Our Mission
Our core purpose is to provide housing for the poor in the Dominican Republic. Not just to build a structure, but to build a new life for this community and keep it growing. We will continue to build villages for the people with a complete infrastructure including water, electricity, roads, schools, medical facilities, churches, and opportunities for vocational training. We don't plan on stopping until the Lord says so—will you be a part of His mission?
Founder's Corner
The Samaritan Foundation was born in 1988 after Elio and Lena Madonia first visited the Dominican Republic. Before retiring, Elio founded Brio soft drink bottling company, as well as Long Life of Canada, a product that popularized coffee creamers in North America.
The story began the day Elio took a walk outside his vacation resort during that visit, where he made a “wrong turn that turned out to be very right.” He remembers, “I was strolling along the streets of Sosua when I was struck by the extreme poverty…no running water, no electricity, and barely a roof over their heads.”
Elio sensed the Lord telling him, “What will you do for these families?" He answered, “My Lord, I will give them each a house.” Moved by this conviction, Elio bought a plot of land and built Villa Maranatha, a village of 25 homes donated to the families he first met. What began as a trip to the Dominican Republic for rest and relaxation turned into a life-changing mission. Elio and Lena’s initial act of compassion has since transformed the landscape of Sosua and touched the lives of countless individuals.
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You can read more about Elio’s personal journey in his book, Divine Passion to Help Others.
Our Leadership
Content to come