Alex Arrives to Chile!!!

(In this photo, from left to right: Alex, Avalon (long-term volunteer), Katie (short-term volunteer) and I)

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On Friday, August 27th, 20-year-old Alex Unger finally arrived to Chile from New York City to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity (HFH).

As it turns out Alex’s mom, Sheryl, and I had worked together at the same financial firm I resigned from after 4 years to pursue expanding my volunteer efforts abroad. Upon my departure from the firm, I sent an email to everyone I had worked with throughout the years notifying them of my new endeavors. Shortly after my arrival to Chile I received an email from Sheryl inquiring about volunteer programs available with HFH Chile. She had recalled my departure email and reached out when Alex decided to volunteer with HFH for 1 month. They were unsure on how to begin the process and ensure a program that would best fit his schedule, skills and future goals.

After a brief discussion with Sheryl I approached a few decision makers in the organization to see how we could best accommodate Alex’s desire to volunteer. See, the issue is, customarily there are 2 ways to get involved as a volunteer with HFH Chile:

Global Village
Short-term 2-week program where “you work alongside members of the host community in building decent, affordable housing”. - Habitat for Humanity

Long-term International Volunteer
“Since its inception, Habitat for Humanity has relied on the commitment, spirit and expertise of volunteers to fuel its mission. The International Volunteer Program gives you the opportunity to serve with one of our overseas offices for several months”. - Habitat for Humanity

Fortunately for Alex, we were in the process of creating a new strategy that required a volunteer with his niche, writing. Alex will be assisting HFH Chile with creative writing focusing on our array of programs and all Chile has to offer.

Welcome to the Habitat for Humanity Chile team Alex! We are delighted to have you onboard.

Stay tuned for more photos of Alex’s adventures in Chile throughout the month of September.

To find out more about how volunteers impact lives in NYC and abroad visit our Dare2B facebook community page

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*Selfless *Caring *Inspirational

INSPIRING OTHERS

Photo of the loved ones I left behind. For more photos visit our facebook community page

When I originally made the decision to relocate for a long-term volunteer assignment in Chile the last thing I ever envisioned was inspiring others to do the exact same thing. Sharing my story was simply for purposes of raising awareness, motivating individuals to give back to their communities and displaying the array of opportunities available for you to do so.

For those unaware of the details, in April 2010, I resigned from my place of employment after almost 4 years, gave up my apartment, sold my belongings and left my loved ones behind all to finally pursue my dream of becoming a long-term volunteer. Through Habitat for Humanity I finally discovered a role that would allow me to contribute my time and skills for an amazing cause….building quality homes for people in need.

No words could express how overwhelmed with emotion I am. As long-term international volunteers we choose to separate from all that is known to us in order to participate in a cause we are passionate about. We have to manage adapting to new cultures and people, homesickness, financial restraints and so much more. It’s all a chance we are happy and willing to take. But to see others in my network do the same is truly motivational to me. I knew to expect visitors during my term here but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine someone joining me to work for free in a foreign country.

During my relocation preparation in NYC one of my close friends told me he was inspired to volunteer in Texas for a 2-week program. He will be venturing off with a group from his church to build a shelter in September.

Today, I am super excited to announce a friend will be joining me in Chile. This morning she was accepted as a long-term mobilization volunteer expected to join us in September. She has already resigned from her career and is currently moving out of her apartment.

CONGRATULATIONS Johnny Cruz and Evelyn Gonzalez. I know this will be a first for both of you. Whether it’s a national or international project the impact you stand to make, people/experience you will encounter along with what you gain to learn will be life changing. Thank you for Daring 2 B *Selfless *Caring *Inspirational

HUGS!!!
Roxie

Chile ~ Earthquake Impacted Zones II

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Our visit to Concepción one of the biggest cities in Chile. Talcahuano is one of its ports.

You'll be amazed at how hard Chileans are working to rebuild their country.

Go ahead! Dare 2 B...
Selfless * Caring * Inspirational

Impacting Lives as a Long-term International Volunteer

Design provided by Avalon Rehn for Habitat for Humanity Chile

For more photos visit our facebook community page

Habitat for Humanity Chile has some amazing programs to help families in need. One of their programs is "Nuestros Hijos Vuelven a Casa".

With the assistance of international volunteers we help build or reconstruct homes for children in need of long term medical care. Due to the severe illnesses of these children you will only see photos of their families.

