Latest updates
Haitian Outreach Month is Coming!
We will have collection bins at the entrances of St. Bernard church in Fitchburg for school supplies, backpacks, shoes, as well as, nonperishable food. We could never accomplish our goals without the generosity of our parishioners & sponsors. Thank you!
We will also have collection boxes at I.C. Credit branches, Daily Bagel in Leominster and Dr. J. Nagarkar’s office in Leominster during the month of February.
2019 Mission to Haiti!
Sadly, due to the violence in the country we were unable to travel in March 2019. A small group of 5 went for a few days in Sept. to complete our work before the next shipment arrived. Thanks to a connection with Keenan & Peggy, parishioners. Keenan’s brother Shattner got us in and out with no incidents.
We do hope to travel in March 2020. We monitor the state of the country closely.
In 2019 children received their backpacks delivered by our workers to the principles in Haiti; some pictures are on our website for your viewing. If you do not see the backpack you sent for your child, one that we made by us was delivered and after our trip in September the sponsor-made backpacks were delivered, when safe to travel.
TWO Shipments for 2019
The first shipment of 50 bins left Fitchburg August 16, 2019 and arrived safely 8 weeks later. It was a hair-raising trip to get the bins to the Bureau Leclerc, but our loyal workers along with blessings from God, made it safely. The second shipment left on 10/09/19 of 24 bins. It has not arrived yet in port. Total cost of shipping for 2019 was $5,760.00
Electric Upgrade
We were able to see the generator in operation in September. Being able to charge our phones and have lights and refrigeration is so important when we visit. Two industrial batteries were purchased to replace two batteries in the Bureau Leclerc, used for lighting, and fans.
Leaky Roof at Bureau Leclerc
We were told about a leak in our Bureau Leclerc roof, which will cost $2,000.00 to repair. Rain is running into the middle of the ceiling. Donations will go toward this repair. This building is very important for our work as it houses our bins until we get there. AND we distribute backpacks there at St. Marie.
Sponsor Children ONLY in our 6 Schools!
An Executive decision was made to only sponsor children in our 6 schools. If your child is not attending one our schools, for a variety of reason, you will be notified after March. We hope you will continue to support this important program to educate as many children as possible in schools that our Sisters manage. We always have children who need a sponsor, contact Pauline 978-407-4397.
We assisted 296 students in 2019!
Update on Our University Students!
Our pilot program to assist students with a university degree has proved be very challenging. We are in contact with university students via messaging. Grades were received. Grant funding and some sponsorship makes this happen! We are continuing to work with the current college students, and anticipate a couple will graduate in 2020!
New Affiliations
Deacon John and Pauline continue to meet with organizations in the local community who are excited to work with us to fund raise and collect school supplies that benefit our mission.
We established a wonderful new relationship with The Associates of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Leominster. 7 large boxes of shoes were collected, and we got 5 new sponsors! The group came to volunteer during the summer at St. Bernard’s hall and it was an instant blending of both groups. We look forward to seeing them again in the summer of 2020!