The visions blog

Dig deeper into stories of friendships, community and projects.

Spotlights: Alum, Leaders & Partners

Our community has grown with each passing year, beginning in rural Pennsylvania and quickly extending across the globe. In this series, we glimpse into the lives of some of the people who make up the diverse VISIONS community and hear how VISIONS fits into their bigger picture.

Do you have a VISIONS story that you would like to share? Our international community would love to hear from you! Click here to share your story!

Your Impact Lives On

Your Impact Lives On

Since our inception in 1988, VISIONS continues to offer some of the best volunteer opportunities for high school students there are. Projects are ambitious and real, and have an impact that lasts on the community. And you—our alum—are part of that legacy.

Spotlight: Heather Smarick, VISIONS alum

Spotlight: Heather Smarick, VISIONS alum

Heather Smarick finished a VISIONS program in the Dominican Republic last summer, and recalls learning to mix and pour cement for two classroom’s foundations, playing cards with local kids, and making wonderful friends.

Spotlight: Tim Parsons, Former VISIONS Leader and Office Staff

Spotlight: Tim Parsons, Former VISIONS Leader and Office Staff

Tim has led VISIONS programs all over the world—Mississippi, Australia, South Carolina, Dominica, Alaska, Montana Blackfeet Indian Reservation and Montana Northern Cheyenne. Today he uses the skills that he developed as a VISIONS team member to enhance his life and others’ around him.

Santos Ramos: The Patron Saint of VISIONS Dominican Republic

Santos Ramos: The Patron Saint of VISIONS Dominican Republic

Meet Santos Ramos, our “Saint” of VISIONS Dominican Republic. Since 1991, Santos has been an integral part of VISIONS, dedicating his life to serving communities, building schools, and providing homes. Read on to discover his remarkable story and lasting impact.

Spotlight: Rosa Maria Espino, Community Partner

Spotlight: Rosa Maria Espino, Community Partner

Meet Rosa Maria Espino, a devoted Community Partner in Cotui, Dominican Republic, whose love for her family and community shines through her work with VISIONS Service Adventures.

Spotlight: Gillian Madden, VISIONS Alum & Leader

Spotlight: Gillian Madden, VISIONS Alum & Leader

Gillian became a leader for the VISIONS Dominican Republic summer program after volunteering with us as a teen in Peru, and incorporates the experiential learning VISIONS emphasizes into her daily life as a university student in Byron Bay, NSW, Australia. Read on about her adventures!