Roatan Giving Helping Hearts Helping Hands 2013*

  • Financial - For a tax deductible donation, use the “Donate Now” button. You can also send a check made out to Island Friends Corporation, SA. Address it to Judith Allred, 7110 Poniente Lane, San Antonio, TX 78209. (Federal Tax ID #20-8533416.) Please always indicate the organization to which you are donating. If on Roatan, take donations to the project you are supporting.


  • Volunteering - If you live on Roatan full or part time, visit once or regularly on a vacation, and want to volunteer, provide technical skills, professional expertise, or financial assistance, contact one of the below projects. In addition, you can let Island Friends know of your interest, talents and wishes to help and we will direct you. Contact us, Island Friends, through this website at: islandfriendsroatan@yahoo.com

  • Resources - The need for material goods is every-present. Please contact a project of your choosing for what they need, click on the project wish list at the bottom of the home page or contact Island Friends and let us know what you wish to bring, and we can also advise you. islandfriendsroatan@yahoo.com

This is a list of Roatan Humanitarian Organizations/Non-Profits/NGOs doing fantastic often unheralded work for the people of Roatan, one of the Bay Islands of Honduras, C.A. These are individuals and groups of dedicated people locals, transplants, part-timers and others from all over the world that saw a need (which can be great) and found a way to fill it. Supported primarily by donations and volunteerism, together they are providing relief to the poor, the distressed, the underprivileged and underserved as well as offering education about and protection of the island and the Caribbean ocean, that in turn benefits all of the Bay Islands and the country. They are providing necessities in infant, child, teen and adult welfare, health care, medicines, education and job training, environmental protection and awareness, animal protection, athletics, essential services like police and fire department assistance, water treatment and more.

As it is now high season we encourage visitors, if you are a lover of Roatan, to find a group that resonates with you. Go to their website to learn more about them and to see their full wish lists. Find out what you can send or how you can donate from home or while you are here (always talk to a live person before you send anything!) Bring goods to donate in your suitcases. Give them a call and go visit some of these organizations in person and volunteer, participate or just bring some apples! Every little bit helps; as 2013 unfolds it brings both challenges and opportunities. Your attention, generosity, and involvement will go a long way in improving the lives of residents and visitors alike. I have been truly humbled learning about these organizations their good works and selfless dedication and vow myself to get more involved. Thank you so very much for finding ways to help and contribute on the wonderful island of Roatan.

Roatan Giving Helping Hearts Helping Hands 2013

  • The Abundant Life Foundation
    Brenda and David Dachner
    brendadachner@sbcglobal.net
    www.abundantlifefoundation.net

    Roatan Projects: Adelante! Mentorship program, bilingual school fund, college fund, general donations, constructing the Dignity Housing Project with support from The Grand Roatan Caribbean Resort.
    Wish List: financial, email for more info.

  • Because We Care
    Nidia Webster
    hnidia66@yahoo.com
    (504) 9771-8028
    Abraham Boder
    roatanislandguy@gmail.com
    Facebook: Roatan Because We Care
    BWC operates year round helping raise money for Nurse Peggy's scholarship fund, they do school supply drives, shoe drives, bedding drives, distribute wheel chairs and form medical, dental and pharmaceutical brigades. The annual Christmas food drive delivered to 1,300 less fortunate families. They also distribute donations left at the cruise ship dock.
    Wish List: financial, school supplies, any of the above.

  • Nurse Peggys Clinica Esperanza
    Peggy Stranges, RN
    peggy@clinicaesperanza.org
    (504) 9885-1044
    Kelly Ryan
    Kelly@clinicaesperanza.org
    Facebook: Clinica Esperanza
    Clinica Esperanza is the premier not-for-profit clinic/hospital on Roatan. Nurse Peggy has realized her dream now proud to serve 1,000 patients a month, 60% children, relying on 150+ volunteers a year in a 4,500 sq. foot facility, with an outstanding medical team as well as a new Birthing Center. Nurse Peggy also assists with many other non-profits and is a local inspiration and legend.
    Wish Lists: financial, medical supplies for infants, youth and adults, medicines; esp. Ibuprofen, Acetaminicin. Relies on volunteers.

