Islandcorps.org

30/07/2026

🤓95 participants were present before the Back to School con Vision event doors even opened. 🧡💚

By 11:30 a.m., families were already waiting to ensure their children could begin the school year with healthy vision. At 1:00 p.m., the incredible care teams gifting their time opened the clinic, and together, we witnessed what is possible when an entire community rallies around its children.

We are especially grateful to Dr. Laura Domenech, MD, President of the Ponce Research Institute Foundation, whose leadership and vision brought together a diverse array of medical students and an extraordinary coalition dedicated to improving pediatric health, vision, and educational success across Puerto Rico.

We were also honored by the visit of Puerto Rico Secretary of Health, Dr. Víctor Ramos, MD, whose presence underscored the importance of preventive pediatric healthcare and collaborative public health initiatives.

At IslandCorps, we believe a child’s ability to learn begins with the ability to see. Healthy vision is fundamental to educational success, confidence, and lifelong opportunity.

Our heartfelt thanks to our incredible care teams who gifted all attendees with kind presence and warm smiles:

• Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
• Ponce Research Institute Foundation
• Ponce Health Sciences University
• National Medical Association & NMA Ophthalmology
• Genentech
• ActiveChild
• San Juan Bautista School of Medicine
• Instituto de Salud Pública de Puerto Rico
• Fideicomiso para la Ciencia, Tecnología e Investigación de Puerto Rico
• Sociedad Puertorriqueña de Oftalmología
• Plaza Las Américas

To every ophthalmologist, physician, nurse, resident, medical student, volunteer, event planner, production crew, and family who gave their time and expertise, thank you. You reminded us that when healthcare, education, research, philanthropy, government, and community work together, extraordinary things happen.

Together, we’re helping Puerto Rico’s children begin the school year with clearer vision, greater confidence, and brighter futures. This is how we reimagine education to improve pediatric health and youth wellness. 🧡TOGETHER.💚🇵🇷

26/07/2026

⭐🩺🧡 What a beautiful day for our island children.
The IslandCorps Starfish Clinic welcomed children and families from across northern Puerto Rico for a day centered on health, kindness, and community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Municipality of Toa Baja for participating in this event by providing transportation for children and families who otherwise may not have had access to today’s clinic. Your commitment to the well-being of our community helped make this day possible.

We are deeply grateful to Todos Together, whose friendship and inspiring work continues to serve as a bridge between communities in need and the abundant generosity, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and resources that make moments like these possible.

To our extraordinary volunteer care team, thank you for gifting your expertise, attention, and your hearts to children and families who would not have had access to care:

🩺 Oksana Prodan, DNP, FNP-BC, RN, BSN
🩺 Bianca McClammy, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC
🩺 Nilka Gracia, BSN, RN
🩺 Dr. PJ Vázquez (PJSinSuela), Emergency Medicine Physician and Medical Director for Direct Relief Puerto Rico
🩺 Ángel Luis Ocasio, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, UPR Law, Class of 2028
🩺 Laura Ocasio Gracia, MSN, BSN, RN, Pediatric Nurse and University of Puerto Rico, Class of 2028

Thank you to every incredible Islandcorps team member and to our volunteers who welcomed families. Every smiling child reminded us why we do this heart work, and to every parent who trusted us with their care, thank you.

Today wasn’t simply about providing healthcare; it was about creating a safe place where children felt seen, heard, and welcomed, and their families felt supported. It makes us proud when our island community comes together to celebrate health and hope.

The IslandCorps Starfish Clinic is just getting started, and we can’t wait to welcome even more children and families in the months ahead.

🌟💙🪸🌊Healthy kids mean stronger communities and a hopeful, brighter future for Puerto Rico’s 231,000 children and youth.

25/07/2026

⭐ 🇵🇷🧡Introducing the IslandCorps Starfish Clinic 🩺💙

Today marks the beginning of something special.

Inspired by the story of the child who throws one starfish back into the ocean at a time, the IslandCorps Starfish Clinic is founded on a simple belief: every child matters, and every act of care can change a life.

