USFCH/FEH 40th Anniversary Video
Thank you very much to our sponsors and supporters, we couldn't do it with out you. Thank you also for praying for Haiti. If you weren't able to watch this live, please enjoy video now!
There is still so much that needs to be done to help those effected by the earthquake. We are doing an Amazon wishlist of items needed to be delivered to the south. Click or copy and paste the link above to see our wishlist.
COVID & Nutrition Relief Programs
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COVID was the tip of the iceberg for many families in Haiti. The community of Musotte was not exempt. Just as the virus arrived, so did a long dry season that destroyed most of the expected crops in the farms. With children unable to attend school and the effect of the confinement on everyone, the lack of food became evident to the point even the government feared an inevitable famine. With the support of Cross International a Musotte Community Project was made possible. The project involved teaching the community about the pandemic and equipping them with all preventive measures as much as possible. On a weekend in June, over 300 families participated in the teaching about the virus. They were given masks, taught handwashing techniques, provided with hygiene kits which included a water pail, soap, chlorine and food kits to last a few days. The Nutrition program was repeated twice with the help of sponsors from Canada where 670 families benefited. One last food distribution will be done before school starts back in early November. 5 handwashing stations were placed in various areas of Musotte where anyone on the street can stop and wash hands in the fight against COVID. These programs were well received by the community and our effort there will continue to be of help to the people of Musotte. |
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When They Were Young - Podcast
Lanise Antione Shelley has a heart for sharing the stories of adoptees and educating others on the topic of race and identity.
Supporting those who have adopted from Haiti or how have been adopted from Haiti is important to USFCH.
If you have not checked out her podcast yet, please do!!
Supporting those who have adopted from Haiti or how have been adopted from Haiti is important to USFCH.
If you have not checked out her podcast yet, please do!!
Being Adopted from Haiti...
https://www.laniseantoineshelley.com/podcast
Click on Lanise's web site to learn more about adoption stories through her podcast.
Click on Lanise's web site to learn more about adoption stories through her podcast.
To my adopted friends,
We are committed to your emotional health, physical safety and creating a world you can thrive in. Although we've come a long way, we have miles to go yet. If you need to stay at home there are many things that can still be done to participate in solidarity, such as educating yourself, posting on social media, signing petitions, donating, supporting black businesses, organizing your own peace marches, and having meaningful conversations with relatives. Each of these is a powerful protest!
The path won't be easy, but we will be empowered with knowledge and a sense of contentedness to change the world.
Anti-racism Resources:
Adult:
How to be an Anti-racist by Ibram X. Kendi
Weaving a Family: Untangling racism by Barbara Katz Rothman One Child Nation documentary 13th (film) Ava Duvernay When they See Us (film) Ava Duverney
Young Children:
God Made me and You by Shai Linne God's Very Good Idea by Trillia New Bill and Catalina Echeverri
Young Gifted and Black by Jamia Wilson Little Legends: Exceptional men in Black HIstory by Vashti Harrison Dad, Who will I Be? by G. Todd Taylor
Happy Face Sad Face by BIll Cotter Looking for a Moose by Phyllis Root
Preteen:
The CCrossover by Kwame Alexander Miami Jackson series by Patricia and Fredrick McKissack
Julian Tells by Anne Cameron Point Card Prank by Jake Maddox Author for all ages: Vanda Micheaux Nelson
Adoptees from Haiti Home for Children: Dr. Juliana, Ph.D. Licensed Professional Counselor deansjuliana@gmail.com
Lanise Antoine Shelley
luniseantoine@gmail.com
www.laniseantoineshelley.com
We are committed to your emotional health, physical safety and creating a world you can thrive in. Although we've come a long way, we have miles to go yet. If you need to stay at home there are many things that can still be done to participate in solidarity, such as educating yourself, posting on social media, signing petitions, donating, supporting black businesses, organizing your own peace marches, and having meaningful conversations with relatives. Each of these is a powerful protest!
The path won't be easy, but we will be empowered with knowledge and a sense of contentedness to change the world.