  • Concert for the Angels (NGO name is "Benefit for the Angels")
    Helen Murphy
    (504) 9982-5560
    hmurphy2005@yahoo.com
    Ana Svoboda
    (504) 9995-1943
    roatanislandlover@yahoo.com
    This group puts on an annual Gala Benefit Concert to raise funds for the health Charities of Roatan. This yearsí concert was on Valentine's Day, February 14th, 2013 at the Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport.
    Call or email for wish list.

  • The Coral Reef Alliance
    Jenny Myton
    jmyton@coral.org
    (504)3336-1090
    www.coral.org
    Facebook: The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL)
    Our goal is to provide support for local initiatives via the Roatan Marine Park and BICA (Bay Islands Conservation Association) We are the only international organization working exclusively to save coral reefs. CORAL provides education, tools, and inspiration to help local communities become passionate environmental stewards for the reefs.
    Wish List: financial, see website, welcomes volunteers.

  • Crawfish Rock Children's Foundation
    Mark Fredde
    mark@roatanjmjtours.com
    (504) 9641-1929
    US Phone: (214) 642-3380
    Facebook: Roatan Sand Blasters Dune Buggy tours
    Wish List: email or call for info.

  • The Department of Community Development Roatan
    O'Niel Nixon
    onieln@yahoo.com
    (504) 3241-0253
    A newly formed department of the Roatan Municipality to be a bridge between the City of Roatan and the community assisting in underprivileged kids and parents. Projected projects:
    a Back to School Program, workshops for single Mothers, (home economics, parenting) and empowering our youth. Call or email to get involved.

  • Familias Saludables
    Valerie Nelson
    vlnelson113@yahoo.com
    (504) 2445-
    office:(504) 2445-0352
    www.familiassaludables.org
    Facebook page: Familia Saludables
    FS is a non-profit, non-denominational organization devoted to fighting the AIDS epidemic with an emphasis on caring for babies and Moms, education and testing.They also run a school (kindergarten to grade 9).
    Wish list: powdered baby formula, baby supplies, Infant and Childrenís and Vitamins. Welcomes volunteer teachers, sponsers for a child in school and school supplies for students and the teachers.

  • The Healthy Reefs Initiative
    Ian Drysdale
    (504) 3336-0406
    www.healthyreefs.org
    Facebook: Healthy Reefs for Healthy People
    The Healthy Reefs Initiative is an international, multi-institutional effort that tracks the health of the Meso-American Reef and concerns itself not only with ecological issues, but also with the most relevant socio-economic, cultural, and policy factors influencing reef health and, in turn, the impact those factors may have on local communities.
    Wish List: financial, see site. Welcomes volunteers.

  • The Home Kitchen
    Marcos Galindo
    (504) 9991-0707
    Coxen Hole
    This is a breakfast/lunch program serving meals in downtown Roatan
    Wish List: Food, Beverages, welcomes volunteers

  • The Infinity Foundation
    Eugene and Vernon Albert
    (504) 9954-4554
    vernalbert@yahoo.com
    The IF is dedicated to maintaining and improving the fresh water aquifer of Roatan, keeping sediment and contamination out of the ocean and reef, and converting sewer water
    into safe water. Current project: the ëAdopt an Estuaryí program a model for a water purifying treatment system.
    Wish List: financial, Piranas, welcomes sponsors and volunteers

  • Intensive Heart Ventures Inc.
    Joseph Natale
    josephnataleventures@gmail.com
    (504) 3301-5044
    SKYPE 805.624.6456
    www.heartventures.org
    Building Bridges for those in need creating a sustainable eco-culture;including community development, addressing poverty and the needs of at risk women and youth. Health programs, housing projects, education scholarships, youth development through sports, micro-enterprise development, vocational education and employment placement, terrestrial and marine conservation, restoration and preservation and the Mentor Project.
    See Wish List on website, welcomes volunteers.

