August 2024 Newsletter
A Note from Jackson
Hello Friends and Supporters,
I wanted to share what’s been going on with us during this challenging time. While we’re trying to keep things as normal as possible, it’s not always easy.
Security Issues:
We are grateful to live in the countryside, away from Port-au-Prince, and even so there are challenges. Many roads to locations we need to access are controlled by gangs. We still need to travel to Port-au-Prince now and then to get things we can’t find locally, especially medications for our kids with special needs. For some of them, these meds are crucial, so those trips are necessary, and unfortunately, dangerous.
Economic Challenges:
Inflation everywhere is a problem and here it is through the roof at somewhere between 50% to 100%. This makes everything super expensive and hard for everyone. We’re hopeful that the UN peacekeepers and that the possibility of a new government would help bring back some order and security, but we know it’s going to take longer than we’d like.
A big thank you to everyone who supports us! You’re the hope, light, and energy that keep us going. Doing good in a place where so many have chosen to do wrong is the best way we can fight back against the problems our country faces and it’s your commitment to us that allows us to continue fighting for good.
Thanks for being there for us!
Jackson Leger
Lead Social Worker
Stevenson’s Departure…
There is a very long list of people who have made Haiti Mama’s existence possible, and there is a very short list of people who have held it in their very hands and molded it from nothing. One of the people whom this can genuinely and unquestioningly be said of is Henry Stevenson.
This man is nothing short of a gift to all who come in contact with him. He has changed countless lives through his work at Haiti Mama and we know that while his time with us is ending, he will nonetheless continue to be part of our heart and will continue to bless the lives of everyone he comes in contact with….in Canada. We deeply mourn him departing as Operations Director in Haiti, but we celebrate with him personally in the giant step of faith he and his family take as they begin new lives in a new (colder) country.
We send all of our best wishes, prayers, and blessings with him and his family on their adventures and we look forward to seeing how he partners with us in the future and to hearing about his adventures in the north. Stevenson, Cheers to you!!!! Check out this blog about Stevenson from many years ago: http://haitimama.blogspot.com/
Empowered Journeys: Mama Success Story #2
Wanèse's Success Story
Our social workers are dedicated advocates for those in need, and Wanèse's story is a testament to their commitment. Several years ago, Stevenson, one of our social workers, met Mama Wanèse in his neighborhood. She was at great risk of being separated from her children—a situation Haiti Mama strives to prevent.
Mama Wanèse, a single mother of four boys, including one with a disability, was living in extreme poverty while trying to keep her family together. Stevenson spent time with her family to understand their circumstances and create a plan for her. The first step was to move her into a safe home and then implement strategies to help her succeed. Over the years, her relationship with Haiti Mama has grown from receiving emergency support to becoming an empowered working mom and foster parent. We've watched her transform into her own hero.
Today, this incredible mom has become a foster parent to a young man without a family, making him one of the first foster children in Haiti. She has also started a business from her home in the new area where our families settled last year.
Our lead social worker, Jackson, says, “We are satisfied with the evolution of this family. Wanèse has made great progress. She sells beef soup every morning and saves $150 every month to better prepare for her future.” To put this into perspective, her monthly savings match the average salary in Haiti. Way to go, Mama Wanèse!
Rolling into a Brighter Future: Wheelchair Milestone!
If you follow us on social media, you know we recently celebrated a huge achievement! After two years of trying to get new wheelchairs into Haiti for our family members with disabilities, the first chair has finally arrived!
After much fundraising and the ordering of this chair, it sat with our shipping partner for months, waiting for the ports to open to receive packages. Now, Djinnison, a 20-year-old young man, has received his new wheelchair, which will help him stay comfortable and safe in many aspects of his day.
We are thrilled to see this young man, who came to us several years ago from an orphanage while very ill, now thriving and able to be safely moved around the campus.
A big thank you to our donors and the matching contribution from dōTERRA International’s Healing Hands Foundation. Because of your support, this huge life improvement for Djinnison is now a reality!
August Mama Box: Solidarity in Every Stitch
This August, Haiti Mama is making a powerful call for unity and hope with our special Mama Box, themed "Men Ampil chay pa lou" ("Many hands make the load lighter"). We are bringing together some of Haiti's most talented artisans, whose livelihoods have been hardest hit by the current crisis, to showcase their incredible work.
By purchasing a Mama Box, you're not just supporting Haiti Mama; you're standing in solidarity with a collective of extraordinary Haitian artisans, helping to rejuvenate the local art economy.
Special Release for You:
GOEX T-Shirt: Feel good in fair trade fashion.
Mini Cubes Organizers from Peace Cycle: Organize sustainably with upcycled materials.
Luggage Tag from 2nd Story Goods: Travel with style and purpose.
One Little Bead from Cedar & Cypress: Wear a piece of hope.
Bonjou Accessory Bag from Gift of Hope: Carry the spirit of Haiti.
Napkins and Rings from Haiti Mama: Dine with elegance and impact.
Box Design by Kayla from Rosie’s Boutique: Unbox beauty and creativity.
Join us in this movement of solidarity and support for Haiti's vibrant artisan community. Your purchase makes a difference!
Purchases that make Impact.
Make a one time purchase or Enjoy our discounts and get a subscription to our Mama Box today : The Mama Box
