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The New England YMCA Alumni have together donated over $18,000, making this most crucial village restoration possible. Thanks to all of you who have so generously supported this endeavor for over 14 years. Nearly all of the members have donated and those who, for whatever reason, have not yet can still join in.
This homebuilding project has had a profound impact on a small village, where many kind people live in shacks constructed from whatever spare materials were available.
Our 2025 New England Alumni Building Team/Roster:
Lou Falk, aka “PAPA LOU,” his 14th year. He has traveled to DR about 50 times including his working days as International Program Director at the Hartford YMCA.
A few highlights: Meeting “Miguel” as a preschooler when he was part of a group of little hellions (mild troublemakers in the classroom). He is now in his late teens and still looks forward to seeing Lou every year and greets him with a big hug.
One of the young volunteers who had never traveled out of the United States, came up to him at the end of the week saying she was so happy “it hurts." Lou says he goes because it’s such a good experience for everyone who goes and “It just makes me feel good!”
Alan Hurst his 5th year.
Highlights (with tongue in cheek): Getting sick with "Campylobacter" (exposed in the U.S. before he left). Everyone else got COVID but he did not. Everyone was fine, but he had to stay an extra two weeks because they wouldn't let him on the plane. The house did get built.
Mike and Kristi Norklun their 2nd year (attended in 2015).
“Everything about the trip was excellent.” It was more fulfilling than he ever imagined and is excited to come back this year. He loved the feeling of being hands-on and seeing the results and impact.
Nancy Bonell her 3rd year.
She goes because it's a great group of people to work with and most importantly, people need homes to live in that aren’t cardboard. Nancy has taken a moment to reflect on some of her favorite memories: The kids. The excitement and appreciation the kids showed when she helped pass out school and arts and crafts supplies. The interaction and excitement in the community towards the work and workers. Not usually talked about but the trash collecting is an integral part of what we do for the village. She loves to explore the local culture. She loves the local Larimar stones, musical instruments, and especially the coffee.
Bruce Macdonald is in his 4th year.
Kim Decker is back for year 2.
Not a New England member but a retired lifelong YMCA CEO from New Jersey.
Kim recently retired and heard about our project. She joined us last year. She is extremely talented and had an immediate impact on our project. She is fun to work with, a hard worker and will volunteer for whatever is necessary. This year she will be coordinating the construction of one of the two houses being built.
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