Caritas Archdiocesan of Santiago is a Catholic institution dedicated to human promotion, development, and social assistance for the poorest. Its work is carried out through parish social ministry teams, volunteers, and a qualified professional staff.

It is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization established by the Dominican Episcopal Conference on September 19, 1961, belonging to the Archdiocese of Santiago and organized under Chapter XXV of the Concordat, signed on June 16, 1954, between the Vatican and the Dominican Republic.

From 1997, under the leadership of Father Ramón Dubert, the institution strengthened its programs, implementing housing projects, community pharmacies, children’s dining halls, and a technical-vocational school.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Caritas coordinated projects such as poultry farming, pharmacies, and goat farming. It also trained rural groups and women’s clubs in topics such as maternal health, childcare, and nutrition.

After the death of Father Ramón Dubert in 2005, Deacon Juan Emilio Díaz (Yany) became president of the institution.
Under his guidance, the board and executive leadership continued Father Dubert’s mission, strengthening existing projects and expanding into new areas such as youth at risk, micro-entrepreneurship, emergency response, water and sanitation, and prevention of domestic violence.

Friends of Caritas SDR, Inc. began when Mr. Juan Emilio Díaz (Yani) invited friends and business associates from New York, members of the National Supermarkets Association (NSA), to support the projects created by Jesuit Father Ramón Dubert in the Dominican Republic. These projects focused on constructing and repairing homes for families living in extreme poverty.

This group of friends began contributing in 2003, becoming some of the first donors of houses for Caritas Archdiocesan of Santiago, forming a committed circle of supporters under the motivation of Deacon Juan Emilio Díaz (Yani).

Key early donors included Luis Corona, Samuel Collado, José Collado, José Corino Guzmán, Teófilo de Jesús, and Johnny Díaz, among others.

Growth and Evolution

In September 2016, the first meeting of Friends of Caritas took place in New York to discuss charitable work for the coming year. Their shared mission was guided by faith: continuing to help the most vulnerable populations in the Dominican Republic.

At a New York Gala, they contributed to building 10 houses, each costing $5,000. The initiative grew, reaching out to more friends and suppliers to expand their impact.

By November 2017, Friends of Caritas gathered at NSA headquarters in Queens, NY, to celebrate their achievements with donors, suppliers, and supporters. Notable attendees included Monsignor Rafael Felipe, President of Social Pastoral – Caritas of the Dominican Episcopal Conference, José Gatreau, National Director of Caritas Dominicana, and Adalgisa Rodríguez, Executive Director of Caritas Archdiocesan de Santiago

Formation of Friends of Caritas Foundation

In 2019, a delegation of Friends of Caritas met with Monsignor Freddy Bretón, Archbishop Emeritus of Santiago, to present their work and discuss establishing a formal foundation to expand charitable efforts.

The team, composed of Deacon Juan Emilio Díaz (Yani), Samuel Collado, and Luis Corona, prepared the necessary steps to create Friends of Caritas SDR, Inc., approved by the IRS in October 2019.

The foundation was officially presented at a dinner on October 16, 2019, at Rubio Café Restaurant in Queens, NY, with over 40 attendees, marking a historic moment for supporters of the archdiocese’s human promotion and social assistance initiatives.

Biography
Father Ramón Dubert was born on October 31, 1934, in Muros de San Pedro, La Coruña, Spain, the seventh of ten siblings.

He began his ecclesiastical formation in Cuba with the Jesuits and continued his studies in Spain, focusing on Classical Humanities, Sacred Oratory, and Theology. He arrived in the Dominican Republic in the 1960s, serving in several communities, including Dajabon and Loma de Cabrera, before settling in Santiago.

Pastoral and Social Work

• Parish priest of Corazón de Jesús in Los Jardines Metropolitanos, in Santiago, promoting human and spiritual formation among teachers, students, and families.
• Fostered the formation of lay ministers and service groups in the Archdiocese.
• Promoted social works: children’s dining halls, homes for low-income families, community pharmacies, medical dispensaries, technical-vocational schools, and environmental projects.

Notable Projects

• Happy Childhood Program “Father Ramón Dubert” (2000) – Addresses child malnutrition and vulnerability, including children’s dining halls, health services, academic support, emotional support, and values formation.
• Nuestra Señora de la Luz Technical-Vocational School – Provides technical and professional training for youth and adults with limited resources.

Death and Legacy
Father Dubert passed away on November 26, 2005, in Santiago. His mission continues through Caritas and the programs he initiated or strengthened, leaving a legacy of dedication, service, and commitment to the poor and integral formation of people.

Monsignor Freddy Bretón (Archbishop Emeritus of Santiago)

• Provided institutional and public support for Father Dubert’s social initiatives through Caritas Archdiocesan.
• Strengthened social programs, participated in community events, and helped secure donations and institutional backing for children’s and family programs.
• Advocated publicly for solidarity and the work of Caritas, encouraging community cooperation and donor support.

Monsignor Héctor Rafael Rodríguez (Archbishop of Santiago, appointed October 2023)

• Born January 13, 1961, in Sánchez, Samaná, Dominican Republic.
• Member of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, ordained in 1989, with advanced studies in spiritual theology, including studies in Rome.
• Promote concrete actions of solidarity to build a more just society.
• Actively supports Caritas Archdiocesan, attending housing deliveries, social project events, and community initiatives.

Since 2005, following Father Dubert’s death, Deacon Juan Emilio Díaz has served as President of Caritas Archdiocesan de Santiago.

• Continues Father Dubert’s mission by strengthening existing programs and exploring new areas of social work.
• Leads initiatives with pastoral commitment and a vision of solidarity, promoting the welfare of the most vulnerable communities.
• Under his guidance, Caritas continues to serve with love, hope, and faith, extending the Church’s hand to those in need.

• Juan (Yno) Díaz – President
• Hilda Castro – Vice President
• Heriberta Díaz – Secretary / Treasurer
• Juan Perez – Public Relations
• Juan Carlos Castañeda – Marketing Director
• Gloria Bencosme – Coordinator
• Liliam Diaz – Assistant Coordinator
• Marcia Diaz – Assistant Coordinator
• Carlos San Jose – Board Member
• Jayleen San Jose – Board Member
• Juany Diaz – Board Member
• Sigfredo Henriquez – Board Member