🚐 Why We’re Raising Funds for a Team Van

At Vias RD, education comes first — always.

We work with kids in the Dominican Republic who are at risk of dropping out of school to chase a baseball dream that rarely comes true. Our program flips that script: kids stay in school first, and baseball becomes the incentive.

But right now, transportation limits how far we can go — literally.

That’s why we’re raising funds to purchase a 12-passenger van that will allow our program to grow, compete, and connect.

This van isn’t about convenience.
It’s about access, opportunity, and sustainability.

⚾ What Empower Baseball Does (Quick Snapshot)

Vias RD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Barahona, Dominican Republic.

Our model is simple and strict:

Players must stay enrolled in school to participate
We provide free baseball training, uniforms, and league play
We also provide tutoring, school supplies, mentorship, meals, and structure
Baseball is the hook — education is the requirement

Every child in our program is in school. No shortcuts. No exceptions.

🚐 How This Van Will Be Used (This Is the Big Part)

1. Team Transportation to Games — Especially Away Games
Right now, traveling to away games is difficult, expensive, and unreliable. A van allows us to:

Safely transport players to league games and tournaments
Compete against teams outside our immediate area
Expand our reach to new leagues and communities
Reduce missed games due to distance, weather, or cost

For many of our kids, these games are their first chance to leave their neighborhood and see what’s possible.

2. Expanding Our Reach to More Kids
Reliable transportation lets us:

Serve kids who live farther away
Pick up players who would otherwise be unable to participate
Remove one of the biggest barriers to staying consistent and engaged

Transportation shouldn’t be the reason a kid misses out.

3. Bringing Donors and Supporters to the Program
This van also helps you see the impact you’re making.

When donors, sponsors, and supporters visit the Dominican Republic, transportation is often a major hurdle. With a program van, we can:

Safely transport visiting donors and partners
Eliminate the need for rental cars or public transportation
Bring supporters directly to our field, classrooms, and community

When people can see the kids, meet the coaches, and experience the mission firsthand, they become long-term partners — not just one-time donors.

That helps sustain this work for years to come.

💛 What Your Donation Supports

Funds raised will help us:

Purchase a reliable 12-passenger van
Cover registration, insurance, and basic setup
Keep the vehicle maintained and program-ready

This is a one-time investment that supports:

Hundreds of practices and games
Safer travel for kids
Stronger relationships with donors and partners
Long-term growth of the program

Why It Matters

When you sponsor a child's education AND baseball dreams, you don't just change one life—you break the poverty cycle for entire families.

Ready to make a difference? Your donation is 100% tax-deductible and goes to work immediately.

EIN: 85-0947825 | Contact: info@viasrd.org

Help us purchase a 12 Passenger Van

Team Members