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Community Collaborations International
Environmental, Disaster Relief and Human Service Projects for Volunteer Teams
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CCI provides all food, lodging, tools, safety equipment, project materials, insurance and experienced project coordinators
We serve you so you can serve the community
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2026 is off to a great start in Puerto Rico!
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105 volunteers • 3,150 service hours • 6 volunteer teams
University of Wisconsin
University of Connecticut
Lewis & Clark College
University of Buffalo
University of Delaware
Harvard University
Much of the progress we’re able to make through our BFF Puerto Rico Project (Better Future For Puerto Rico) comes from CCI volunteer teams who choose to participate year after year, allowing projects to build over time and relationships with community partners to deepen.
Most of the universities who joined us this January are returning teams.
We’re especially grateful to the University of Delaware, whose Alternative Break volunteer teams have joined CCI every year for over a decade! |
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“Thank you for housing us and organizing such a great week with UDaB! My participants couldn’t have had a more perfect experience — your organization truly changes lives. It’s also completely changed my life and perspective in ways I couldn’t even explain. Forever grateful!”
— Alexandra Briggs, University of Delaware, Alternative Break Site Lead January 2026
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Why BFF Puerto Rico Matters
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| Through hurricanes, earthquakes, and political upheaval, universities, colleges and other groups have continued to stand with Puerto Rico by sending volunteer teams to the BFF Puerto Rico Project. Please consider organizing a volunteer team to sustain long-term recovery, environmental stewardship, and community resilience.
The sustained presence of volunteer teams:
- Helps partners complete multi-week projects
- Provides reliable labor during a high-need period
- Builds momentum for continued work later in the year
- Reflects a genuine, long-term commitment to Puerto Rican communities
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What our volunteers worked on
Throughout January, volunteers worked across northeastern Puerto Rico and surrounding communities, responding directly to priorities identified by local partners. |
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Environmental & Conservation
- NOAA marine debris and beach monitoring
- Forest and ecological restoration
- Ocean habitat and coral reef education at El Escambrón
- Trail and habitat work in El Yunque National Forest
Food Systems & Agriculture
- Hands-on support at local farms
- Community garden and future community kitchen projects
- Work strengthening local food security efforts
Community
- Support at equine therapy and Caribbean Ability Park serving children and individuals with disabilities
- Community center maintenance and improvement
- Housing and facility projects benefiting vulnerable populations
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| “Our hearts are filled with gratitude. Equinotherapy Puerto Rico and Caribbean Ability Park had the honor of receiving student volunteers under the organization CCI – committed young people who cross borders to serve with their heart and leave a mark on our community.”
-Olga L Díaz Coordinadora de Voluntarios Equinoterapia Puerto Rico |
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Looking Ahead: Continuing the Work in Puerto Rico
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| We’re grateful to the students, institutions, and community organizations who continue to make this work possible in Puerto Rico.
Their ongoing commitment allows local partners to plan ahead, sustain long-term projects, and count on support year after year.
That momentum matters. |
Groups that organize volunteer teams with CCI can expect:
- Meaningful, hands-on service aligned with community-identified needs
- Well-planned projects supported by experienced, bilingual staff
- Safe, group-friendly accommodations and full in-country coordination
- Leadership development, reflection, and cultural exchange opportunities
- A trusted partner with more than 30 years of experience deploying student volunteers
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| It’s not too late to join us in Puerto Rico this Spring — or too early to start planning for the future! Most CCI Projects are available year-round, with flexible project plans tailored to group size, academic calendars, and learning objectives—making it easy to plan a future volunteer experience.
* Need a project for a team from a high school, service club, corporation or community organization? CCI has projects for you.
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Learn more about our Projects
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Sign up your Volunteer Team for one of our projects today.
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| Join us on social media to follow our projects and disaster recovery efforts. |
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