By K. Bollinger
Sometimes, you just want to get away. Sometimes, you want to make a difference. Why not do both at the same time?
Within the non-profit organization of Global Effect, there’s a unique opportunity to see the world, visit a new culture, and help make a difference. More than just a vacation, there’s a focus on serving instead of being served.
Here’s the low-down. Just a hop, skip, and a jump onto the island of Hispaniola, find the country of the Dominican Republic where Global Effect has boots on the ground, daily serving the local people and their communities. They have an office in the city of La Vega, near the local university, where they offer programs that help college and highschool-aged students break the cycle of poverty through educational and spiritual transformation. Each week, over 4,000 high school and college students are reached by the 30 local Dominican staff members.
The goal of community transformation is to bring about sustainable change that goes beyond immediate need but also providing encouragement for those who come to an event or program. Community transformation projects are specifically catered to a certain geographical area and designed to discover critical areas of need. From there, Global Effect implements specific activities and programs designed to create a relevant application of positive change to combat the concerns and identified needs of the community.
While many different types of groups visit throughout the year tackling many different types of projects, this summer the organization is offering an open-group style trip to allow individuals and small groups the opportunity to serve alongside other like-minded people wanting to use a week of their summer to serve.
This trip is ideal for individuals wanting to make a difference, challenge themselves, families with children and youth, workgroups looking for impactful team building, or anyone else interested in serving. Global Effect is looking for 10-15 adventure seekers with a willingness to accept the challenge. Their goal is to provide you and your group with a safe, fun and life changing mission trip you will never forget.
Trip Details
• You will need a passport for international travel. The program will take place in La Vega, Dominican Republic (and surrounding communities)
• Dates are July 9-14, 2024
• Lodging, three meals per day, transportation, five water filters (for community distribution), and a translator are included in the cost.
• Flight not included (our recommendation is to fly into Santo Domingo or Santiago).
• Planned activities include: water filter distribution in impoverished areas, Bible study, church, home visits, community outreach, waterfall hike.
• The cost is $900 tax-deductible. For more information visit our website at www.globaleffect.org.
The mission of Global Effect is to partner with impoverished communities to bring sustainable transformation that has a spiritual, economic, social, and educational impact.
Founder & President, Scott Steelman, launched the ministry in 2009 and has transformed numerous lives and communities along the way. He lives in Panama City Beach with his wife, Vicki. Their family owns and operates OKO Lifestyle, a retail boutique with locations in Rosemary Beach and Inlet Beach, Florida.