  • Island Friends-Roatan Charities
    Judith Allred
    (504) 2445-3218
    islandfriendsroatan@yahoo.com
    www.islandfriendsroatan.com

    Island Friends is a central hub/coordinating point for donations and volunteer efforts. If goal is to organize, connect and take action on local projects for people in need.
    We support the efforts for better health, medical facilities, infant and child care, womenís issues, education, ending pediatric aids and caring for those already infected, reef conservation, participation in sports and music, trade and vocational schools, the humane treatment of animals and the opportunities for tutoring and scholarships.
    Many wish lists can be found on this site and it is also an umbrella that can accept monies, donations, sponsers and volunteers for many organizations.

  • Island to Island Midwife Program
    Bernadette Mason
    roatanmidwife@yahoo.com
    (504) 9878-2759
    As Principal and High School Literature teacher at the Sandy Bay Alternative School Bernadette has her Midwifery practice on the side and assists women on Roatan with birthing, reproductive health and education. It is also possible to sponsor a student at the Sandy Bay Alternative School.
    Wish List: baby supplies or email Bernadette.

  • Jared Hynds Community Center/French Harbour Public Library
    Joan Dixon
    dixonjoan82@yahoo.com
    (504) 2455-5260 or 9672-1279
    jhcclibrary@yahoo.com
    Facebook: The French Harbour Public Library Mon-Fri: 9:00-11:30am, 1:30-5:00pm pm
    This group has a breakfast/lunch program and helps kids with school fees,and school supplies.
    Wish List: financial, food and beverages, welcomes volunteers.

  • Lions Club
    Arlie Thompson
    atinsurance@gmail.com
    (504) 9998-0083
    www.lionsclub.org
    Meetings at 4:30pm Thursdays Main Street Coxen Hole
    Lions Club accepts prescription eyeglasses and then donates them to the Oakridge Community Clinic powdered milk for the Luis Began School, as well as other projects.
    Call or email for wish list and how to join.

  • Little Friends Foundation
    Shawn Hyde
    Secretary Collette Hyde
    (504) 9995-1987
    Roeha McNab 9986-0570
    www.lff.roatancharities.com
    LFF have a breakfast and lunch program that feeds 75 to 100 children and single Mothers called "I was,I am, as well as single mothers two meals a day, five days a week at the Family Worship Center in French Harbor from 7-11am They are also involved in medical endeavors.
    Wish List: financial donations, food, medical supplies, and welcomes volunteers.

  • Living Water 4 Roatan
    Henry and Frances Zittrower
    henry@LW4R.org
    (504) 3334-0002
    www.LW4R.org
    LW4R has organized and built a sustainable water system in La Colonia neighborhood.
    Wish List: Seeking volunteers to teach residents upkeep and maintenance for the system as well as solar panels.

  • Luis Bogran Public School
    Norma Wood and Larry Morales Reyes
    normamorales65@yahoo.com
    (504) 2435-2533 cell:3356-9226 9582-2811
    This School (where most of the students come by boat) supports 52 students grades one thru six.
    Wish List: financial,an electrician for a day, cereal, padlocks, computer, printer

  • Made In Roatan
    Bob and Debi Cowan
    roatanbob@gmail.com
    (504) 9849-0386
    www.made-in-roatan.com
    www.madeinroatanblogspot.com

    Serving the cruise ship port of Coxen Hole is a unique little gift shop called "Made In Roatan" built by the Cowans where everything is made right on the island by local artisans.
    All of the proceeds go to helping 21 needy families. Purchases can be made on cruise ship days
    as well as on-line.
    Wish List: need 28 gauge silver plated wire, different types of cording (preferably black or brown) school supplies. See website and Blog.

