Meals help families face significant economic challenges.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY (June 3, 2025) Families of students attending the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in the Dominican Republic received meals to support their nutritional needs. The meals, impacting 550 people, were provided through a partnership between Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization growing a global movement to end hunger, and Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Daughters of Mary Help of Christians distributed the meals to families during the second half of 2024.
Pierre Michel, a 24-year-old construction worker, was one of the recipients. His family, like many in the area, has faced significant economic challenges. Michel supports his wife and three young children, all of whom attend the Salesian school. Before receiving the meals, the family often struggled with having enough food, leading to added stress and concern about their well-being.
Michel is driven by his desire to offer a better life for his family. He immigrated from Haiti to the Dominican Republic in search of better opportunities and works long hours to meet his family’s basic needs. Despite the challenges, he remains determined to give his children a brighter future. Since his family started receiving the meals, their situation has greatly improved. Michel explained, “Now my children go to school more focused and full of energy because they have something nutritious to eat every day.”
The Rise Against Hunger meals have eased some of the financial strain on the family, allowing Michel to focus more on his work and less on day-to-day survival. The children are healthier and more engaged in school, and the family worries less about their next meal. Michel envisions a future where all children in his community have access to nutritious food, quality education, and a safe environment to grow and thrive.
Victor Flores, a community leader and volunteer in Jarabacoa who handed out the Rise Against Hunger meals, noted, “We have noticed a significant improvement in the health and morale of the children. They are more energized, participate more in school activities and show better academic performance. The community at large has witnessed a positive change, with healthier children and a more optimistic environment for the future.”
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About Salesian Missions USA
Salesian Missions is headquartered in New Rochelle, NY, and is part of the Don Bosco Network—a worldwide federation of Salesian NGOs. The mission of the U.S.-based nonprofit Catholic organization is to raise funds for international programs that serve youth and families in poor communities around the globe. The Salesian missionaries are made up of priests, brothers and sisters, as well as laypeople—all dedicated to caring for poor children throughout the world in more than 130 countries and helping young people become self-sufficient by learning a trade that will help them gain employment. To date, more than 3 million youth have received services funded by Salesian Missions. These services and programs are provided to children regardless of race or religion. For more information, go to SalesianMissions.org.