In 2001, Mustard Seed Communities was asked to establish a home for children with disabilities in Dominican Republic. In the small town of Cangrejo on the outskirts of Puerto Plata, MSC acquired property and constructed Hogar Immanuel, thus establishing the third international location that provides care to children with disabilities. In addition to residential care facilities, MSC Dominican Republic is an established site of our Christ in the Garbage Ministries program which focuses on nutrition, education and poverty reduction.
Children & Adults with Disabilities
Hogar Immanuel is presently home to more than 38 children and young adults. The residents’ disabilities include Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, psychomotor delays, mental impairment, autism, epilepsy, physical deformations, deafness, and blindness. More than 20 employees, including an occupational therapist, work together to care for the children and ensure that their daily needs are met. Several of the children attend physical therapy, occupational therapy and special education classes depending on their personal abilities. A small number of children who are more physically capable attend a local special needs school in Puerto Plata. In 2007, MSC Dominican Republic purchased an adjoining piece of property for expansion of the home and expansion began in early 2013. The fully developed property now includes 4 cottages, a physiotherapy room, a chapel and on-site mission volunteer housing. The expansion has doubled MSC’s capacity, enabling the organization to care for 48 children and young adults with disabilities at full capacity. Additionally, MSC Dominican Republic operates community development and outreach initiatives providing jobs, training and nutrition to the local community.