We started HBI with the goal of creating a ‘sum of all the parts’ impact – after realizing how few organizations exist to solely connect people with the resources they need to build solutions and working models. Our super power is creating connections and building bridges.
Wayne CentroneFounder and Executive Director
We started with the simple notion that we could help fill the needs we see in front of us. And we could do this most effectively and efficiently by bridging those working to lift up themselves and their communities to instrumental opportunities and resources.
Lee CentroneCo-Founder
Our journey started with a trip to Perú in the early 1990’s. Husband-and-wife Dr. Wayne Centrone and Navy officer Lee Centrone were invited to a pilgrimage with their in-laws and their church in Florida. After building meaningful friendships in Perú, they soon started hosting these trips themselves: taking friends, parishioners from their church, and other volunteers to learn and work with communities in the country. On one trip, while talking with a team of doctors, Wayne mentioned he thought there was a place for a nonprofit that could operate differently – one that wasn’t trying to be the name on the marquee but instead supports other organizations to be successful. He envisioned a team that would help communities tap into available assets to solve problems affecting children and families. Encouraged by partners in Perú, Wayne registered Health Bridges International as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit in 2006.