Today, in collaboration with our incredible friends at Todos Together, we’re opening our nonprofit doors to children and families for free pediatric health guidance, first aid, medical evaluations, and community resources in a welcoming environment built around compassion, dignity, and hope.

This clinic is more than a health event; it’s a vision for healthier children, stronger families, and more resilient communities across Puerto Rico.

A heartfelt thank you to our physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical students, volunteers, and community partners for donating their time, expertise, and hearts to make this possible.

Because when nonprofits and caring people work together for children, we can make all the difference for the child in front of us.

⭐ One child.
⭐ One family.
⭐ One community.
⭐ One starfish at a time.

01/07/2026

Today, IslandCorps had the privilege of welcoming attorney Jean Vidal-Font, LL.M., J.D., of Ferraiuoli LLC, as a volunteer youth instructor through our initiative.

Our education program mission connects Puerto Rico’s world-class professionals with underprivileged or marginalized youth residing in children’s homes, creating opportunities for mentorship, exposure to new careers, and life-changing educational experiences.

During today’s session, Lic. Vidal introduced the youth to the three foundational pillars of Puerto Rico’s legal system: the Civil Code, the Penal Code, and the Constitution. Beyond explaining these legal frameworks, he helped the students understand an essential principle: every person has rights, and understanding those rights is a cornerstone of responsible citizenship.

One of the most meaningful moments came when several of the youth shared that they had never learned about their legal rights before.

That is exactly why our educational program exists. Knowledge builds confidence. Confidence creates opportunity. Opportunity transforms lives.

We are deeply grateful to Lic. Vidal-Font for donating his time, expertise, and passion to invest in Puerto Rico’s next generation.

If you are a professional interested in volunteering one hour to teach, mentor, or inspire young people through , we invite you to connect with IslandCorps. Your experience could become someone’s turning point.

Together, we are building a stronger Puerto Rico by investing in its future, one classroom, one mentor, and one young person at a time, in an out-of-the-box experience to empower an entire generation.
🇵🇷✨JOIN US.

26/06/2026

🇻🇪❤️ Stand with the People of Venezuela

The devastating earthquakes in Venezuela have left communities in urgent need of medical care and humanitarian assistance.

The University of Miami Global Institute has launched the Venezuela Earthquake Relief Fund to provide emergency medical support, humanitarian aid, and innovative telemedicine solutions to help reach affected communities.

Every contribution—large or small—can help save lives and bring hope to families during this difficult time.

Please consider supporting this important effort by donating or sharing the campaign:

🔗 https://ucare.miami.edu/venezuela-earthquake-relief-fund

Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

Join me and Help Deliver Lifesaving Aid

25/06/2026

🧡 Volunteer Spotlight:
Aziza Ayoub Santiago
MD/MPH Candidate
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

From the running track to the front lines of disaster preparedness, Aziza Ayoub Santiago is using her talents to make a difference where it matters most for our Puerto Rico nonprofit organization.

Aziza is passionate about emergency medicine, disaster response, and global health. She recently joined IslandCorps as a volunteer through the University of Miami Global Institute, serving as an asset to the William Lehman Injury Research Center and the Ryder Trauma Center, to deploy and evaluate innovative telemedicine technology designed to strengthen emergency response and expand access to specialist healthcare across Puerto Rico and other communities affected by disasters.

Long before beginning medical school, Aziza demonstrated what dedication and discipline look like. As an NCAA Division I middle-distance runner at The Ohio State University, she represented Puerto Rico internationally, became a two-time Puerto Rico National Champion in the 800 meters, set the Puerto Rico National Indoor 800-meter Record (2:05.06), and holds The Ohio State women’s indoor 800-meter school record as well as the outdoor mile school record (4:42.45).

As a proud Puerto Rican and Egyptian, Aziza brings a unique perspective, unwavering discipline, and a deep commitment to serving communities facing disasters and limited access to healthcare, her dedication to innovation, teamwork, and humanitarian service embodies the values we strive to uphold at IslandCorps.

