Our Story
From a single trip to Nicaragua to a movement spanning three countries, discover the journey that shaped FNE International.
Where It Started
A Vision Born from Experience
In 1990, a group of Northport High School students traveled to Nicaragua, forging the first connections between American volunteers and Nicaraguan communities. Then in 1996, Michael Cipoletti made his own first trip. What he witnessed, communities facing immense challenges yet filled with resilience and hope, ignited a passion that would shape the next three decades of his life.
Those early journeys revealed a fundamental truth: sustainable change doesn't come from outsiders imposing solutions, but from empowering communities to identify their own opportunities and build their own futures.
This philosophy became the foundation of everything FNE International stands for today.
Our Journey
Milestones That Matter
From humble beginnings to international impact, every step has brought us closer to our vision.
The First Connection
Northport High School students travel to Nicaragua, forging the first connections between American volunteers and Nicaraguan communities.
A Journey Begins
Michael Cipoletti travels to Nicaragua for the first time, witnessing firsthand the challenges facing communities and planting the seeds for what would become FNE International.
Founding H.O.P.E.
Michael leads his first group trip to Nicaragua, traveling with students from Stonehill College and co-founding the H.O.P.E. Program.
First Steps in Peru
Michael and Stonehill students travel to Peru for the first time with H.O.P.E., renovating a school in San Juan de Lurigancho, Lima's poorest district.
Rebuilding After Mitch
Michael works independently across Nicaragua and Peru, providing support in the wake of Hurricane Mitch and leading groups to both countries for infrastructure projects.
Laying the Groundwork
After five years as an entrepreneur in the private sector, Michael returns to Nicaragua and begins organizing the work that becomes FNE International.
Campus Partnerships
Michael reconnects with the Northport community and its high school. He also begins leading student trips to Nicaragua with James Madison University, Miami Dade College, and Stony Brook University.
Formalizing the Work
Michael establishes a subordinate chapter of Friends of Students for 60k and names it Friends New England (FNE), giving years of grassroots work its first formal structure.
Tengo un Sueño
An English and STEM program launches in Chacraseca, providing scholarships and support that carry students from kindergarten through university.
Expanding to Peru
In collaboration with Dr. John Shanley and Stony Brook University Medical School, FNE launches its first project in Peru, bringing education and healthcare initiatives to underserved communities.
Transition
FNE International transitions to an independent 501(c)(3) US nonprofit organization, allowing for greater autonomy and focused mission delivery.
Restoring Sight
FNE partners with Sights on Health on recurring cataract missions to Peru, flying US surgeons down to operate, with over 500 surgeries performed to date.
Richard Streb Memorial Library
A solar-powered lending library opens in Chacraseca, Nicaragua—the community's first library, honoring educator Dick Streb and bringing books, computers, and WiFi to subsistence farmers and artisans.
Dominican Republic
The organization extends its reach to Dominican Republic, partnering with FUCPE school in Villa Caoba to serve low-income families and undocumented children.
Salud para Todos los Niños
The program launches in Nicaragua, supporting more than 140 medically complex children with pharmacy access, specialty appointments, and family accompaniment.
Scaling Up
With staff and established programs anchoring the work in Nicaragua, FNE turns toward expansion, broadening its portfolio of projects in Peru and Dominican Republic.
Finca Girasol
FNE begins administering Finca Girasol, a community-based organic farm providing nutritional support for children and employment for struggling families.
Pandemic Response
FNE delivers over $250,000 in pandemic relief across all three countries, providing PPE for frontline workers and emergency food supplies for struggling families.
Sisters Project Peru
With Maya and Natalie Koehn-Wu of Richmond, Virginia, FNE begins planning a Level 1-2 health post in Huacahuasi, a village four hours from Cusco where care means a two-hour walk.
Mending Faces Partnership
FNE partners with Mending Faces and the Cruz Jiminian Clinic to provide free cleft lip and palate surgeries, over 300 performed to date.
The Work Continues
A volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) working alongside partner communities in Nicaragua, Peru, and Dominican Republic on housing, education, health, and sustainable agriculture, with 91% of every gift going to programs.
Our Reach
Three Countries, One Mission
We partner with communities facing significant challenges, bringing sustainable solutions to those who need them most.
Nicaragua
Since 1996
Our longest-running partnership, featuring the SPTLN healthcare program, Dreamers initiative, scholarships, and the Richard Streb Library.
Peru
Since 2011
Expanding our reach to South America with education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects for underserved Peruvian communities.
Dominican Republic
Since 2016
Partnering with FUCPE school in Villa Caoba to serve undocumented children, and with Mending Faces to provide free cleft lip and palate surgeries.
Write the Next Chapter
Our story continues with every donation, every volunteer hour, and every life transformed. Ready to make your mark?