Who we are...

Let me start by introducing myself.  My name is Heather Lennie and I am the Founder and President of OLA Children's Project.  

OLA Children's Project was created after embracing the need to 'lend a hand' to poverty stricken children within Puerto Plata City and surrounding area within the Dominican Republic. Many Canadians and Americans still don't believe that the Dominican Republic needs such help. I hear statements like this often:  It is our favourite vacation destination and we never really see a problem....because it is rich in tourism they must have enough to help everyone....I see employees at my resort with Nike and Ralph Lauren clothing....

These points do exist, but, they give us truly the wrong impression of the majority of living conditions and way of life for people in this country.  The largest cause of current tragic living situations is due to displaced Haitians after the earthquake coming to the Dominican to hopefully find something.  

Although our organization supports quite a few projects, our Beauty of Baseball Program is currently a large focus. The Beauty of Baseball Program currently running as a very basic baseball program to engage boys first in the game and secondly, everything that the game teaches us as individuals and as part of a team. Respect of self and others, teamwork, discipline of hard work and trust are just a few of the lessons we can learn through the love of this sport.  We currently have 100 boys ranging in age between 6 - 21 years old who play with our program. Our Head Coach David Sanchez is known around the region as one of the best and has had a hand in developing a few incredible players throughout the years. The harsh reality though is that most of the boys that have the hopes and dreams of making it to the Major League in North America, is pretty much unrealistic for 99% of our boys.

The 'Clubhouse' Concept...

We are looking to expand on Our Beauty of Baseball Program and make further positive changes to these boys lives. This is where our idea of a ‘Clubhouse’ comes into the picture. The clubhouse will be a safe place for the boys to call their own when they are off the field. The potential for this Clubhouse is on the rise and will be designed similar to what a Community Centre or Drop-in Centre would look like here in North America.

A typical Community Centre in North America provides youth of many ages an inclusive, accepting and safe environment that encourages personal and community growth through fun and enriching activities. These centres employ staff to mentor youth and run programs that are engaging youth in a positive way. For example, the After School Program, which engages youth (kindergarten through grade five) after school for a couple hours in activities, games, nutritious snacks, homework and developing good friendships. Our Clubhouse will have much of the same vision for our boys.

The Clubhouse will allow the boys to continue what they are learning on the field and bring it into a different environment and be effective in their development as young men. The idea is for the boys to take part in a safe programming environment where they can receive free tutoring for their homework, receive free English classes, have a chance to eat a free meal between school and practice as many of the boys may not eat all day, and participate in activities and programs that will hopefully lead the boys in a positive path through life. Our goal is to help these boys have something to look forward to in their future. For example, the potential of getting a good job. In order to get a good job in the Dominican Republic, it is ideal for one to know English, but lessons cost money and many cannot afford classes, therefore OLA will provide free classes to the boys involved in our program to assist them in achieving this goal.

Our programs at the Clubhouse will be lead by volunteers and mentors who will nurture the potential these boys have. The Clubhouse will be a second home and a safe place where they can escape from problems at home or away from the crime and danger in the streets. Currently, there is no such program being run in Puerto Plata City for youth.

We have secured a location, hired a cook and are in the process of finding volunteer tutors for homework. Our location for the Clubhouse comes as a blank slate. We are reaching out to the grace and goodness of your heart to help us create this safe space. We need help to build tables and chairs, buy supplies for our kitchen, ensure that there is food on our table and a bathroom with running water to combat the current unsanitary situations that we see everyday!

Together let's give 100 boys who don't have much, restoration of hope and the opportunity to thrive and flourish!

How to help...

Well yes... hit the big orange button to donate now!  Don't be shy because we won't be shy in keeping you informed of how the progress is coming!

You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get the latest updates and if you'd like to do more please send us a message here or through our website.  One of my favourite english acronyms is TEAM....

Together, Each, Achieves, More...it's true...i've seen it work!