ABOUT US
Transforming lives,
strengthening communities
Waves Ahead Puerto Rico is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the emotional, social, and community well-being of vulnerable and underserved populations in Puerto Rico.
We work so that individuals, families, and communities have access to services, resources, and opportunities that allow them to improve their quality of life, develop the tools to face life's challenges, and build a healthier, more resilient future.
Through our programs and community centers, we promote mental health, leadership, community resilience, economic development, and access to essential resources as the foundational pillars of holistic well-being.
OUR H ISTORY
2017
Waves Ahead Corp. was incorporated in Puerto Rico on August 31, 2017, as a domestic nonprofit corporation.
Community Foundation
It was founded with the commitment to walk alongside and strengthen individuals and communities who face barriers to accessing services, resources, and opportunities.
Emergency Response
We have responded to hurricanes, earthquakes, public health emergencies, and other events that have affected the emotional, economic, and social stability of the island.
Today
We operate community centers in San Juan, Maunabo, Isabela, and Cabo Rojo, from which we continue providing services, developing initiatives, and building partnerships for stronger, more resilient communities.
OUR MISSION
Waves Ahead is dedicated to working with and supporting vulnerable and underserved populations across Puerto Rico by providing culturally responsive mental health services, leadership development education, and community-building and connection opportunities.
OUR VISION
At Waves Ahead, we recognize the importance of offering mental health services and psychosocial supports to vulnerable populations in Puerto Rico.
Waves Ahead is dedicated to working with and supporting marginalized and vulnerable communities in strengthening and restoring their various areas of need.
OUR GOALS
Education and Training
Support the education, development, and training of our communities through learning experiences, leadership development, and personal growth that enhance their quality of life.
Community Development
Provide tools and resources that contribute to building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.
Holistic Well-Being
Promote initiatives that strengthen mental health, emotional well-being, economic stability, and community participation.
Resilience and Transformation
Walk alongside individuals and communities through recovery, growth, and transformation in the face of social, economic, and environmental challenges.
OUR PROGRAMS
WHO WE SERVE
Our programs and services support:
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Older adults
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Youth and adolescents
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Individuals and families
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Vulnerable or underserved individuals
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Individuals facing mental health challenges
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Community leaders and grassroots organizations
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Individuals interested in developing entrepreneurial or community initiatives
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Communities affected by emergencies or disasters
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Through the Exprésate Program, we offer individual, couples, and family mental health services, psychosocial support, support groups, case management, legal assistance, wellness activities, and specialized programming such as dirt-therapy and mindfulness, focused on healthy aging.
VITAL IMPACT PROGRAMS
We develop initiatives that promote leadership, civic participation, entrepreneurship, community resilience, and access to safe housing.
Our programs include:
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Empodérate: An institute that educates community leaders on issues affecting our communities; workshops for businesses and community groups on diversity, mental health, and suicide and social isolation prevention.
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Descúbrete: A micro-entrepreneurship program where we provide seed funding to individuals to launch their own business.
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Reconstruye Q: A resilience and food sustainability project through which we provide support during emergency situations.
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Housing: A program in development to provide fair housing for diverse older adults in Isabela, Cabo Rojo, and Caimito, San Juan.
We work from an inclusive vision that recognizes the diversity of experiences and needs present across Puerto Rico.
OUR IMPACT
293+
people receive mental health services monthly
180+
participants access wellness and community support activities monthly
81+
people have developed micro-businesses or organizations with support from our programs
637+
participants have completed Empodérate Leadership Academy experiences since 2021
4
community centers providing services across different regions of Puerto Rico
OUR LOCATIONS
We continue strengthening our programs and developing new opportunities to expand access to mental health services, leadership, resilience, and community development.
Our commitment is to keep building healthier, more inclusive communities that are prepared to meet the challenges of the present and the future.
LOOKING AHEAD
