Haitian Outreach Newsletter – 2023
25th ANNIVERSARY OF SERVICE TO CHILDREN IN HAITI!
Haitian Outreach has hit a milestone! For the last 25 years volunteers have worked to educate the children of Haiti. We plan to celebrate April 30th 2-4pm at Lodge of Elks, Leominster, MA. Invitations going out in March.
Come join us!
HAITIAN OUTREACH UPDATE
In 2022 we had 282 students receiving tuition and backpacks. Eight of these are University students. We have 3 students graduating from a university in 2023: Telecommunications (2), and Administration (1). More than 100 students have graduated from high school, since we started to keep statistics in 2016.
We are so proud and excited to announce that we have a young man in seminary in Haiti - Samuel Louis! Please keep him in your prayers.
CAN’T TRAVEL YET!
We were unable to travel to Haiti in March 2022 and are unsure about travel in 2023. The government is planning a vote for President. Things have calmed a little, but it is still dangerous!
Our staff in Haiti is ready, willing and able to deliver backpacks and collect information and pictures on our students as soon as it is safe to travel.
We shipped 72 bins the last week of August. They arrived in port, but have not been delivered to Ste. Marie yet. Customs is backed up because of issues in the country. We expect them to arrive at Bureau Leclerc anytime now as customs has finally reopened in Haiti!
HAITI SCHOOLS OPEN!
Schools in Haiti are opening slowly. Universities opened at the end of December. Lilavois opened in November and Lalue has recently opened. Saut D'Eau also opened in December. Schools in the south are open and running.
LARRY’S FOOD FUND
Thanks to your generosity, we were able to distribute $1,970 to 21 families in Haiti in need of food and medicine in 2022.
In Addition: Haitian Outreach sent $5,000.00 to Lilavois and $5,000.00 to Saut D’Eau to assist in continuing their meal programs. We hope to continue this support and expand it to Damassin school who would like to feed 300 students, 1 meal, 5 days a week. Working on cost now. Your donations help us feed our students.
FUNDS SENT FOR EARTH-QUAKE REPAIRS
In 2022 Haitian Outreach sent $4,000.00 to rebuild the convent AND repair the school in Coteaux-completed! A picture of the new convent was received. Also, $3,000 was sent to Damassin to repair damaged fencing, and the school. This work was completed and Sr. Marianne had enough left to purchase 2 solar panels and 2 batteries.
STE. MARIE ROOF REPAIR
Money was sent to replace the roof at Ste Marie. The sisters decided a new roof was not necessary. They repaired the roof and used the remainder for expenses for the sisters and the convent.
GRANT FUNDS
We are extremely happy to announce that Haitian Outreach was awarded a grant from The Lynch Foundation! This will allow us to add to the height of a partial wall around the convent, purchase solar panels, internet access, new phones, new computers, a converter and batteries for the convent property. Sisters will have constant internet and electricity and we will have it when we visit. Hurrah! This will also allow us to communicate with the sisters at all times!
We hope to apply for other grants this year for solar projects.
BACKPACK ITEMS
Our list of items we collect is attached. Along with our usual items of school supplies, non-perishable foods and student clothing. We are specifically requesting packages of dry milk this year to place in the backpack of each child, along with the regular items we put in. We always need coloring books, lip balm and nail polish. All donations are always appreciated!
Haitian Outreach will have a bin in the back of St. Bernard church in Fitchburg to collect items during the month of February. Updates will be given at all mass on the first weekend of February. Come and hear our update. Haitian Outreach will again visit St. Bernard Elementary and St. Bernard High School during February- Catholic School week. Both schools collect backpacks, school supplies and food for our backpack program! Many thanks to all who contribute to this wonderful ministry!
DAYS FOR GIRLS!
Our staff members, Madgala and Katiana have completed the on-line “Days for Girls” mandatory education program. They are awaiting the menstrual kits to start training and distributing the kits as soon as they arrive.
THANK YOU TO VOLUNTEERS!
Volunteers help sort and prepare items for backpacks and other goods for transport to Haiti. We are very grateful to those who come during the summer to help us and make our work a little lighter! Our Team works hard to accomplish this huge task every year! Thank you all!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Starting June 3rd Every Saturday afternoons from 1-3pm, except holiday weekends we will be needing volunteers to come to St. Bernard’s church hall, 333 Mechanic St., Fitchburg. Come help us with our Mission!
MENTORSHIP PROG. FOR SUMMER 2023
This program will continue into 2023 during June, July & August. If you know someone interested, please call Paula Lanson at 978-407-6484.
REMINDER: 25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
SUNDAY, APRIL 30TH FROM 2-4 PM at the Lodge of Elks, No Main St., Leominster, MA
MUSIC, HORS D’OEUVRES, AND BASKET RAFFLE
FREE event - Asking for nonperishable food items at the door.