  • Majken Broby Children's Home
    Lynn Fanelli
    Lynn@RoatanChildrensHome.com
    (504)9949-9224 (925) 932-8625
    www.roatanchildrenshome.com
    Facebook: Roatan Children's Fund
    Since it was established some 100 children have benefited from a healthy and safe home environment. The home is operated by the Association of Baptist Churches.
    Wish List: financial and more online.

  • Medicines for Roatan
    Daine Wood Etches
    dwetches@hotmail.com
    www.medicinesforroatan.org

    MFR was founded to monitor the needs, procure and distribute essential medicines to the Roatan public Hospitalas well as other clinics.
    Wish List: financial, see website for specific meds.

  • Mentoring and Supporting Opportunities for Higher Education
    Charles George Vegas
    c.george@vegaselectric.net
    (504) 9991-3215
    This multi-faceted group assists young people and finds sponsors for their education. We encourage, mentor, counsel, provide information and help with SAT & ACT tests, as well as guidance information, procedures and expertise in applying for a college education.
    Wish List: email or call Mr. Vegas

  • Mission Encounters International
    Larry and Sheila Benson
    Emily@missionencounters.com
    (405)757-7833
    www.missionencounters.com
    A charitable organization, with an expressed heart for missions with projects on the East end of Roatan and the island of Helene. They have a general Fund, benevolence fund, medical and dental clinic, Helene Christian School, rchurch, water ministry as well as individuals making a difference.
    Wish List: Financial, welcomes volunteers, see website for more.

  • Oakridge Community Clinic/Health In Sight Ministry of Roatan
    Clinic Administrator Anneth Cooper
    annethcooper@yahoo.com
    (504) 9923-7192
    Facebook page: Health In Sight Ministry of Roatan OCC began as a medical / surgical eye care mission providing exams, glaucoma treatment and cataract surgery by Dr. Darin K Bowers MD. They soon saw the need for a basic medical care clinic on the eastern end of the island and have hired a general medical doctor (Dr. Augustin Batiz). They work closely with Clinica Esperanza. Dr. Bowers next trip is scheduled for March 9-16, 2013.
    Wish List: financial, eye glasses, sunglasses, pre-natal and adult vitamins.

  • Partners in Education on Roatan (PIER)
    Camilla T. OíBrien Director
    PartnersInEducationRoatan@yahoo.com
    (504) 9884-5232
    www.PierRoatan.org
    PIERs mission is to foster quality bilingual education on Roatan. Cam and her 12-member Board advocate at the local and national level, partner with the school district, and operate educational programs. PIER's E-Learning Centers are free to the community and provide individualized computer-based bilingual reading and math tutoring. Goals include: encourage education beyond the 6th grade, create a better educated local workforce, generate a supply of qualified education staff, emphasize island culture, encourage community involvement and pride, effectively use of technology and ensure a place in school for every child.
    Wish List: school supplies, check site

  • Roatan Children's Fund
    Lynn Fanelli
    lynne@roatanchildrensfund.com
    Janice Carter Board of Directors
    (504) 3322- 3624
    www.roatanchildrenfund.com
    Facebook: Roatan Childrenís Fund
    The RCF was founded in March 2006 by a group of dedicated Scuba Divers. A non-profit corporation operated exclusively to advance education and provide relief to poor, and underprivileged children living in Roatan.
    Wish Lists: financial, specifics for seven projects are on their website.

  • Roatan Day Care and Learning Center
    Judith Allred founder/Director
    (504) 2445-3218
    judithall@hotmail.com
    Linda Hin LindaHin@gmail.com
    www.Roatan-Daycare.com

    Facebook: Roatan Day Care
    Our purpose is to help children of working families learn and thrive, mentally, physically, and emotionally.Our program combines bilingual early education and nurturing childcare,with play, social skills, and a dedication to community. We provide a healthy environment, within a comfortable facility. Serving the children breakfast, lunch and 2 snacks.The emphasis is on learning, good nutrition, health, and safe, fun play.
    Wish List, childrenís books, games, more on website.

