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OUR MISSION Is to create the future leaders of Haiti through the provision of education, healthcare, advocacy and care for abandoned children through quantifiable accountability measures. HaitiChildren is involved in humanitarian and outreach projects for the poorest of the poor. HaitiChildren’s projects are all located in Haiti, home to more than 11 million people, where 59% of the population lives in poverty, making less than $2 a day; and 25% of the population in “extreme” poverty at less than $1.25. Our relief and development programs are funded completely by foundations/trusts, individuals, churches and small businesses. We must thank all our supporters for what we have accomplished so far. Thank you!
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SUCCESS STORY: NAESE JEAN BAPTISTE
Born January 10, 2005, Naese Jean Baptiste is a truly lovely 14 year old girl. She has been with us at the HaitiChildren Village since she was 4. After being abandoned, she arrived just four days after her birthday on January 14 th , 2009. She is a happy, healthy, active and intelligent teenager. She loves Sundays when she goes to church and sings in the choir. Her dream is to become a doctor. Naese is blind in one eye and has been since her birth. Sometimes it is hard for her to be confident, as she is sensitive about her eye. Yet she perseveres in all she does and gets support and encouragement from our team. She works gradually to value herself and know that she is as beautiful as all her brothers and sisters. She knows in her heart that a simple difference cannot change that she is beautiful and intelligent. Naese is one of our most promising students; a girl who shows she can be a great leader for the for the future, and who teaches us all to overcome difficulty each day.[/vc_wp_text][vc_wp_text]
SUCCESS STORY: MOISE JEAN
Moise was born on March 5, 2005. When he was five Moise joined the HaitiChildren family. It was after the center where he lived had collapsed during the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010.With us, Moise has easily adapted and flourishes in a healthy environment. He is so affectionate and always likes to take the center stage, laughing ceaselessly with his brothers and sisters. Moise loves school and is and outstanding student. He is first in his class more often than not. He is commited to personal excellence and passionate about learning new things. With a unique interest in industrial chemistry, Moise is learning how to prepare products such as perfume, mouthwash, and even cleaning supplies! Being the charismatic young boy that he is, he was so grateful for the opportunity to have visited Washington D.C. in June of 2018. He says he will never forget it. Moise traveled with a few of his brothers and sisters last summer, to our national capital to meet with U.S. diplomats. There, we were so proud as we watched him ask each and every person he met how he could help bring peace and democracy to his home nation. What a blessing to have the opportunity to nourish and educate such a shining star. We are so grateful for our donors who are giving Moise his chance to shine.[/vc_wp_text]
SUCCESS STORY: NONO KRABACHER
We do not know exactly the date little Nono Krabacher was born, but we estimate he is 6 years old. He came to our HaitiChildren family in February 2015. When he arrived, he was blind with a very dangerous and persistent eye infection. He was malnourished, and could not walk due to problems with both feet. To feel a presence, he would reach out to touch people, using his hands to see for him. Upon arrival to our family, Nono was placed on a nutritionally enriched diet. Medical treatment included eliminating his eye infection and therapy, so that now he can see with one eye and is experiencing much better health. Nono has attended orthopedic therapy regularly, as recommended by our physical therapist. He wears orthopedic shoes allowing him to progress gradually. He has started walking with the help of a walker, which has allowed him to participate in school, and he is feeling so proud! Nono is becoming more and more independent, even running now. Since last year he has integrated into the Learning Academy from our school for children with disabilities. He loves learning and memorizing the songs, and he to get to to school on his own each morning. Nono is the first to breakfast and then out the door! Every morning after his nanny prepares him for school, he says goodbye to everyone; each and every laundry woman, service man, and teacher along his way. When he returns home each day, it’s the same for him. He must greet everyone to be content. What a blessing to see Nono happy and thriving.[/vc_wp_text][vc_wp_text]
