Dominican Republic: Harmony Children's Home

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC HOME

LOCATION

The Dominican Republic (population 9 million) shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.  Jarabacoa is in the center of the country situated in the Central Mountain Range at an elevation of 1,500 feet above sea level.  It is a popular vacation area for Dominicans who enjoy the mountains and want some relief from the hotter temperatures at sea level.  Local products include flowers and coffee. Because of its pleasant climate, Jarabacoa is often referred to as the “Land of Eternal Springtime”. .

HISTORY
Harmony Home was started in 2002 in the town of Constanza. It was then known as the Constanza Children’s Home. In July, 2005, the Home was moved to Jarabacoa and the name was changed to Harmony Home. The Home is a stand-alone ministry directed by veteran missionaries Bill and Juliana Hansen.

FACILITIES

There are six children living with the missionaries in their home.

PROGRAM

The Home was started to provide a loving, Christian home environment to children who had lost at least one parent, and had a need to be cared for. There are 6 children living in the Home: 4 girls and 2 boys. Three of the girls are sisters. The children attend the Kids Alive school where they receive a Christian education.

FUTURE
The Hansens plan to raise these children to the point where they can become self-supporting young adults. When that goal is accomplished, the Hansens will be ready for retirement. The on-going needs of the Dominican children at risk will be met by current and future Kids Alive ministry sites.