  • Roatan Dental Center
    Dr. Hayman Grant D.D.S.
    drhrghond@yahoo.com
    (504) 2480-5275
    www.roatandentalcenter.com
    RDC has partnered with Nurse Andrea Martin to help kids of Roatan get preventive care such as cleaning and fluoride treatments.For $20 you can provide a clean healthy mouth
    and make a kid of Roatan happy.
    Wish List: tooth brushes/paste/floss for to-go packs.

  • Roatan Humane Society
    Susan Boder President
    smbodor@yahoo.com
    (504) 9878-1472. .
    Kathy Shupe 8844-5018
    info@roatanhumanesociety.org
    www.roatanhumanesociety.org

    Facebook: Roatan Humane Society
    RHS a non-profit, grassroots organization dedicated to act as a voice for the animals of Roatan. There goals are to provide vet care for animals in disadvantaged communities, provide humane solutions for communities struggling with animal overpopulation and to end animal abuse. We are hoping to put an educational program into the schools that would teach responsible pet ownership including empathy and respect for all life.
    Wish List: pet supplies, food, flea collars, leashes, medicines, more at website.

  • The Roatan Marine Park
    Nic Bach: Director of Communications and Marine Infrastructure
    nic.bach@roatanmarinepark.net
    (504) 2445-4206
    www.roatanmarinepark.com
    Facebook: Roatan Marine Park Friend Page
    The RMP is a grass roots, community-based, non-profit organization. The RMP runs a broad range of activities to protect Roatanís Reef and natural resources, including patrols and infrastructure, education, conservation and public awareness. We attend government enforced environmental damage inspections and provide environmental impact assessments (EIAs) on sites of proposed developments on the island. We have also assisted in establishing the first-ever plastic bottle recycling program, introduced a Bags for Life campaign (which promotes the use of re-usable shopping bags), and have been instrumental in setting up community empowerment initiatives through supporting the creation of the Water Taxis Association and the Fishermans Alliance. They run an Eco-Store in West End.
    Wish List: Encourages donations & volunteers, see their website for more.

  • Roatan Public Hospital
    Commit de alluda de Hospital de Roatan Hospital
    Robert Hin
    hinrob@gmail.com
    (504) 3249 7529
    General Surgeon Indira Sanchez
    indirasurg@yahoo.com
    A committee that helps the hospital in many different ways; making necessary improvements in the hospital, getting new (medical and general) equipment and raising funds.
    Wish Lists: medicines and more; please email Robbert.

  • Roatan Renegade Rescue
    Penny Leigh
    roatan_renegade_rescue@yahoo.com
    (504) 2445-5039
    www.roatan-renegade-rescue.org
    Facebook: Roatan-Renegade-Rescue
    Dedicated to rescuing, caring for, and finding homes for the stray, homeless, helpless animals and finding homes for rescues whenever possible. They collect funds through the sales of wristbands and donations.
    Wish List: pet carriers, bird cages, pet food, pet beds, first aid kit for animals welcomes volunteers, more on site.

  • Roatan Rotary Club
    Secretary: Mandy Wagner
    mandy@anthonyskey.com
    (504) 9898-0865
    email@rotaryclubofroatan.com
    rotaryclub.roatan@gmail.com
    www.rotaryclubofroatan.com

    Service above Selfî RRC Raises money in support for the local Police and Fire Departments, acquires medicines for Roatan, and Christmas gifts for the needy children of Roatan. They meet Thursdays at 5:30 PM Conference Room at The Pineapple Grill, Pineapple Villas French Harbor Projects include: Water Filtration/Purification, Emergency Services Literacy (education) see website for how to sponser, donate or to join.