Anti-racism Resources:
Adult:
How to be an Anti-racist by Ibram X. Kendi
Weaving a Family: Untangling racism by Barbara Katz Rothman One Child Nation documentary 13th (film) Ava Duvernay When they See Us (film) Ava Duverney
Young Children:
God Made me and You by Shai Linne God's Very Good Idea by Trillia New Bill and Catalina Echeverri
Young Gifted and Black by Jamia Wilson Little Legends: Exceptional men in Black HIstory by Vashti Harrison Dad, Who will I Be? by G. Todd Taylor
Happy Face Sad Face by BIll Cotter Looking for a Moose by Phyllis Root
Preteen:
The CCrossover by Kwame Alexander Miami Jackson series by Patricia and Fredrick McKissack
Julian Tells by Anne Cameron Point Card Prank by Jake Maddox Author for all ages: Vanda Micheaux Nelson
Adoptees from Haiti Home for Children: Dr. Juliana, Ph.D. Licensed Professional Counselor deansjuliana@gmail.com
Lanise Antoine Shelley
luniseantoine@gmail.com
www.laniseantoineshelley.com
NEWSLETTER RE: COVID
Preparing for COVID-19 in Haiti
4/10/20 - We know you who support the work of United States Foundation for the Children of Haiti (USFCH) and Fondation pour les Enfants d’Haiti (FEH) want to know how COVID-19 is impacting our work and the people of Haiti.
Recently, members of the Board of Directors, USFCH, had a two-hour Zoom meeting with Gladys Thomas. She reported that as of April 3, there were only eight reported cases of the virus in Haiti; however, they are preparing for vast numbers of cases now incubating. During this time the Foundation is guided by “three P’s”: Prevention, Precaution, and Prayer.
Prevention: FEH created and distributed educational brochures, placed hand washing stations in front of the hospital**, provided hand sanitizer throughout the hospital and offices, restricted entrance to the hospital to people only after hands are washed, and changed protocol to triage patients on the entrance ramp admitting only as appropriate. All our schools are closed, and access to Children’s Village of Hope is restricted. House moms are required not to leave the premises and break the quarantine.
Precaution: Patients suspected of having Covid-19 will be transferred to Ministry of Health where they can be tested. The hospital is cleaned and sanitized frequently each day. Isolation rooms at Hope Hospital will be available as needed. Gladys and others on the team in Haiti are sewing washable/reusable masks.
Prayer: Please join the children, staff, and leadership in Haiti who pray daily and often that isolation, hand and surface washing, and Grace will protect not only those in our care but all 11 million Haitians. Most of these folks live in extremely crowded conditions, many without running water at home. Our Haitian friends are praying for us as we experience the pandemic here and in other countries. Please include them as you pray.
We at USFCH would like to add a fourth “P”: Provide. We cannot begin to imagine the demands that will be placed on our staff and facilities by COVID-19. We know that as in prior national catastrophes (earthquake of 2010, cholera epidemic, Hurricane Matthew) FEH will stretch every resource to meet the needs of those in need. If you are able to make an emergency relief donation now or in the days ahead, we can promise you that the money will be used to do God’s work in Haiti.
USFCH and FEH thank you for standing with us as we prepare for the COVID-19 challenges to come. We will keep you informed as circumstances change. In addition to emails, you can find us on Facebook where there are photos and more current information.
PS: If you are sewing face masks and would like to send some to Haiti, please send to the following address. It would be sending love in a manila envelope!
3170 Airmans Drive,
Unit 2075
Fort Pierce, FL 34946
4/10/20 - We know you who support the work of United States Foundation for the Children of Haiti (USFCH) and Fondation pour les Enfants d’Haiti (FEH) want to know how COVID-19 is impacting our work and the people of Haiti.
Recently, members of the Board of Directors, USFCH, had a two-hour Zoom meeting with Gladys Thomas. She reported that as of April 3, there were only eight reported cases of the virus in Haiti; however, they are preparing for vast numbers of cases now incubating. During this time the Foundation is guided by “three P’s”: Prevention, Precaution, and Prayer.
Prevention: FEH created and distributed educational brochures, placed hand washing stations in front of the hospital**, provided hand sanitizer throughout the hospital and offices, restricted entrance to the hospital to people only after hands are washed, and changed protocol to triage patients on the entrance ramp admitting only as appropriate. All our schools are closed, and access to Children’s Village of Hope is restricted. House moms are required not to leave the premises and break the quarantine.
Precaution: Patients suspected of having Covid-19 will be transferred to Ministry of Health where they can be tested. The hospital is cleaned and sanitized frequently each day. Isolation rooms at Hope Hospital will be available as needed. Gladys and others on the team in Haiti are sewing washable/reusable masks.
Prayer: Please join the children, staff, and leadership in Haiti who pray daily and often that isolation, hand and surface washing, and Grace will protect not only those in our care but all 11 million Haitians. Most of these folks live in extremely crowded conditions, many without running water at home. Our Haitian friends are praying for us as we experience the pandemic here and in other countries. Please include them as you pray.
