Our Story
From first connections to lasting transformation - the journey of Comunidad Connect
Origins of Comunidad Connect
Comunidad Connect (CC) was created in 2007 after its co-founders had visited and worked in Nicaragua since 1998. Jon Thompson moved his family there full time in 2004 for what became a formative decade for him and CC. His relationships with community leaders and local institutions grew and matured.
In the late 1990s, Nicaragua was becoming a popular destination for surfers, backpackers, and avid tourists. The violence of Nicaragua's civil war in the '80's was long gone and the country was becoming a popular destination to tourists and investors alike.
Many visitors expressed interest in exploring the country and meeting the people beyond the waves of the Southwest Pacific Coast. However, common barriers of language, cultural proficiency, and access to communities often proved insurmountable for those wanting more from their experience abroad.
“We didn't come to build something for people — we came to build something with them.”
across three countries, multiple programs
Our Journey
Each chapter grew from authentic relationships built over years of listening, learning, and partnering.
Cultural Connections Begin
Jon Thompson first visited San Juan del Sur on a road trip through Central America. A conversation in broken Spanish about basketball led to lasting relationships and the foundation for our Cultural Connections program.
Cultural Connections Begin
Jon Thompson first visited San Juan del Sur on a road trip through Central America. A conversation in broken Spanish about basketball led to lasting relationships and the foundation for our Cultural Connections program.
Youth Development Foundation
Jon hired Alejandro Noguera to manage sports programs at the newly renovated Sports Park. This became the foundation of our Youth Development program, now serving 500+ athletes annually.
Youth Development Foundation
Jon hired Alejandro Noguera to manage sports programs at the newly renovated Sports Park. This became the foundation of our Youth Development program, now serving 500+ athletes annually.
Health & Housing Programs Launch
Comunidad Connect was founded to help communities navigate opportunities and risks. We began developing what would become our Together For Health and Homes For Good programs.
Health & Housing Programs Launch
Comunidad Connect was founded to help communities navigate opportunities and risks. We began developing what would become our Together For Health and Homes For Good programs.
Integrated Impact Across Three Countries
Today CC operates across Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, and the United States with four integrated programs serving thousands of community members through our proven co-investment model.
Integrated Impact Across Three Countries
Today CC operates across Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, and the United States with four integrated programs serving thousands of community members through our proven co-investment model.
We connect communities that care in ways that benefit all stakeholders.
To build resilient communities through sustainable programs that address health, housing, youth development, and cultural exchange in partnership with local stakeholders.
Strengths Perspective
We do not think of development in terms of addressing needs alone, but also within the context of local human and social capital.
Relationship Driven
Sustainable development requires open and ongoing collaboration between global, national, and local partners; both public and private.
Resolving Isolation Drives Economic Development
Connecting local communities with networks, knowledge, and capital creates opportunities for appropriate socio-economic development.
Co-investment
Investment of in-kind and financial resources by all committed partners is essential to ensure shared ownership of success.
Community Building × Social Impact = Resilience
Ready to be Part of Our Story?
Join us in writing the next chapter of community transformation and authentic partnership.