  • Samuel Raymond Christian Academy
    Deborah Hunnicutt
    deborah.hunnicutt@cox.net
    SRCA is beginning its second year. We are a small school for island kids in the Sandy Bay We are currently renting a small space for our classes. We hope to begin building later this year so that we will be in a new facility when school begins next February. We charge a modest tuition however, 21 of our 23 students are sponsored by individuals in the US.
    Wish List: financial, school supplies, email Deborah

  • Sand Castle Library
    Camilla T. OíBrien Director
    partnersineducationroatan@yahoo.com
    (504) 9884-5232
    www.pierroatan.org
    The Sand Castle Library opened January 2010 under the auspices of Partners in Education on Roatan (PIER) SCL has now morphed into a Community Center where 50+ children and teens spend 2-3 mornings or afternoons each week at the library. All come to read, do homework, participate in workshops, to play games or to just ëhang outí in a safe and stimulating environment. Our goal is to provide as many services as possible to attract the kids and their families all with the goal of fostering
    literacy and community.
    Wish List: financial, books, school supplies, games, donate time or talent, see website for more.

  • SOL (School of Life) International Foundation
    Mark Flanagan
    roatanflanagan@yahoo.com
    (504) 9464-6940
    Dave Elmore
    (504) 9905-1030
    www.solroatan.org
    Facebook: SOL International Foundation
    At SOL, through the support of grants, initiatives and fundraisers we are committed to enhancing education, the arts and athletics on Roatan. Sol is capturing the needs of the children and youth by supporting and establishing sports programs, providing academic scholarships, teaching, mentoring, English and art classes. They are establishing community centers that offer extracurricular activities, and support existing foundations with similar goals,
    Wish List: financial,sports gear and equipment, site improvement items, school supplies, back packs, art supplies, see website for more and to volunteer.

  • The Steel Pan Alley School and Band
    Founder and Director Deborah Prieskop
    steelpandeb@gmail.com
    (504) 3298-3448
    www.steelpanalley.com
    U.S. phone: (408) 465-0679
    Steel Pan Alley is a one of a kind school/band made available to the children and teenagers with students ranging in age from 9 to 19. The school seeks to provide the children of the island with music and an opportunity to learn and grow in a friendly, cooperative environment. The school offers this to the children of Roatan for free and hopes to instill music as a way for Bay Island teens to make a supplemental income in the future. Ask about observing a music class with the children of the island and experience the steel pans yourself! $30 per person, four person minimum.

  • Teaching in the Son
    Deborah Hunnicutt
    deborah.hunnicutt@cox.net
    Adult Continuing Education classes: For two years we've offered free English classes to adults. We utilize the Iglesia de Dios en El Swampo for our classes. Additionally, we offer music and computer literacy classes. The computer lit class is moving to Los Fuertes where our instructor lives. Deborah teaches English to the police (primarily Transito) when she can.
    Wish List: financial, teaching/school supplies, email for more.

  • Guanaja: Believe and Achieve Sports and The Popular and Progressive Youth Group
    Mack Yovanne Baca Bennett
    mackyovanne.bacabennett@yahoo.com
    Facebook: Mack Yovanne Baca Bennett
    Wish List: Financial, sports equiptment, for more contact Mack.

  • Utila: Bay Islands Conservation Association (Bica)
    504-2425-3260
    info@bicautila.org
    www.bicautila.org

    Facebook: Bay Islands Conservation Association
    Located Barrio Jeruselem, Utila, Bay Islands
    BICA, was founded in 1990 by the initiative of the local and foreign residents concerned about the environmental challenges facing the Bay Islands. their Mission: Promoting the conservation of the natural resources of the Bay Islands and Caribbean of Honduras.There are 3 chapters of BICA. We manage the Utila Chapter. The organization works in Protected Area Management, Environmental Education, Communication, Sea Turtle Conservation, and Community Outreach & Development.
    See site for Wish Lists and how to volunteer or donate.

  • *Most of these groups are registered Non-profits. Further information and legalese is available on their individual websites. Please contact Patty McCulla to add an individual or an organization to this list. Any updates or corrections are greatly appreciated.
    The email address: pmcculla@hotmail.com or call (504) 3275-3366
    Thank You good people xo