Our Founding Story

Solidarity Bridge began in 1999, prompted by its founder, Juan Lorenzo Hinojosa’s, deep desire to connect with and serve people in need, and to do so through the embodiment of solidarity. His deep faith and commitment to Christ was the context and motivation for his response to the call to solidarity. 

Juan Lorenzo is a native of Cochabamba, Bolivia, but he has lived most of his life in the US. During his many visits to Bolivia, he witnessed the healthcare gaps in South America’s poorest country. Deeply moved by this, he invited his wide US network to get involved. His long-time friend, the late Cardinal Francis George of the Archdiocese of Chicago, supported the idea of establishing a lay mission effort, and established contacts with Church leaders in Bolivia that opened conversations with various health institutions. Dr. Enrique Via-Reque, a Bolivian-born anesthesiologist from Chicago’s western suburbs, came on board, helping to organize the medical mission trips. And in October 1999, our inaugural team flew to Bolivia to begin developing long-term, sustainable partnerships with local health leaders.

Solidarity Bridge soon evolved from a mission trip organization to one focused on year-round medical programs in Bolivia and Paraguay that provide care to the underserved via partnerships with well- trained and equipped local doctors. In 2005, Puente de Solidaridad was established as a permanent local office in Bolivia to nurture and oversee the ongoing programs, safeguard and distribute donated supplies and equipment, manage patient selection, documentation and followup, and perform a myriad of related activities.

Solidarity Bridge continues to evolve and adapt - propelled forward by the integration of more and more partners moved by the same conviction as our founder: “Solidarity is something that we have a duty to fulfill, and is not just an option.”

“Solidarity is something that we have a duty to fulfill, and is not just an option.”

- Juan Lorenzo Hinojosa