SUCCESS STORY: LIVIA MARTHA JUSTINIEN
Livia Martha Justinien was born on May 19, 2010 and joined the HaitiChildren Family on May 19 th , 2015. After being abandoned at the Government Hospital of Cap-Haïtien, Livia almost died from cholera. But she recovered with the medical attention and love provided by the HaitiChildren team. Now 9, our sweet little Livia still faces many health challenges. She has a psychomotor retardation (a slowing down of cognitive and motor processes), collapsed arches in her feet (which limits her from standing and walking independently), and asymmetrical limbs (also an obstacle to standing and walking). She also suffers from aphasia (the loss of ability to express speech) and symptoms such as hypersalivation, wherein her body produces an excessive amount of saliva, which makes it further difficult to communicate at times. She does endure many ailments, but we are providing her with the therapy and healthcare she needs. Livia is so full of joy and love. Upon her arrival, Livia began therapy sessions that have allowed her to sit down without help. Livia is such a strong person, and she is a soial butterfly who loves the other children as they loves her. Nothing makes her happier than when she is playing with her brothers and sisters and listening to our house mothers sing songs. We feel blessed to take care of her and give her the love and comfort she deserves in her life. We are so proud of her spirit and so grateful to have her loving presence with us every day.[/vc_wp_text]
Planned Giving
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Making a planned gift to HaitiChildren is a powerful way to impact the lives of children in Haiti for many years to come. Through your gift or endowment, you are leaving a legacy of love. Every planned gift to HaitiChildren comes with an opportunity to personalize (name) a room, building or program at one of HaitiChildren’s project locations. This is a meaningful and powerful way to honor a friend or loved one. You will also receive regular updates about how your gift is making a difference — in a personal way — in the lives of kids in Haiti. Supporters who make a planned gift to HaitiChildren join a very special group called the Founder’s Society. Members of the Founder’s Society are laying a foundation of hope, opportunity and love for Haitian children to become independent and productive citizens. Please take a few moments to review our planned giving opportunities listed below:
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TESTAMENTARY BEQUESTS
You can name HaitiChildren as a designated beneficiary of the death benefits (or a specified fraction thereof) payable under an insurance policy, or as a designated beneficiary of retirement benefits (or a specified fraction thereof) payable under a retirement account. Consult your insurance provider or retirement plan administrator to revise the necessary designed beneficiary form.
Specific Request
In your will or other estate planning document (for example, a living trust or a revocable trust), you can HaitiChildren as a designated beneficiary of a specific monetary amount.
Residuary Bequest
You can name HaiticChildren as a designated beneficiary of a portion of your estate remaining after the distribution of any specific bequests (referred to as your “residuary estate”), or as the beneficiary of a certain percentage of your residuary estate.
Contingent Bequest
individuals can name a “contingent beneficiary” in their will, in the event no other beneficiary is living at the time property is distributed under the individual’s estate. You can name HaitiChildren as the contingent beneficiary of your estate.[/vc_wp_text]
LIFETIME GIFTS
Direct Gift
You may make a tax-deductible gift of cash, securities, or other assets to HaitiChildren. If you plan to sell an asset (i.e. real estate or a business interest) there may be additional income tax and capital gains tax advantages to making a gift of this asset, or a portion thereof, to HaitiChildren prior to the sale.
Charitable Gift Annuity
This giving vehicle is known as a CRUT distributes a fixed percentage of the principal to you every year. The amount provided changes each year based on the value of the assets in the account. However, you can continue to contribute to the account if you wish. Upon your death, funds remaining in the account will be utilized by HaitiChildren in a manner determined by you.
