Stories of Impact

As the Founder of SparkLife International, I am truly honored to reflect on the strong and positive collaboration we have built with Minette Foundation. Our partnership has been both impactful and inspiring, grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision to create lasting change in the lives of vulnerable communities. Over time, this collaboration has grown into more than just a working relationship—it has become a meaningful alliance driven by passion, commit

Beantown Community Initiatives and The Sensory Stop Daycare distributed diapers and baby supplies donated by the Minette Foundation directly to families. Beantown also paired those deliveries with toys collected during their December 3rd toy drive, bringing additional joy and relief to families during the holiday season

SparkLife International Foundation International Women’s Day Celebration March 8th, 2026 Dear Remarkable Woman, As we come together to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, I am honored to recognize the extraordinary women who continue to shape our families, communities, and world. This year’s theme—Changing Negative Perceptions About Women: Redefining Strength, Leadership, and Worth—invites us to reflect on how far we’ve come and how boldly we continue to rise. For gener

In October 2024, I traveled to the Dominican Republic at the invitation of my close friend—and now Minette Foundation board member—Kamille Dean. The trip, organized by Faith Church’s Pastor Nicole Crank, who introduced us to two extraordinary organizations: Hogar Madelaes (Madalaes Home) and Centro de Corrección y Rehabilitación Najayo Mujeres (Najayo Mujeres Correction and Rehabilitation Center). Although I am the daughter of two Dominican immigrants and have visited the isl

The Minette Foundation is committed to supporting the well‑being of providers who serve our communities by offering professional development trainings and wellness events that strengthen trauma‑informed systems of care across sectors. On December 20, 2025, the Minette Foundation—together with The Circle Collective—hosted a DIY Wellness Fundraiser to celebrate the official launch of the Foundation. The gathering invited participants to pause before the holiday season, reconnec

Maternal mental health is a critical yet often overlooked part of a family’s well‑being. In New York, nearly 20% of pregnancy‑related deaths in 2020 were linked to mental health conditions, and up to 40% of Latina and Hispanic women experience a maternal mental health disorder such as postpartum depression. In response to this urgent need, the Minette Foundation partnered with the Hispanic Federation—an organization with a long history of strengthening Latino communities thro

Located in San Cristóbal, Najayo Mujeres is a correctional and rehabilitation center for incarcerated women—many of whom are mothers separated from their children. Despite systemic challenges, the center offers vocational training and educational programs aimed at helping women rebuild their lives. The prison’s rehabilitation efforts focus on vocational training, emotional resilience, and family reconnection—especially for mothers navigating incarceration. These programs equi

Located in La Victoria, Santo Domingo, Madelaes Orphanage provides shelter, education, and emotional support to girls who have been orphaned or come from homes experiencing extreme poverty. Founded by Maria Elena, this home welcomes girls who have been abandoned or left at the doorstep—offering not just safety, but a nurturing environment where they can heal and grow. The orphanage currently houses over 30 girls, many of whom have experienced significant poverty, trauma, negl