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About Us – Our Story

The Garden of Eden Health Center (GOEHC) was born from the spiritual legacy and deep compassion of the Dávila de Jesús family in Jayuya, Puerto Rico. Nestled in the lush central mountains, Jayuya is a town rich in Taíno heritage, cultural resilience, and natural beauty—a place where generations have lived in harmony with the land.

Decades ago, Alejandro “Don Leo” Dávila, a beloved farmer and businessman, experienced a profound spiritual awakening and made a vow to use his blessings to serve others. One of his greatest legacies was the donation of 33 acres of fertile land in Barrio Mameyes–Santa Barbara to his children under one condition: that the land forever serve the local community.

At the entrance to this sacred land stood Casa Mama Luz, the home of Don Leo’s daughter, Luz Zenaida. Known for her kindness, healing spirit, and community leadership, Luz served neighbors as a seamstress, school cafeteria manager, and informal caregiver. Her home became a sanctuary for those seeking care when traditional services were inaccessible.

Alicia Rodríguez Dávila, Luz’s daughter and a retired Clinical Support Laboratory Manager from AdventHealth in Kissimmee, felt called to bring this vision to life. Inspired by the Creation Health model—a philosophy of whole-person health developed by the Adventist Church—Alicia founded the Garden of Eden Health Center to serve rural Puerto Rico through medical, mental health, and spiritual care.

GOEHC is the living legacy of Don Leo’s vision, Doña Luz’s healing hands, and a new generation’s commitment to building a healthier, more hopeful future.

Our Mission

 

To develop a community-based health hub in Jayuya, Puerto Rico that provides urgent care, preventive health education, senior care, and therapeutic wellness programs, founded on the 8 principles of Creation Health—Choice, Rest, Environment, Activity, Trust, Interpersonal Relationships, Outlook, and Nutrition.

We exist to serve the underserved, restore dignity to the sick, and offer hope through a faith-centered, holistic model of care.

Our 3-Phase Vision for Impact

 

Phase 1: Community Urgent Care & Education Hub
– Restore a local building into a walk-in clinic and health education center
– Provide basic medical services and wellness workshops
– Launch community outreach, flu shots, and screening programs

 

Phase 2: Modern Health Clinic & Senior Services
– Build a fully equipped clinic with expanded capacity
– Offer short- and long-term care, chronic condition management, and senior health services
– Integrate telehealth and mobile care options

 

Phase 3: Health Retreat & Wellness Center
– Create a peaceful retreat center with healing gardens and river walk
– Host therapy, recovery, and spiritual renewal programs
– Welcome both residents and visitors seeking rest and restoration

 

Creation Health in Action

 

At GOEHC, our care model is guided by the 8 principles of Creation Health:

Choice – Empowering informed health decisions
Rest – Promoting rejuvenation through rest and reflection
Environment – Healing through natural surroundings
Activity – Encouraging physical and mental wellness
Trust – Building spiritual and emotional resilience
Interpersonal 
Relationships – Strengthening community connection
Outlook – Cultivating hope and positive thinking
Nutrition – Teaching lifelong healthy habits

Why Jayuya?

Jayuya is the heart of rural Puerto Rico—rich in culture but underserved in healthcare. It faces:

– A declining and aging population (avg. age 35.8)
– Over 25% of residents live with a disability
– Nearly 60% live below the poverty line
– A post-Hurricane Maria health crisis and physician shortage
– Steep terrain making travel to care sites difficult

GOEHC fills this critical gap—bringing care into the community and uplifting lives through faith, service, and love.

 

Partners & Supporters

We are blessed to partner with:
Dávila de Jesús Foundation
National Benevolent Association (Christian Church DOC)
Methodist Church of Mameyes – Jayuya
• Faith partners, local volunteers, and generous donors

Get Involved

🌱 Support our mission through donations, partnerships, or volunteering
📩 Contact us: gardenofedenhealthcenter@outlook.com | (939) 403-4226
❤️ Join us in bringing healing, dignity, and hope to Puerto Rico

“I have come in order that you might have life… in all its fullness.” – John 10:10

Mountain view of Jayuya, PR
Luz Zeniada
GOEHC Exam Room 1
Doctor measuring blood pressure

Working with our faithful and supportive partners.

Join us today!

Davila de Jesus Foundation
National Benevolent Association CCDoC
Florida Desciples Regional Church
Central pastoral office for hispanic ministries
Convencion Hispana Bilinguel SE, USA
Methodist Church Mameyes, PR

Community Engagement Efforts

Supporting Local Initiatives

Outreach

Community Programs

Our outreach programs aim to engage with the local community, providing essential healthcare services and education to those in need. We are committed to making a positive impact on the health and well-being of the residents in Jayuya, Puerto Rico.

Partnerships

Collaborative Efforts

Through strategic partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders, we enhance our ability to address health disparities and promote wellness initiatives. Together, we work towards building a healthier and stronger community.

Impact

Community Health

Our focus on community health programs and initiatives is geared towards improving access to quality healthcare services, promoting health education, and fostering a culture of wellness within our local community. We are dedicated to empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being.

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