Join Us in Building a Brighter Future for Women & Families in La Piedra

Every dollar you give will be matched up to $5,000, helping us reach $10,000 for the Guanin Center.

Your gift means twice the impact for a limited time.

One month. one match. one goal.

For one month only, every donation to the Guanin Center will be matched dollar for dollar by the Dyer family, up to $5,000. This matching gift creates the chance to raise $10,000 in support of healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment for the Dominican and Haitian immigrant populations in La Piedra, Dominican Republic. The Dyers have witnessed Guanin’s work firsthand and believe deeply in its mission. This match is only available through October 24, 2025; don’t miss the chance to double your gift.

A Message from Gina & Seve

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Meet Seve and the Community of La Piedra

 

A Local Leader Building Change from Within

Elias “Seve” Severino Palanco founded the Guanin Center in the Dominican Republic to give his community the tools to thrive. For more than two decades, he’s led grassroots programs in healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment, proving that lasting change starts with local leadership.

A Resilient Community Facing Daily Barriers

La Piedra is home to 1,700 families, many living on less than $2 a day without access to reliable healthcare, education, or documentation. Despite these challenges, women are launching co-ops, youth are organizing leadership groups, and families are working to build a brighter future.

 
 

The Power of Your Gift in La Piedra

At the Guanin Center, every dollar raised directly fuels programs that women, children, and families in La Piedra rely on every day. With the Dyer family’s match, the impact of this campaign will ripple across the community:

  • Women’s Empowerment: Support 200+ women who are leading cooperatives and small businesses, creating income and stability for their families.

  • Education: Provide daily meals, scholarships, and classroom resources for children and youth, giving them the tools to succeed.

  • Healthcare: Keep the community clinic open and accessible, offering free medical care, prenatal support, and health education for 1,700 families.

  • Community Development: Strengthen infrastructure like safe water systems, repaired homes, and youth sports facilities that give families dignity and opportunity.

Your gift doesn’t just meet immediate needs; it builds long-term strength. By standing with Seve, the Guanin Center, and the people of La Piedra, you’re investing in a future where women lead, children learn, and communities thrive.

Be Part of the Change

This is your moment to make twice the impact. From now until October 24, 2025, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Dyer family, helping us reach $10,000+ for women, children, and families in La Piedra.

Your gift goes directly to the Guanin Center and is tax-deductible. Consider making your donation recurring to sustain this work all year long.

Why This Work is Close to Home

For the Dyer family and Yoga Effect community, the Guanin Center isn’t just another nonprofit; it’s personal. Over the years, Gina has witnessed Seve’s leadership in La Piedra and the resilience of the Haitian and Dominican families building a better future. 

That connection deepened through three Cherry Creek School District trips between 2010 and 2018. Middle and high school students came to the Guanin Center to join Seve in his work, laying concrete flooring for homes, helping teachers with art projects, volunteering in their daycare center, playing baseball with local children,  and donating equipment, school supplies, and funds for the center. 

 
 

Many of us have visited La Piedra and seen firsthand how Seve turns community vision into reality. We have all carried these stories back home, and this campaign is a chance to honor that bond and keep the impact going. 

Thank You for Standing with La Piedra

Your generosity makes this work possible. Together, we can reach our goal of $10,000 to empower women, expand education, strengthen healthcare, and build community in La Piedra. On behalf of Gina, Seve, the Guanin Center, and the families of La Piedra: thank you for your support.

Fundación Centro Cultural Guanín, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible and go directly to support programs in La Piedra, Dominican Republic.