Our Story
From first connections to lasting transformation - the journey of Comunidad Connect
Origins of Comunidad Connect
Comunidad Connect (CC) was created in 2007 after its co-founders visited, lived, and worked in Nicaragua for a decade. Those first ten years provided time for relationships with people, communities, and institutions to grow and mature.
In the late 1990s, Nicaragua was becoming a popular destination for surfers, backpackers, and avid tourists. The violence of Nicaragua's civil war in the '80's was long gone and the country was becoming a popular destination to tourists and investors alike.
Many visitors expressed interest in exploring the country and meeting the people beyond the waves of the Southwest Pacific Coast. However, common barriers of language, cultural proficiency, and access to communities often proved insurmountable for those wanting more from their experience abroad.
Our Journey Through the Four Pillars
Cultural Connections Begin
Jon Thompson first visited San Juan del Sur on a road trip through Central America. A conversation in broken Spanish about basketball led to lasting relationships and the foundation for our Cultural Connections program.
Youth Development Foundation
Jon hired Alejandro Noguera to manage sports programs at the newly renovated Sports Park. This became the foundation of our Youth Development program, now serving 500+ athletes annually.
Health & Housing Programs Launch
Comunidad Connect was founded to help communities navigate opportunities and risks. We began developing what would become our Together For Health and Homes For Good programs.
Integrated Impact Across Three Countries
Today CC operates across Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, and USA with four integrated programs serving thousands of community members through our proven co-investment model.
Our Mission
To build resilient communities through sustainable programs that address health, housing, youth development, and cultural connections in partnership with local leaders.
Our Vision
Communities across Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, and the USA connected by authentic relationships and empowered to create lasting positive change.
Our Values
True Partnership
We work alongside communities as equals, respecting local knowledge and leadership while contributing our resources and expertise.
Sustainable Impact
Every program is designed to continue and grow within communities long after initial external support ends.
Authentic Relationships
We prioritize depth over breadth, building lasting connections that transform all participants in the relationship.
Equitable Investment
All stakeholders contribute something of value, creating more sustainable and dignified outcomes than traditional charity models.
Ready to be Part of Our Story?
Join us in writing the next chapter of community transformation and authentic partnership.