community members. T.E.A.R.S high school graduates who are interested in a dental/health career are offered apprenticeship training and employment by working as office assistants.

In addition, the specially trained T.E.A.R.S psychology team provides counseling and support to students and staff. Other health and wellness services will be added as funds are available.  

Thank you to many donors who helped this Centre become a reality!