In Puerto Rico, there are organizations that work tirelessly to address problems and promote the well-being of communities, regardless of election cycles.
There are also several community groups you can join, depending on your town of origin, vocation or personal interest.
Below are seven different organizations working with communities in the north, south, east, west and center of the Island:
Casa Pueblo (Adjuntas)
Casa Pueblo was founded in 1980 to prevent mining operations across 17 silver, gold and copper deposits that would have caused environmental damage to 36,000 cuerdas of land across the towns of Utuado, Lares, Jayuya and Adjuntas. Since then, the community self-management project has worked to protect "natural, cultural and human resources" through talks, research, informational articles and more.
As a result of those efforts, the organization now has an "exhibition hall, library, craft shop, antiques room, hydroponic system and butterfly garden, and operates on solar energy," according to the website of the organization, which is based in the municipality of Adjuntas.
Para la Naturaleza (around the Island)
Para la Naturaleza is a nonprofit organization in Puerto Rico that promotes tree planting, species protection, habitat restoration and the acquisition of ecologically significant land. Through a network of staff and volunteers, it organizes free tours for people who want to learn about and help protect the Island's natural environment.
Since its founding as part of the Fideicomiso de Conservación de Puerto Rico in 1968, its goal has been to protect 33% of the land by 2033. The organization also holds conferences, excursions and educational activities. It currently manages five nurseries, 10 trails and eight visitor centers. For more details, visit paralanaturaleza.org.
Fundación Happy (Vega Baja and Vega Alta)
Fundación Happy is a nonprofit established in 2016 to address the needs of underserved communities. To advance that goal, the organization supports several initiatives that serve as revenue sources for managing its agricultural operation and overseeing lunch delivery to older adults. Through the community farm, the foundation creates employment opportunities while promoting the production and distribution of local food.
El Comeback (around the Island)
El Comeback is a digital platform that promotes job opportunities in Puerto Rico with the goal of strengthening the local economy, reducing migration and increasing employability on the Island. The organization makes job searching easier by listing openings across different professional fields, including engineering, architecture, administration, marketing and accounting, among others.
It also offers professional help to prepare and/or update a résumé. The platform monitors email to streamline job searches and facilitates communication between employers and prospective employees. Those who want to use the platform can visit elcomebackpr.org.
P.E.C.E.S (Humacao)
The Programa de Educación Comunal de Entrega y Servicio (P.E.C.E.S) supports educational, prevention and entrepreneurship programs in communities in the southeastern region of Puerto Rico. The organization got its start in the town of Humacao, when a group of community residents decided to address the lack of job opportunities and low levels of education.
The community association, established in 1985, works to help Puerto Ricans gain tools for socioeconomic growth through social services, consulting, parenting skills development, emotional education, tutoring and assistance for young people who have dropped out of school or are at risk of doing so.
Centro Sor Isolina Ferré (Ponce)
Centro Sor Isolina Ferré, founded in 1969 as the Centro de Orientación y Servicios, promotes overall well-being through programs in academic training, employability, recreation, vocational development, emotional support and assistance for older adults. Located in Ponce, it was renamed in 1987 in honor of María Isolina Ferré Aguayo.
Its mission is "to promote the integral development of the person with justice, dignity, respect and love." For more information, call 787-842-0000 or write to info@csifpr.org.
Taller Salud (Loíza)
In pursuit of social equity, Taller Salud is a nonprofit feminist organization that offers guidance, leadership, activism, accompaniment and assistance to women to promote their professional growth and autonomy, while working against the health inequalities present in society.
Since its founding in 1979, the organization has worked for the comprehensive health of women in its physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions. Taller Salud also advocates for environmental well-being, equal opportunity, the fight against violence and the elimination of racism. For more information, you can send a message to info@tallersaludpr.org or call 787-876-3440.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