We at USFCH would like to add a fourth “P”: Provide. We cannot begin to imagine the demands that will be placed on our staff and facilities by COVID-19. We know that as in prior national catastrophes (earthquake of 2010, cholera epidemic, Hurricane Matthew) FEH will stretch every resource to meet the needs of those in need. If you are able to make an emergency relief donation now or in the days ahead, we can promise you that the money will be used to do God’s work in Haiti.
USFCH and FEH thank you for standing with us as we prepare for the COVID-19 challenges to come. We will keep you informed as circumstances change. In addition to emails, you can find us on Facebook where there are photos and more current information.
PS: If you are sewing face masks and would like to send some to Haiti, please send to the following address. It would be sending love in a manila envelope!
3170 Airmans Drive,
Unit 2075
Fort Pierce, FL 34946
Protecting our Nurses and caregivers
With short supply everywhere, including Haiti, Gladys Thomas, Executive Director of FEH and friends have been sewing face masks. Hope Hospital is preparing, as Haiti has now had 8 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Please pray for all of our staff as they work the front lines in Haiti.
USFCH Board Meeting - March 2020
3/22/2020 - Today our board met virtually with Gladys Thomas to hear how things are going in Haiti, as the hospital and Village of Hope has started to prepare for handling the coronavirus.
2019:
USFCH is please to announce that
Gladys Thomas, President, Fondation pour les Enfants d'Haiti
will be speaking at
Hingham Congregational Church 378 Main Street, Hingham, MA 02043
Saturday, November 16 at 6 P.M. and Sunday, November 17 at 10 A.M.
Please join the members of USFCH Board of Directors in welcoming Gladys. Dinner will be served on Saturday night, and coffee will be served after the Sunday worship service. There will be an opportunity to speak with Ms. Thomas at each event.
Additional information can be received via contact@usfch.org
Your RSVP would be appreciated by Saturday, November 9.
Gladys Thomas took on the challenges of serving children and families in Haiti in 1981. After receiving a degree in nursing in the United States, she returned to Haiti to marry and raise her family. Little did she know then that forty years later she and the organization she established would have provided a home and family for hundreds of at-risk children, established a modern general hospital in Port-au-Prince, and changed educational opportunities for Haitians in PAP and the southern peninsula.
TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
At present, Haiti is experiencing the worst political, economic, and social unrest in recent history. All schools are closed, famine is increasing, and the government is not functioning. The hospital requires constant electricity, but fuel for the generators is hard to find and increasingly expensive. Demonstrations and desperate people make it dangerous to be on the streets. Employees risk injury and death to get to work. The cost of food for children, patients, and employees is caught in the spiraling inflation. Gates must be secured and protected by armed guards.
Gladys will speak about the challenges of providing safe haven for the children in our care and keeping our hospital open during this crisis. She will also provide an update on the goals of FEH and the changes that are being implemented to accomplish our mission.
November 21, 2017
Friends,
Through God’s grace and His faithfulness we close another year of work at the US Foundation for the Children of Haiti.
We thank God for every good thing that has happened this past year, and for sustaining us through the many challenges we have faced.
Looking back over the past year we re-joice over the many accomplishments in the children’s residences, schools and hospital. We are blessed to have the op-portunity to make a difference in lives of so many people. Although working in Haiti seems to be-come more and more challenging, we look forward to facing every day with faith, love, patience and obedience. As we have for the past 36 years, we look to the New Year with determination and hope.
As always, we can’t thank our friends and supporters enough for your faithfulness and generosity. It means so much to us that we stand together as partners in this wonderful work.
All of us in Haiti wish you the best for a won-derful Christmas and every blessing in the coming year.
Gladys
Friends,
Through God’s grace and His faithfulness we close another year of work at the US Foundation for the Children of Haiti.
We thank God for every good thing that has happened this past year, and for sustaining us through the many challenges we have faced.
Looking back over the past year we re-joice over the many accomplishments in the children’s residences, schools and hospital. We are blessed to have the op-portunity to make a difference in lives of so many people. Although working in Haiti seems to be-come more and more challenging, we look forward to facing every day with faith, love, patience and obedience. As we have for the past 36 years, we look to the New Year with determination and hope.
As always, we can’t thank our friends and supporters enough for your faithfulness and generosity. It means so much to us that we stand together as partners in this wonderful work.
All of us in Haiti wish you the best for a won-derful Christmas and every blessing in the coming year.
Gladys
Congratulations Gladys!
January 2017 - Our founder, Gladys Thomas, was honored by a local Haitian church, Eglise de Dieu Bethel for her honorable work in guiding the USFCH child, one child at a time.