Thank you, Aziza, for sharing your knowledge, your leadership, and your heart with our team. Together, we’re building healthier, more resilient communities across Puerto Rico and preparing for the moments when communities need us most with caring, future physicians like you.

🧡Welcome to the IslandCorps family!

24/06/2026

⚠️ Aviso Importante
Un terremoto de magnitud 7.1 ocurrió cerca de la costa de Venezuela. Puerto Rico se encuentra bajo un Boletín Informativo de Tsunami mientras las autoridades continúan monitoreando la situación.

Si su hogar se encuentra en una zona costera, les recomendamos mantenerse atentos a los comunicados oficiales de su municipio y del Negociado para el Manejo de Emergencias y Administración de Desastres.

Pueden consultar las actualizaciones oficiales en: https://www.tsunami.gov/

La seguridad de los niños, jóvenes y de sus equipos de trabajo es nuestra prioridad. Les mantendremos informados si surge algún cambio.

12/06/2026

🌱✨ The IslandCorps team visited Plenitud, in Las Marías, Puerto Rico to learn about sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, renewable energy, and community resilience.

After our visit to one of the highest peaks in our island, Las Marías, the nature, fauna, flora, and the new friends and caring community we made with Plenitud, filled us with hope that when two nonprofits work together, there is a brighter and more abundant future for all the children, youth and people we serve.

Experiences like these strengthen our commitment to building partnerships that inspire and empower Puerto Rico’s 224,000 children and youth. We are sincerely grateful to Plenitud, for opening their loving doors to offer our hard working team, with the warmest learning day of connection and inner peace.

Thank you for giving our nonprofit team one of the most loving meals we have ever received from another nonprofit organization in Puerto Rico.

Thank you, Plenitud PR, for welcoming us and sharing your mission with our team.

12/06/2026

🌱✨ The IslandCorps team visited Plenitud, in Las Marías, Puerto Rico to learn about sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, renewable energy, and community resilience.

After our visit to one of the highest peaks in our island, Las Marías, the nature, fauna, flora, and the new friends and caring community we made with Plenitud, filled us with hope that when two nonprofits work together, there is a brighter and more abundant future for all the children, youth and people we serve.

Experiences like these strengthen our commitment to building partnerships that inspire and empower Puerto Rico’s 224,000 children and youth. We are sincerely grateful to Plenitud, for opening their loving doors to offer our hard working team, with the warmest learning day of connection and inner peace.

Thank you for giving our nonprofit team one of the most loving meals we have ever received from another nonprofit organization in Puerto Rico.

Thank you, Plenitud PR, for welcoming us and sharing your mission with our team.

PuertoRico Sustainability Sociallmpact

08/05/2026

🧡Q1 2026 was more than a report.
It was proof that when people come together with purpose, CHILDREN WIN.

Over the last three months, IslandCorps deployed groundbreaking work across Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra, restoring classrooms, expanding pediatric wellness access, deploying resiliency connectivity systems, educating youth on digital citizenship and cybersecurity, strengthening disaster preparedness capacity, advancing environmental health research, and opening new pathways for the 227,000 children still navigating Puerto Rico’s education system.

None of this happens alone.

Special gratitude to our partners and friends at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ponce Health Sciences University, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Plusurbia Design, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Foot Locker, Dueñas Trailers, BetterUnite, Secretary Eliezer Ramos Parés, the residents at Ponce Health Sciences University, Dr. Santiago Roque, Alfonso Fernández, Terren, Mr.Terpin, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, and for showing up for Puerto Rico Imagine Dragons, Flo-Rida, Troy Curtis Entertainment, and the Tokenize! Conference, alongside every educator, physician, donor, architect, artist, first responder, volunteer, and advocate, is helping us reimagine what is possible for island children.

And above all, thank you to the IslandCorps team, for carrying this mission with courage, grit, compassion, and relentless dedication. Together, we are not just responding to a crisis. We are building the future of Puerto Rico for the next generation. 🇵🇷🌎