Gift in Trust
There are several charitable gift trust structures that you may use to make a tax-deductible gift of assets during your lifetime for the benefit of HaitiChildren. Depending on the particular trust structure, you may enjoy certain income tax and/or capital gains tax benefits during your lifetime. You should consult with your financial advisor and/or an attorney if you wish to explore the possible benefits of a charitable trust structure in more detail.[/vc_wp_text]
Current Funding Needs
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Children’s Residence Operating Needs Funding Need: $392,585
Children’s Residence Food & Supplies Funding Need: $180,278
Children’s Residence Medical Needs Funding Need: $77,137
Tuition for College Students Funding Need: $2,500/student
Housing for 7 Children graduating from Residence* Funding Need: $1,400
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HaitiChildren Learning Academy Funding Need: $98,500
Sustainability Initiative and Farm Funding Need: $24,798
Church & Community Outreach Expansion Funding Need: $34,490
Operating Costs – Mobile & Medical Clinics Funding Need: $17,850
Operating Costs – Rehabilitation & Therapy Center Funding Need: $88,500
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Our Programs
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HAITICHILDREN VILLAGE AND CHILDREN’S RESIDENCE
Also known as the Williamson Campus, the HaitiChildren Village is an 18-acre completely walled property built and owned by HaitiChildren. The Village is located approximately 40 miles northwest of Port-au-Prince in the Arcahaie Arrondissement Community. The Village is home to 119 abandoned Haitian children, 66 of whom suffer from mental and/or physical disability. It is one of the only few organizations in Haiti that welcomes disabled abandoned children and the only one with a comprehensive rehabilitation and therapy program. All our children at our Village’s children’s residence receive all three meals together each day (over 130,000 meals annually). Our 118 Haitian employees care for as many as 500 children daily throughout our programs at the HaitiChildren Village.[/vc_wp_text][vc_wp_text]
HAITICHILDREN LEARNING ACADEMY
The Learning Academy is our primary school located in the Village and providing a decade of education. Here, we teach 295 children ranging from preschool to 6th grade. There are 60 children from our children’s residence and 350 coming from the nearby villages, the hamlets of Duco 1 and Duco 2. Many walk over an hour and a half each way up and down the mountain to attend our school. The school provides a high-quality education with a curriculum that includes mathematics, geography, French, grammar, health, sciences and history among other subjects. At the Learning Academy, HaitiChildren additionally provides the nourishment of one hot meal per school day for every child and teacher (over 85,000 meals annually).[/vc_wp_text][vc_wp_text]
HAITICHILDREN LEARNING ACADEMY SPONSOR A STUDENT PROGRAM
The Learning Academy at the HaitiChildren Village is a safe environment that provides an exceptional education, a free hot lunch, healthcare, and clean drinking water for the students and their families. These students would otherwise not be financially able to receive an education. The small amount of $30 per month ($360 annually) will provide education and access to food for each student you sponsor. If you are in sponsoring a student at the Learning Academy, please contact our office at (877) 424-8454 or visit https://haitichildren.org/sponsor-a-student/.[/vc_wp_text][vc_wp_text]
Community Institute of Teaching and Education C.I.T.E SCHOOL
Located in Cite Soleil, the most dangerous and poorest city, in the same vicinity where HaitiChildren began in 1994.. For 28 years, C.I.T.E. School has been and remains a lighthouse of hope and opportunity, shining in the slums of Port-au-Prince. Providing education every day to 223 students in grades 1st through 6th. The C.I.T.E. School classes include language, history, geography, mathematics, and sciences. Extracurricular programs include art, dance and sports. This school also provide a hot meal each day to our 223 students and our 24 teachers (more than 100,000 meals per year).[/vc_wp_text][vc_wp_text]
HAITICHILDREN SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTER
Our second onsite school, the Special Education Center, opened in 2016 at HaitiChildren Village. Overseen by our HaitiChildren social worker in collaboration with occupational therapists and special education teachers, we provide tailored education to each of our 30 students with special needs. The curriculum is designed to focus on refinement of fine motor skills and social interaction using sports, music, and team building games; and additionally to provide these children with both basic and therapeutic cognitive skill development by learning colors, numbers, and other associative items. We can only continue these programs with the ongoing support of our gracious donors and sponsors.[/vc_wp_text][vc_wp_text]
FARM