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Hurricane Matthew
excerpt from the winter 2016 newsletter
In early October Hurricane Matthew passed over Haiti. Fortunately, densely-populated Port au Prince did not experience the full force of the storm. However the Mussotte region in the south, where the Foundation has school facilities, was hit very hard. Winds over 145 mph battered the southwestern peninsula. Over 800 people were killed in Haiti. This was the strongest hurricane to make landfall in Haiti since 1964.
Before the Haitian government reached the area, Gladys and her team were on site. They were worried about not only buildings and grounds owned by the Foundation, but also for the children and their families who are now our friends and partners in the area. With a 4x4 vehicle, and often on foot, they moved from home to home bringing word that there would be help coming and taking stock of the damage and needs.
Destruction to the schools involved a roof, windows, fencing, and ceiling tiles. Educational materials and furniture were soaked by the heavy rain. However, these were minor setbacks compared to the devastation of homes, farms, and personal belongings. How does one move forward when all they have, shelter, food, clothing, and of equal importance, tools, seeds, and livestock are gone? The team found temporary structures being patched together with tarp scraps and branches. Already poor nutrition was made worse, especially for children under five; and cholera was a risk worsened by damage to the pre-existing minimal sanitary facilities.
Foundation staff, including Gladys, immediately mounted a relief effort to bring food and supplies to the Mussotte region. First an outstretched hand, then some food, followed by building materials, seeds and farm equipment as it can be provided. This is going to be a long-term process, but once again the Foundation is stepping up and stepping in at a time of crisis in Haiti. We are grateful to our friends who have helped support the relief and rebuilding efforts.
We and the people of Mussotte bless you and extend sincere appreciation for your generosity.
The USFCH Board
Before the Haitian government reached the area, Gladys and her team were on site. They were worried about not only buildings and grounds owned by the Foundation, but also for the children and their families who are now our friends and partners in the area. With a 4x4 vehicle, and often on foot, they moved from home to home bringing word that there would be help coming and taking stock of the damage and needs.
Destruction to the schools involved a roof, windows, fencing, and ceiling tiles. Educational materials and furniture were soaked by the heavy rain. However, these were minor setbacks compared to the devastation of homes, farms, and personal belongings. How does one move forward when all they have, shelter, food, clothing, and of equal importance, tools, seeds, and livestock are gone? The team found temporary structures being patched together with tarp scraps and branches. Already poor nutrition was made worse, especially for children under five; and cholera was a risk worsened by damage to the pre-existing minimal sanitary facilities.
Foundation staff, including Gladys, immediately mounted a relief effort to bring food and supplies to the Mussotte region. First an outstretched hand, then some food, followed by building materials, seeds and farm equipment as it can be provided. This is going to be a long-term process, but once again the Foundation is stepping up and stepping in at a time of crisis in Haiti. We are grateful to our friends who have helped support the relief and rebuilding efforts.
We and the people of Mussotte bless you and extend sincere appreciation for your generosity.
The USFCH Board
Thank you JetBlue!
JetBlue company provided an amazing celebration at the Village this past Friday for Three Kings Day on January 6th, 2017! There was face painting, dancing, music, crafts, popcorn, slushies, and gifts!! Definitely all smiles this past weekend!!
Newsletter - Winter 2016 - Published December 2016
| winter_2016.pdf |
Hurricane Matthew (November 2016)
Summary of where are are at this point
The USFCH Board
Summary of where are are at this point
- The team is bringing food from Port-au-Prince to the Musotte area where FEH has schools and the devastation was most severe.
- Humedica is graciously providing medical care, supplies and various kits to many communities in Musotte and the surrounding areas
- Gladys & her team are asking that we spread the word of the need for financial donations. FEH will initially focus to help the families of the Musotte students to rebuild their houses, yards, & farms.
- Gladys would like to buy the supplies in Haiti rather than try to have them shipped from us in the States (based on experience at times like these the corruption is worse than ever).
- The team also hope to help the families re-build their crops. So she aims to buy seeds, farming equipment etc.
The USFCH Board
Updates from Hurricane Matthew (October 2016):
Update: October 11th, 2016
Dear All,
We returned from Musotte yesterday (Monday) where I was able to evaluate some of the damages in Musotte. Our schools suffer quite a bit of damage. The elementary school lost part of the tin roof causing the classrooms to be flooded and most of the school materials are lost. Some of the benches are lost as well as books. We are hoping by drying them in the sun, we might save some.
The new C-Tech lost the temporary fencing, the main gate needs fixing, the roofs leaked to the forces of the wind causing the ceilings to be damaged. Windows to 2 of the classrooms flew away, but thank God we were able to recuperate them and they are being remounted.
