Haitian Outreach – March 2024 Update!

Haiti continues to move deeper and deeper into a Humanitarian Crisis. Food and water are scarce. People are frightened. We pray daily that there will be a resolution to the problems in this country. The sisters and students are currently safe.

FEBRUARY WAS HAITIAN OUTREACH MONTH!

Haitian Outreach was given a free membership in the Fitchburg Chamber of Commerce. This is a great opportunity to get our information to a larger group of people. Pauline and the Leadership team will attend meetings as needed throughout the year. Thank you Enterprise Bank!

Deacon John and Pauline started the month by speaking about Haitian Outrach at masses at St. Bernard parish at St. Camillus church the second weekend of February. There was a great response by parishioners! Thank you!

They were invited to St. Bernard High School and happily accepted the invition to speak to the students. Ms. Dzerkacz was successful in collecting school supplies and the students collected $535.00 from a “dresss-down day” which will be used for their new sponsor student: Jennyka Lurat in Haiti.

Thank you Ms. Dzerckaz and the students for your joint efforts in helping us continue our mission!

The 3rd Grade at St. Bernard Elementary collected the most backpacks EVER What a huge success! Deacon John and Pauline walked into the room to find 35 full backpacks on the students’ desks, which did not hide the amazing proud smiles on their faces!

Mrs. Gallagher displayed a painting in the hallway that the students all had a hand in creating. It is a Haitian drawing of a market place. Great Job Everyone!

Thank you Mrs. Gallagher and your students for collecting the largest amount of backpacks ever!

We hope to be able to distribute tuition paperwork as usual in May to sponsors. Information on individual students has not been sent to the USA as of yet because of the difficulties in the country. The gangs now control the airport and the port.

FOOD PROGRAMS IN HAITI

In January 2024 we began to help a second school implement a “Snack Program”. Funds were sent to Sr. Marianne Duvil and the principal of Damassin school. It was agreed that the sisters could give 300 students a snack 3 times a week of bread, peanut butter, and a drink. It has been a very successful program, and we hope to be able to raise enough funds to start this in another school next year.

Those faces tell it all!

Our donations also supplement funds to Sr. Verlaine Cadet each year for her breakfast program at Lilavois. Children must eat to be able to learn.

SHIPPING

Eagle Shipping was able to deliver 62 bins to St. Marie, Bureau Leclerc the day before Christmas! Magdala and the staff went right to work to get them ready to distribute where they belong. It has become very difficult to travel the roads because of gang violence.

University Students Update

Thierry St. Hilaire after presenting his Thesis in November, is now working in a law office in PAP as an intern. He hopes to get his license to practice law as soon as possible.

Anisse Mombrun interviewed and was accepted to an accounting position in a bank in PAP.

Junior Samedy graduated from university in January 2024. We pray that he will be able to find engineering work in the country and support his family.

Samuel Louis, seminarian has encountered issues. The Seminary in Haiti he attended has closed its doors. He was able to return to his mother in PAP and is hopeful to attend a university run by Jesuits this year. Some universities are closing because they cannot survive in the present atmosphere.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

The Knights of Columbus (KOC) from St. Anthony/St. Bernard in Fitchburg held a Pancake Breakfast to benefit the food fund for Haitian Outreach. What an amazing job they did and $700.00 was raised for food in Haiti!

Thank you to everyone who cooked, served, and cleaned up, etc. This was a great success!

The Highlands Rehab & Nursing Home in Fitchburg is planning to hold another Pancake Breakfast in June for Haitian Outreach. Watch for information.

OPENING FOR SUMMER- 2024

Haitian Outreach is planning to open for Volunteer assistance in June of 2024 in the St. Bernard’s church hall. Saturdays from 1-3pm. More information will be coming forth.

Haitian Outreach is collecting shampoo, deodorant, and always school supplies. Thank you, Susan Saari, for being a vigilant backpack buyer!

Leadership Team: Standing in front of 62 bins which were delivered to St. Marie – Bureau Leclerc safely on December 24th, 2023!