Our farm is a wonderful contribution to our HaitiChildren Village. It has been growing for the past 3 years. Currently, the HaitiChildren Village is home to cows, goats, chickens, turkeys, and honey bees, and we have 3 greenhouses where vegetables grow year round! We look forward to cultivating and propagating fruit trees to add to our roster of 2,000 trees we have established.[/vc_wp_text]
HAITICHILDREN REHABILITATION AND THERAPY CENTER
The Rehabilitation and Therapy Center, built with funding from the Anschutz Foundation, serves 66 of our 119 children daily for the special needs of disability. HaitiChildren is one of the few organizations that actively accepts children with disabilities into a permanent home. Many of the disabled children who were immobile when they came to HaitiChildren are now using wheelchairs, walkers or walking without aid. Physical therapy is generally required for those with permanent disabilities and for those who are suffering from crippling diseases such as cerebral palsy. We have 5 physical therapy technicians and a Certified Physical Therapist who collaborate with our campus medical staff to provide quality therapy and care in a comprehensive manner.[/vc_wp_text][vc_wp_text]
SAMMY’S COMMUNITY MEDICAL CLINICS/MOBILE CLINIC
In 2014 we established Sammy’s Community Medical Clinic in an existing medical container. The onsite container was relocated to an area close to the gate and was re-purposed to be a mobile medical clinic. Our onsite medical professionals see our resident children and patients from the community on a weekly basis.In case of emergencies, our HaitiChildren’s medical staff is available 24 hours a day. Starting in the beginning of 2015, we opened a complimentary service of our psychiatric therapy programs to the 3 surrounding villages. We also now care for the disabled children in those villages on an outpatient basis.[/vc_wp_text][vc_wp_text]
CHURCH AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH CENTER
Every Sunday morning HaitiChildren hosts a church service for approximately 300 people including our children, staff and community members. We welcome them to the Village for a Bible-based worship service, message and fellowship. Our Pastor Claude Oczeus holds our Sunday service every week and provides council, guidance, leadership, and resources to our HaitiChildren family. Twice per month our Community Church Outreach Center serves a hot meal after church services to all in attendance, providing as many as 12,000 meals annually.[/vc_wp_text][vc_wp_text]
WIDOWS
Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Pastor Claude of our Christian Community Church, spends time with and looks after elderly widows who live outside our Village. Many of these women are disabled. These widows share in the sense of family that our orphans receive at HaitiChildren Village. We supply them monthly with groceries and medical care. On Sundays, those who are able to walk will go to Sunday service. Our orphans enjoy visiting with our group of widows weekly. Pastor Claude always brings a group of children who look forward to their visits with these women, as they bond and build a sense of family.[/vc_wp_text][vc_wp_text]
FAMILY ASSISTANCE
Family assistance and outreach is another example of the services provided by Pastor Claude. The Pastor has Claude. The Pastor has taken the initiative to provide funding and support for families in need during times of death and other difficult situations. We are able to provide assistance with funeral costs and medical necessities such as surgeries. An incredible aspect of Pastor Claude’s family assistance outreach has been in helping young church members to start businesses by educating them in accounting, technical skills, and also teaching specific skills such as applying for external small business loans.[/vc_wp_text][vc_wp_text]
WATER WELLS
The water wells we have built have quenched a thirst! People come to collect water by all forms of transportation. In cars, on foot, with donkeys and on bicycles. They come with makeshift wagons and carts. They fill containers of all shapes and sizes. HaitiChildren is able to provide 75,000 gallons of water to all these people and their families each week.[/vc_wp_text]
Key Issues
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MEDICAL NEEDS
The medical needs and emergencies in Haiti remain high. There is always a great deal of disabled children being abandoned in hospitals, especially during times of unrest. The summer of 2019 saw a surge in unrest and turmoil. This can often lead to an increase in child abandonment. Additionally, we still work to educate people on diseases that are often believed by villagers to be voodoo curses and evil at work, rendering families to feel helpless in the face of misinformation. As we have mentioned in our program reports, examples of success at the Village include that of our community church member little Christopher and his family. Yet so many children go undiagnosed, untreated and abandoned in hospitals, where their chance of survival is slim.