Our visit to the homes of the school children was the most difficult to bear. Before Hurricane Matthew, we had a chance to see in the deplorable situation the families were already living. Now, to see how destitute they are it is terrible. We only had time to visit about 50 homes out of 150 or more. Of these homes, 36 need repairs as all of them have lost the roofs and the temporary shelters they create are scenes one cannot imagine. 19 of the homes ate totally destroyed. These families lost everything. The children lost all school supplies, clothes, household items etc...
On Sunday my daughter gathered friends and they were able to transport over 100 cases of food donated originally by Cross International then we distributed these items to close to 200 families.
The task is huge to bring help as the people in Musotte have not yet seen any government authority come to them to help. They are desperate. Their garden and livestock are gone. Fruits and lost crops are all over the ground. We anticipate major famine in Haiti in the near future. Thank God no one died, now the people have one wish for their survival, rebuilding their little homes and redo their garden(s) again.
The immediate needs now are:
* Lumber, Nails, Food, Household Kits, like cooking and eating utensils, beddings and clothes.
* School supplies for our school and the students.
* Construction kits are the big one which should consist of tin sheets, lumber nails, and cement.
These are things we can purchase in Port-au-Prince to take to families.
We will be making many trips to Musotte besides our regular planned trip. We cannot describe the destruction clearly as it really requires for one to see it with your own eyes to understand the condition that the people are living now. I will send some pictures shortly.
My thoughts are to first use funds raised to repair damages to our infrastructures and get the school supplies to have the schools fully operational again. I thank you all for your prayers as you support us as we face the situation and to make of FEH an organization that glorifies God in the midst of disasters as well in the midst of celebrations. I continue to trust that we shall overcome and this too, shall pass. Let's continue trusting and moving forward.
Much love and blessings to you all.
Gladys
Dear All,
We returned from Musotte yesterday (Monday) where I was able to evaluate some of the damages in Musotte. Our schools suffer quite a bit of damage. The elementary school lost part of the tin roof causing the classrooms to be flooded and most of the school materials are lost. Some of the benches are lost as well as books. We are hoping by drying them in the sun, we might save some.
The new C-Tech lost the temporary fencing, the main gate needs fixing, the roofs leaked to the forces of the wind causing the ceilings to be damaged. Windows to 2 of the classrooms flew away, but thank God we were able to recuperate them and they are being remounted.
Our visit to the homes of the school children was the most difficult to bear. Before Hurricane Matthew, we had a chance to see in the deplorable situation the families were already living. Now, to see how destitute they are it is terrible. We only had time to visit about 50 homes out of 150 or more. Of these homes, 36 need repairs as all of them have lost the roofs and the temporary shelters they create are scenes one cannot imagine. 19 of the homes ate totally destroyed. These families lost everything. The children lost all school supplies, clothes, household items etc...
On Sunday my daughter gathered friends and they were able to transport over 100 cases of food donated originally by Cross International then we distributed these items to close to 200 families.
The task is huge to bring help as the people in Musotte have not yet seen any government authority come to them to help. They are desperate. Their garden and livestock are gone. Fruits and lost crops are all over the ground. We anticipate major famine in Haiti in the near future. Thank God no one died, now the people have one wish for their survival, rebuilding their little homes and redo their garden(s) again.
The immediate needs now are:
* Lumber, Nails, Food, Household Kits, like cooking and eating utensils, beddings and clothes.
* School supplies for our school and the students.
* Construction kits are the big one which should consist of tin sheets, lumber nails, and cement.
These are things we can purchase in Port-au-Prince to take to families.
We will be making many trips to Musotte besides our regular planned trip. We cannot describe the destruction clearly as it really requires for one to see it with your own eyes to understand the condition that the people are living now. I will send some pictures shortly.
My thoughts are to first use funds raised to repair damages to our infrastructures and get the school supplies to have the schools fully operational again. I thank you all for your prayers as you support us as we face the situation and to make of FEH an organization that glorifies God in the midst of disasters as well in the midst of celebrations. I continue to trust that we shall overcome and this too, shall pass. Let's continue trusting and moving forward.
Much love and blessings to you all.
Gladys
October 8th, 2016:
Update from USFCH/FEH:
-The team is gathering food in Port-au-Prince to bring to the Musotte area today (Saturday) where the devastation was most severe.
-Humedica is graciously providing medical care, supplies and various kits to many communities in Musotte and the surrounding areas
-Gladys & her team are asking that we spread the word of the need for financial donations. FEH will initially focus to help the families of the Musotte students to rebuild their houses, yards, & farms.
-Gladys would like to buy the supplies in Haiti rather than try to have them shipped from us in the States (based on experience at times like these the corruption is worse than ever).