As long-term international volunteers we help with an array of efforts. Below is a brief list of our current contributions to this organization:

- Volunteer mobilization: coordinating and assisting international building teams during their visit
- Promoting awareness and enhancing the volunteer experience
- Assisting with acquiring new volunteers
- Developing or enhancing strategies and communications

To find out more about these programs email us at RoxiesDare2B@aol.com or visit Habitat for Humanity Chile

Go ahead! Dare 2 B...
Selfless * Caring * Inspirational

Chile ~ Behind the Lens

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On Monday, June 28, 2010 WPIX 11 News cameraman, Kenton Young, stopped by for a 3 day visit to Chile. Escorted by two Habitat for Humanity volunteers living in Santiago, Avalon Rehn and Roxana Colorado (Founder of Dare2B), he toured Concepción and Talcahuana. Two areas heavily impacted by the earthquake. Check out a few sneak peak photos on what was uncovered.

Stay tuned for lots more.

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Selfless * Caring * Inspirational

Remember Jean???

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Back in March a group of us went to play, correction, made an attempt to play soccer in order to raise funds for Jean's Road 2 Recovery. We are pleased to update you on Jean's progress after 7 months which includes going back to work as of mid June 2010, getting a new adaptable car and DRIVING.

Thank you so much to the DARE2B team that drove all the way from NYC to PA at the crack of dawn to play 6 consecutive games of soccer for someone they didn't know.

Jean, THANK YOU for inspiring us!!! You are truly amazing!
__________

Jean was involved in an almost fatal motor vehicle accident on Wednesday November 18, 2009. Jean suffered a complete T-12/L-1 spinal cord injury (SCI).

Jean was vacationing on the Carnival Legend Cruise ship, on the 4th day of the cruise, while docked in Cozumel, Jean and 4 friends rented a Jeep to tour the area’s beaches and historical ruins. Another tour Jeep with 6 people failed to stop at a stop sign and Jean’s Jeep t-boned the other in a head on collision, 1 person was killed instantly and another a few hours later. All together, there were 11 victims: 2 fatalities (both in the other Jeep) and 9 injured. 3 of the 9 were seriously injured. Jean was one of the 3.

Go ahead! Dare 2 B...
Selfless * Caring * Inspirational

"Rebuilding Chile" Expo

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Explore Chile Build brought to us by Kallman

This week I attended the 1st US-Chile Expo, “Rebuilding Chile”, a true eye opener about Chile’s current state & the incredible support provided by the U.S. Various speeches mentioned Barack Obama & his direct calls to the government.

Kallman Worldwide, a leader in business show management, did a tremendous job in creating a forum for the Chile government & business officials to meet with U.S. suppliers as a tactic to have Chile gain insight on solutions to assist with its recovery & reconstruction projects. A wide array of American businesses attended & displayed their products & services to guests that included CNN, ambassadors, governors, mayors, ministry of defense & much more. Never have I been in a room full of such tremendous power.

Habitat for Humanity was right in the mix of these heavy hitters. A truly overwhelming experience for me being that it was my first time ever involved in an expo. After a full day of observing I managed to get over being shell-shocked when being left alone to man the booth as the Director of Resource Development did a tremendous job working the floor.

A few things I learned at the conference:

Current Situation & Identified Priorities
- Earthquakes magnitude was actually 8.8
- Earthquake & Tsunami destroyed big cities (Concepcion), hospitals, schools (including one of Chile’s top universities), bridges & historical/touristic places.
- Urgent need for medical equipment
- Military has designed 4 phases of recovery & reconstruction:
o (1) Everyone Under a Roof & (2) A Secure Winter
• These two phases are expected to continue through the month of August. Sheltering people from the cold is priority since we are in the middle of winter season that is horridly impacting children, families & seniors living in tents or out in the open.
o (3) Building Chile, September – November
• Focus is on rebuilding and reconstructing Chile to ensure the country is better prepared to sustain such catastrophes. Communication, military response, government processes, disaster relief & much more need to be improved along with the infrastructure.
o (4) Creating Conditions to Regain Normality
- Debates have taken place about who will be responsible to reconstruct the country during & after its stabilization process. Some governors mentioned that solving the issues at hand in the most cost effective & time efficient matter is what will remain as priority. If this means that a foreign company will reap profits from assisting in this process, then so be it.

Donations & sponsorships are not a common thing in Chile. Recently, the government established tax benefits to motivate Chilean based firms to get involved. However, it appears that it hasn’t been a huge motivational factor leaving Chile dependent on foreigners. National volunteering was not common either until the earthquake.

Fortunately, a few companies donated items that included lighting, homes & a $12K tent (benefitting the Muale region to protect citizens from the cold).

