United States Board of Directors
Jim Bedford
Kurt Florian, J.D.
Juan Lorenzo Hinojosa, Ph.D., Vice Chair
Bishop Francis Kane
Bruce Leech, Chair
Dan Lum, M.D., Secretary
Jan Mezyk, M.D.
Jean Moran
Richard Moser, M.D.
Rev. Robert Oldershaw
Ed Rebek
Bud Sents, Treasurer
Anton Steinhart
Enrique Via-Reque, M.D.
Daniel Yousif, M.D.
† Rev. Robert McLaughlin
† Deacon Jeff Shaw, R.N.
United States Staff
Juan Lorenzo Hinojosa, Ph.D., - Executive Director
Ann Rhomberg, M.S.W. - Associate Director
Christin Hinojosa, M.A. - Director pf Philanthropy /
Program Director
Sarah Hinojosa, M.T.S. - Director of Parish Outreach
Karen O'Leary - Grant Research Manager
Kelly Lostroscio - Administrative Assistant
Enrique Via-Reque, M.D. - Volunteer Medical Director
Bolivia Board of Directors
Carl Brockmann
Maria Eugenia Brockmann
Felipe Guzman
Juan Lorenzo Hinojosa
Norka Martinez
Juan Carlos Ramirez
Bolivia Staff
Carlos Brockmann - Country Co-Executive Director
Maria Eugenia Brockmann - Country Co-Executive Director
Juan Carlos Avila - Country Associate Director
Jose Choque - Cooperatives Coordinator /
Vision Program Coordinator
Beatriz Rojas - Santa Cruz Coordinator
Adminda Gomez - Office Manager / Accountant
Maria Ines Uriona - Social Worker
Carla Lorena - Social Worker
Teresa Gutierrez - Administrative Assistant
Ivert Nogales - Vision Assistant Coordinator
Vilma Amelia Claros - Vision Screener
Pamela Rocio Gomez - Vision Screener
Jose Ariel Laura - Vision Screener
Carla Navia - Vision Screener
Jhonn Herbert Saravia - Vision Screener
Giovani Villarroel - Vision Screener
In thanksgiving for the countless blessings we have received, we at Solidarity Bridge have been called to give back to the world. As we give of ourselves, we are touched by the beauty and strength of the people we serve. In them we have seen the true meaning of compassion, respect and deep faith in God. They have taught us about humility and human dignity. While we go to heal and empower those in need, we find that we are, in turn, healed and empowered by them. Here is a glimpse of our story...
BOLIVIA is a landlocked country in the heart of South America. It is a land of political turmoil that has undergone nearly 200 coups in its 183 years of being a nation. As the poorest country on its continent, an alarming 70 percent of its people live in deep poverty, 63 percent struggle with little to no access to medical resources, and its average citizen makes 22 cents per hour of hard labor.
For more about Bolivian demographics and quality of life, please visit the World Health Organization’s page on Bolivia or Human Rights Watch’s reports on Bolivia.
THE MEDICAL PROGRAM is a partnership between U.S. and Bolivian medical personnel, primarily surgical, who serve the poor in their critical health needs. In our first decade we have seen over 20,000 patients, performed more than 1,700 surgeries, and have brought over $9 million worth of medicines, medical supplies, and equipment to Bolivian Hospitals to be used in their work with the poor.
Our programs include our Medical Mission Trips, Children's Bridge Program, Children's Vision Program, Open Heart Surgery Program, Neurosurgery Program, and Pacemaker Surgery Program.
THE FAIR TRADE PROGRAM
As our mission evolved, we recognized the need to not only heal the sick, but to go to the root of the problem of poverty. To answer this call we began Solidarity Clothing and the Dharma Trading Partnership through which we provide a bridge between indigenous Bolivian sewing cooperatives and U.S. organizations, establishing a fair-trade market for clothing produced by Bolivian workers.
OUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY is central to our mission. We do not proselytize but celebrate our faith by action and example. People of all faiths and traditions are encouraged to join us and we welcome them into our spiritual sharing and reflection.
The mission experience expands the world of our volunteers and invites them to live a more full and meaningful life. They witness life in the developing world, see God’s face in the poor, and are moved by the dignity and strength of the people they encounter. Lives are changed forever as our missioners grow deeper into a life of volunteerism and service.
OUR VISION
The love of Christ impels us to heal and empower those in need. Through bonds of solidarity, we serve the poor in partnership with our Latin American counterparts.
Rooted in the Catholic tradition, Solidarity Bridge welcomes people of all faiths and traditions who wish to serve the poor through urgent medical care and Fair Trade partnerships.
In a spirit of mutuality, we create a channel for the abundant good will and generosity of individuals and organizations to reach the poor.
In respect for all members of our human community, we serve the poor of Bolivia equally regardless of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, sex or age.
As the poor and marginalized teach us and impact our lives, we gain perspective on the inequities in the human family.
In our service to the poor, we advocate for justice and solidarity between North and South America.