-The team also hope to help the families re-build their crops. So she aims to buy seeds, farming equipment etc.
Thank you in advance. God is good. Prayers for our children & families.
The USFCH Board
Update from USFCH/FEH:
-The team is gathering food in Port-au-Prince to bring to the Musotte area today (Saturday) where the devastation was most severe.
-Humedica is graciously providing medical care, supplies and various kits to many communities in Musotte and the surrounding areas
-Gladys & her team are asking that we spread the word of the need for financial donations. FEH will initially focus to help the families of the Musotte students to rebuild their houses, yards, & farms.
-Gladys would like to buy the supplies in Haiti rather than try to have them shipped from us in the States (based on experience at times like these the corruption is worse than ever).
-The team also hope to help the families re-build their crops. So she aims to buy seeds, farming equipment etc.
Thank you in advance. God is good. Prayers for our children & families.
The USFCH Board
October 6th, 2016:
Update from Gladys: Thank you all so much for all the support during this time. It's quite stressful but God has always proven Himself faithful to us and will not fail us. Keep praying for us.
The road to Mussote is opening hopefully by Friday or Saturday. I will be going there to return with a better evaluation of the situation.
The work at Hope Hospital is on going, we do everything we can. Humedica is here at the hospital and we are busy with them as well. The children at the village are all safe & out of harms way.
All our thanks to the group that made it to the inauguration and especially the teamwork that preceded to make sure we received necessary items to make the events a success. Thank you all so much.
Update from Gladys: Thank you all so much for all the support during this time. It's quite stressful but God has always proven Himself faithful to us and will not fail us. Keep praying for us.
The road to Mussote is opening hopefully by Friday or Saturday. I will be going there to return with a better evaluation of the situation.
The work at Hope Hospital is on going, we do everything we can. Humedica is here at the hospital and we are busy with them as well. The children at the village are all safe & out of harms way.
All our thanks to the group that made it to the inauguration and especially the teamwork that preceded to make sure we received necessary items to make the events a success. Thank you all so much.
THANK YOU!
For supporting USFCH/FEH so we can provide improvements to our learning center at FEH. Now, for the 2016/17 school year, ALL of our children are having school in the same location with updated facilities. Thank you for every dollar, it all goes to the children.
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Newsletter:
Spring 2016 Newsletter, click to read
Newsletter:
Winter 2015 Newsletter, click to read
Newsletter:
Summer 2015 Newsletter, click here to read.
Technical School Building starting soon!
Ceremony in Mussotte introducing the Plan
April 2015
New Pediatric Ward opens at Hope Hospital!
November 2014
The new pediatric ward was nothing short of a miracle. FEH needed to expand the hospital but we had no room nor land to do so. It was discussed at the last USFCH Board meeting in June and Gladys told everyone that she was praying. Prayers went up and blessings came down!. LEAP is a medical organization doing plastic surgery, ENT and Urology surgery for children, working with FEH since 2010. Gladys shared with them our need and vision and we both prayed together. The Ortega family, good supporters of LEAP, owns a construction company and agreed to come down with a team of 6 and in 2 weeks had finished most of the work. We took one month to finish everything.
Janet and Pat Ortega, the builders, a wonderful couple from Oklahoma owners of Rocking O Construction also donated some of their own funds. LEAP raised the funds to cover the rest of the construction expenses. LEAP was scheduled to come on a surgical mission on November 6th so we scheduled a ribbon cutting ceremony on the 7th as we wanted to include them in the ceremony.
"We have not yet moved in as we are finishing what was left to be done. We hope to officially move in Dec 13, 2014. There will still be needs for equipment and furniture, but I know God will continue to provide" said Gladys. God is good.
Janet and Pat Ortega, the builders, a wonderful couple from Oklahoma owners of Rocking O Construction also donated some of their own funds. LEAP raised the funds to cover the rest of the construction expenses. LEAP was scheduled to come on a surgical mission on November 6th so we scheduled a ribbon cutting ceremony on the 7th as we wanted to include them in the ceremony.
"We have not yet moved in as we are finishing what was left to be done. We hope to officially move in Dec 13, 2014. There will still be needs for equipment and furniture, but I know God will continue to provide" said Gladys. God is good.
Future Plans for The Children's Village
What is the next step for The Children's Village?
- Constructing a third residence building and completing the move of Haiti Home for Children to the Village.
- Building a special purpose, stand-alone structure to accommodate the school.
- Build a chapel.
- Building housing for staff and out-of-country volunteers
- Building a covered play area to augment the playground so that the children can be protected from sun and rain when playing outside.