On that note, I leave you with a few photos & an interesting comment I heard at the expo.

“Many have claimed Chile to be the secret child of America. Chile is considered the 51st state, hence the red, white & blue flag with one star.”

Thoughts? Please feel free to share your comments or insights.

Bon Voyage Masquerade Gala

Visit our Dare2B facebook community page to view more photos for this event captured by Studio 25.

Making the decision to relocate to Chile wasn't an easy one because it meant leaving my loved ones behind. Thank you for making my farewell event such an incredible one and for all the support which helps me continue pursuing my dreams.

My apologies for all the amazing people we were unable to capture on camera.

Thanks so much Al! Love you!!!

Hugs
Roxie

Making Dreams a Reality

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In January, after weeks of discussion with a friend requesting Dare2B assist with raising funds and awareness, I met an amazing 9 year old boy named Jayson who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy. At first, it was hard to grasp Jayson's need since I was only shown pictures of him with some friends where he looked like any other 9 year old boy. Even though, I had been told he suffered from MDA I had only known of extreme cases that impeded children from looking like other children their age.

When I finally met Jayson and his parents I was completely in awe. I had never seen such a truly inspirational family. From the moment we met they were cheerful and friendly. The joy in their expressions was genuine. I met them downstairs from my apartment and observed as they carried Jayson out of their car and helped him stand. Jose, his father held on to Jayson tightly as he helped him walk up the steps. See Jayson can't walk on his own but refuses not to try doing so at all. How inspirational is that?

During our conversation I had learned that until the age of 3 Jayson was perfectly healthy, he was able to stand, run and walk. By the age of 8 he was in a wheelchair. As his parents filled me in on their situation I observed Jayson as he pitched in telling his story. Jayson has accomplished so much. See Jayson may have MDA but he also has one amazing outgoing personality. One that has helped him become one of the faces of MDA. He has been the spokesperson for several events and there is no question as to why.

During our first conversation Jayson mentioned the desire of being a film director when he grows up. I immediately thought about the people I knew in the industry and pondered how I could possibly get this boy on a set. Two days later actor Luis Antonio Ramos and I were on the phone chatting about another matter when he happened to mention being the lead in a new film currently in production. I immediately mentioned Jayson and how I was hoping to reach out to people in the industry to make Jayson's dream of experiencing a film set come true. Luis, without any hesitation, reached out to the director and team of The Miracle of Spanish Harlem. By the evening the movie coordinator, Karen Torres, contacted me directly with arrangements to accomodate Jayson's request. As soon as I got the news I notified Migdalia, Jayson's mom, who was in shock with excitement about the news. Jayson was sleeping and she wanted to wake him right away to share the news but I told her maybe it would be best if we waited until the morning. The next day I received a voice text. It was Migdalia giving Jayson the news and him screaming with excitement about being on a movie set.

No words could ever explain how amazing everyone on the set was. The day Jayson, his family and I arrived filming took place at a church. Karen immediately gave us a warm welcome and escorted us to seating. During filming members of the cast and crew passed by to greet Jayson and the gang. Each explained their role in the production and the impact they had on and off the set. I'm not going to lie, Jayson wasn't the only one that found the trip exciting and educational.

Visit our Dare2B facebook community page to see photos of the absolutely incredible people that helped make Jayson's dream a reality by embracing him and welcoming him on the set. Jayson was so excited and positively overwhelmed by the experience. At the end of the night with a huge smile on his face he said "my face hurts from so much smiling".

Mission Accomplished thanks to all the wonderful people on the set of "Miracle in Spanish Harlem".

Thank you, thank you, thank you for making Jayson's first experience such an amazing one.

Special thanks to:

Karen Torres
Luis Antonio Ramos
Edwin Pagan
Ed Martin
Carlos Bermudez
Derek Velez Partridge
Kate Del Castillo
Adrian Martinez
Tuffy

Lesson Learned
To see such strength in a family built by the genuine love they have for their child is more then inspirational. I never realized how much we need our muscles to get things done. Until meeting Jayson I never put a second thought to the need of our for body movement including speech. MDA continues to weaken the body as the years go by.

I have no idea what it would be like to have your child healthy and strong one day to suddenly discover that things will never be the same. For this reason, I cannot commend Migdalia and Jose enough for their strength. I am honored to have met this amazing family. Migdalia, Jose and Jayson, thank you for being such an inspiration and for staying strong and positive through it all.

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Go ahead! Dare 2 B...

Selfless * Caring * Inspirational