There is now an unprecedented number of abandoned children in Haiti every year. A large percentage of them are left sick in hospitals to an unknown often morbid fate. These children are born into a world where the odds are stacked against them. In September of this year we came upon an example of this devastating reality with three small babies at one of the hospitals in the capital. In each case, the life expectancy of these babies was limited. As they receive care at the hospital, we at HaitiChildren know all too well that a lack of warmth and human contact may be deeply missed by these precious children.
Two baby girls suffer from Hydrocephalus: a condition in which excess cerebralspinal fluid builds up with the ventricules of the brain and may increase pressure within the head. They are Bianca Bien-Aimé, a 2-month old baby abandoned at birth; and Ednica Rose Elsa Philisma, born on August 19th and abandoned two weeks later. The third baby is Medelcky Exil, who suffers from Microcephalus – a rare neurological condition in which the infant’s head is smaller than normal compared to other infants of the same age and sex – and also a cleft palate. He is 10 months old and was abandoned at the hospital at the beginning of September. The condition can be present at birth or develop within the first few years of life.
The social workers at many hospitals often call HaitiChildren with such cases. Every opportunity to rescue an abandoned disabled child shows us: the gentle voice and touch of our loving team along with consistent medical care can save a life. It costs $1,200 a year, or $200 a month to raise each one of these children.
If there is a chance to offer these babies an opportunity to be with us, to offer them in their limited life expectancy, we are the first to take them. With arms of love we tell them that on this earth they are not alone.
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OUR RESPONSE
We at HaitiChildren continue to search for support in the states, as our need continues to grow. We have established many programs, including healthcare centers and schools, which we have successfully naturalized to independent Haitian organizations. We continue to nourish the empowerment of Haitians to care for the children and lead within for a better future. We believe that the path to a sustainable future of peace is being laidas we see a growing response to our programs.
We continue to search for opportunities and maintain connections with organizations who help provide the medical care that is so desperately needed in Haiti. One such organization is the Nicklaus Children’s Health System. They are an incredible organization who continues to provide assistance to HaitiChildren through their heroic foundation efforts. A financially-sound and award winning non-profit organization, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation’s sole mission is to create awareness and generate funds. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation supports the hospital by providing the opportunity for members of the local and global community to invest in our children’s future.
This year we are running our 3 clinics: namely the clinic for our resident children, a community clinic inside our walls, and a mobile clinic. With the mobile clinic we transport doctors, nurses, medicines and supplies to care for three communities in the mountain village region above our campus. Currently, we have 9 children who are going through surgical procedures, as is often the case. All of our medical staff cares for our small patients and their parents. With the help of foundations such as NCHS, we can ensure that our children and patients are taken care of during their course of treatment and have the medicine they need at all times. We are home to 66 disabled orphans this year. We never wish to turn away a baby like Edneca, Medelky, or Bianca. We have the resources to care for them thanks to our faithful donors and sponsors. However it can be difficult for us to take on new orphans, if we have not secured the donations to sponsor such new costs. We continue to build our sponsor and donor base, so that we can continue to take these children in. We see the seeds we plant, and the lives we save, blossoming into positive change. In faith, and through these gifts from God, we believe it is our duty to continue to expand the scope of affect in Haiti.
We are so grateful to the continued relationships with the generous individuals and organizations who make our mission at HaitiChildren possible. We couldn’t do it without all of you. To utilize these desperately needed medial services and supplies, we must also find the means to support each child we take in with the costs of basic needs. For this, we continue to seek sponsors. These costs are quantifiable. It is simply a matter of finding the support to meet them. We remain devoted to our mission to provide free healthcare to our HaitiChildren community and especially for our children that are orphaned and disabled.
To learn more about the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation, go to: https://www.nicklaushealth.org/home[/vc_wp_text]