- Constructing a third residence building and completing the move of Haiti Home for Children to the Village.
- Building a special purpose, stand-alone structure to accommodate the school.
- Build a chapel.
- Building housing for staff and out-of-country volunteers
- Building a covered play area to augment the playground so that the children can be protected from sun and rain when playing outside.
Heroes In the Wake Of Haiti's Catastrophe's
Take a look, Gladys Thomas was featured in the Book, Heroes In the Wake Of Haiti's Catastrophe's by Erilande Sully. (April 2015)
Olivier Duong: Photographer (Blog) |
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Newsletter:
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Newsletter: FALL 2014
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| fall2014.pdf |
Etsy: Supporting Hope Home
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Newsletter:
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Click to Open the Newsletter for:
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| haiti_camp_2014_report.pdf |
July 11, 2014:
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Newsletter:
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USFCH Spring 2014 Newsletter
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| usfch_newletter-may_2014.pdf |
Update From Haiti from The Doctors
Plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Ordon is brought to tears when The Doctors hear from Gladys Thomas, president of the U.S. Foundation for the Children of Haiti, who shares an update on a young boy whom Dr. Ordon treated after the devastating earthquake in 2010.
Dr. Susan Partovi and her medical students makes their annual trip to Haiti Click here to read their story.
March 18, 2014
March 18, 2014
Digital Literacy in Haiti (9/2013)
Twa jou an Ayiti (Three Days in Haiti)
~Click here to read full article
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Day 1: Gladys, orphans, culture shock
Gladys ..... Highlight from the link... After saying goodbye to the teachers, we pile into the trucks and drive to see Gladys Thomas herself at Hope Hospital, where her main office is. She tells us of her three schools, two of which have Camara computer labs already, and the third of which is still waiting. We notice the William Jefferson Clinton Humanitarian Award sitting on her desk, and Ailish later tells us that she’ll be receiving another similar award in January. But her status has no effect on her demeanor. She is all smiles and friendliness, and also all business. She treats her staff and her guests with full respect and humility. There isn’t any room for arrogance, nor any time. There’s too much to do. We’d been told that the second school that’s being built in Hope Village will integrate special needs kids with regular ones – something that is done hardly anywhere else in the country. Gladys is at the frontier, and she won’t rest until.. well, ever. |
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We take a couple of photos with Gladys, thank her for her time, and get on the road again to visit another one of her projects, a school and orphanage called Ecole de Bon Semeur (School of the Good Sower). We learned from Ailish that when Gladys got the news that there was an opportunity to install computers here, she moved to get the space ready within eight days – that’s not enough time for some to sign a document, much less ready a lab! And in Haiti, it’s nearly unheard of. In that time, her staff secured the space, furniture, electricity and air conditioners, all of which are requirements for a computer lab installation. In addition, each requirement has specific criteria, such as table height and area, security with grates / locks as well as building stability, and so on. But Gladys knew what having computers could mean for her kids, and did everything in her power to get them.
LEAP (Life Enhancement Association for People):
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"Thank You" Video from a recent trip over Thanksgiving to see the children in the Village and Haiti Home. |
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The above video was sent out to sponsors who helped fund a Thanksgiving trip to Haiti visiting The Village and the Haiti Home. The group of volunteers who traveled brought gifts to all of the children, and arranged a few parties. The even arranged for two separate field trips to the beach for the children. Thank you!
click on this link to read:
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Progress slow but change coming for Haiti’s children
Article in the Richmond News about Gladys
Change has come slowly to Haiti. But Gladys Thomas has spent more than three decades helping its children live through impoverished conditions and seen many of them thrive.
“For the past 33 years I have been working with families and children, looking at what life requires — love, health, shelter, education. It’s a calling I’ve had since I was a child,” said Thomas, president of the Foundation for Children of Haiti, who was in Richmond this week to meet with members of the the Rotary Club of Richmond, the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunset and the Richmond Firefighters’ Society, all of which have agreed to offer support to help build a new school in the capital city of Port-au-Prince.
With room for 300 students, it will allow the foundation’s orphanage to increase its capacity and include more room for special needs children. Total cost of the project is $500,000.
The Rotary Club of Richmond Sunset has $10,000 in its reserve to fund the project. Plus, there is a $20,000-commitment from Rotary District 3500 (Taiwan) to participate as the sunset club’s international partner.
Thomas said her calling to help was something she was born with. As the seventh of 11 children, she remembers growing up in need, but remembers watching her parents who were always willing to give of themselves and share what they had to ensure no one was left wanting.
