The 4North Project

It took less than 24 hours from when our plan landed in the Dominican for me to realize the trip I had been dreaming about for over a year was going to be even better than I had imagined. 12 hours after landing in the country I was jumping off a cliff and rising ATVs through the mountains. 24 hours after that I was inside a remote village working to provide eye care to 200+ individuals who, until Matt, we’re receiving care they could have never imagined. After watching the impact a simple gesture such as reading glasses could have on these individuals I realized I want to help people to such a degree that Matt does on a daily basis. This experience solidified that when I go to college in the fall I will be on the premed track with the ultimate goal of going back to places such as this in order to offer any care that I can. This trip and Matt himself truly changed my life and helped to create my future. Over the next week, we explored the country in ways such as rising horses on the beach, climbing through caves and spending the day at a beautiful Oceanside pool. Along with providing eye care to a village, we also distributed meals to 25 families funded by 4North as well as building a bathroom for a family who is living in conditions unimaginable to us. We ended each day with a dinner amongst my family, Matt and our two translators who were also fantastic. Matt enriched the trip as a whole and these dinner as well as many activities through the day ended in laughter due to him. This trip was life changing and I hope to one day do the kind of good for others that Matt does and he continues to do with the creation of the 4North project.

I’ve always been a person who has been hesitant to leave his comfort zone, but I am so grateful that I did for this trip! In just 10 short days I learned so much about not just how a country not as fortunate as us runs, but I also learned a lot about myself. Matt and his team manage to put together a perfect program that can teach us the value in life with ways of education, sustainability, safety, and enjoyment. I would highly recommend this program to anybody who has been looking to take that chance. Anybody who has been looking to take that extra step. Because for me I’m glad I did.... it changed my life! I will definitely be back this time with more friends and more family! Thank you Matt!

Our family, which includes 2 children (now teenagers) and two adults, have enjoyed the most positive experiences over the years, but the 4 North Dominican experience rates at the top. We have traveled around the world for enjoyment, but never have we been provided the type of opportunity like 4 North offered. The experience offered the perfect balance of fun and adventure while also providing a sense of accomplishment while working on the numerous service projects. Although the projects were obviously beneficial to the recipients, it was even more beneficial to us as it touched our souls deeply and was most rewarding to be able to help others in such a powerful and sustainable way. The service projects provided a sense of purpose—something bigger than oneself.
We also enjoyed vacation like experience such as Dominican resort living in the most gorgeous tree house. Additionally we experienced great adventure like 4 wheeling, horse back riding on the ocean, and paragliding—just to name a few.

Matt Gewirtz and his team were incredible hosts. The entire week was well planned out and there was never a dull moment. However, there was always the flexibility to change the itinerary based on the desires of the team. Matt is the most gracious host and a tremendous human being. Just listening to him share his various volunteer experiences around the world is inspiring. We feel honored to now call him a friend.
The housing accommodations were fantastic—clean, air conditioning, comfortable, spacious, and included the necessities. The food was delicious and offered a great variety. Our family always felt safe and welcomed wherever we went. Although I didn’t necessarily like or understand why, the Dominican people treated us like royalty, going out of their way to make our stay a dream vacation. Our 16 year old son, who was a bit leery before we left said the trip changed his life. Our 18 year daughter said it was a trip of a lifetime and she hopes to return soon. I do not endorse many things, but this experience receives my full endorsement and I hope that everyone can share the experiences our family was fortunate to have. It was simply the BEST!!

A group of us travel nurses went on a vision trip to set up for future medical trips. I have been hesitant to go on medical/mission trips because of the moral and ethical issues commonly seen, but 4North is truly a nonprofit who wants to build sustainable solutions WITH the community so that they can thrive. They have a long term vision that will create long-lasting impact, and I'm grateful to be part of their journey. Definitely love supporting a grassroots organization! Looking forward to the next visit and to see 4North unfold!

Matt and 4North gave me an experience that I will never forget. We were able to give non-medical eye exams to 50-100 ppl and give away free eye glasses to the people. My favorite part of the entire trip was stopping at the calmodos in the city and villages and just interacting with the people. It was nice to just interact with the people and see them in their daily routine/life. This trip can be customized to any type group. Matt did an amazing making my trip extra special for me and my friend. I would do it all over again in a heart beat and can't wait to go back.