- See more at: http://www.richmond-news.com/progress-slow-but-change-coming-for-haiti-s-children-1.656106#sthash.hHK2Hkqn.dpuf
Change has come slowly to Haiti. But Gladys Thomas has spent more than three decades helping its children live through impoverished conditions and seen many of them thrive.
“For the past 33 years I have been working with families and children, looking at what life requires — love, health, shelter, education. It’s a calling I’ve had since I was a child,” said Thomas, president of the Foundation for Children of Haiti, who was in Richmond this week to meet with members of the the Rotary Club of Richmond, the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunset and the Richmond Firefighters’ Society, all of which have agreed to offer support to help build a new school in the capital city of Port-au-Prince.
With room for 300 students, it will allow the foundation’s orphanage to increase its capacity and include more room for special needs children. Total cost of the project is $500,000.
The Rotary Club of Richmond Sunset has $10,000 in its reserve to fund the project. Plus, there is a $20,000-commitment from Rotary District 3500 (Taiwan) to participate as the sunset club’s international partner.
Thomas said her calling to help was something she was born with. As the seventh of 11 children, she remembers growing up in need, but remembers watching her parents who were always willing to give of themselves and share what they had to ensure no one was left wanting.
- See more at: http://www.richmond-news.com/progress-slow-but-change-coming-for-haiti-s-children-1.656106#sthash.hHK2Hkqn.dpuf
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Newsletter:
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Spring 2013 Newsletter:
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January 2013 - GLADYS THOMAS HONORED IN Dublin, Ireland
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Gladys Thomas, President of Foundation for the Children of Haiti since the early days of the organization, was selected to by the Haven Initiative of Dublin, Ireland, to be honored as the recipient of its William Jefferson Clinton
Goodwill for Haiti Award. During the last week of January each year, the organization brings together members of the business, music, and arts community to help raise awareness and funds for Haiti. In 2012 the first Clinton Award was given to the Michel Joseph Martelly, President of Haiti. The letter announcing the honor stated, "This award is presented to an outstanding person in the field of Humanitarianism, someone who works to ease the suffering and create positive change in Haiti." It goes on to say that Gladys was chosen by a unanimous vote of the committee. It recognized her "tireless work in Haiti and the impact you have had on thousands of young Haitian lives. |
The award was given at a gala ball held on January 25, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland for her "incredible work."
All who know Gladys are pleased by this recognition of her visionary perspective, hard work, and commitment to the children of Haiti. We go with her in spirit as she receives the award, knowing that it is most deserved. "This award is presented to an outstanding person in the field of |
- 01/29/2013
Mrs. Thomas’ extraordinary journey began in 1981 when she took over an abandoned orphanage in Haiti’s capital Port au Prince; the previous management walked away from the institution leaving the 45 children inhabiting it to fend for themselves.
Since then she has helped thousands of children including abandoned new born babies left in Haiti’s dilapidated hospitals which were systematically left to die.
In 1995 she built the state of the art ‘Hope’ maternity hospital after she discovered disabled babies living in horrendous, unsanitary conditions in an ‘Abandoned Children’s Ward’ in another hospital.
Three years ago, when an earthquake of unprecedented magnitude hit Haiti, Gladys’ hospital became a vital centre for the treatment and care for over 10,000 victims.
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Newsletter:
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Summer 2012 Newsletter:
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“Do good in the life of every individual”
by Rene Lako/RBU, 2010/12/04
Some days ago – ten months after the devastating earthquake in Haiti – the great day had finally arrived: the „Hospital of Hope“, where humedica teams had started treating patients immediately after the terrible disaster, reopened its doors after complex renovation works had been finished.
In January the victims of the heavy earthquake had to be treated outdoors, lying on the ground.
Parts of the building that had been in danger of collapsing had to be renovated, sanitary installations needed to be renewed. A ramp has been built specifically for disabled patients in order to spare them the difficult way over the stairs. The entire electricity system has been renewed and many more refurbishment works have been implemented.
In the framework of a festive celebration the “Hopital Espoir” was reopened once more by hospital director Dr Gladys Thomas. humedica employee Rene Lako interviewed her about this special day in her life, which also is a very special day to all the patients who have been cared for at the hospital and will be cared for there in future.
“Many of the ideas for the renovation and for the reopening ceremony came up thanks to the cooperation with humedica,” said the hospital director. “We have been working side by side since the earthquake that took place on January 12, this year. Back then, thehumedica mission teams supported our hospital immediately after the disaster and at first mainly treated victims of the earthquake.
But also after some time had passed after the earthquake, humedica stayed. While the doctors and nurses continued treating the patients, I had more time to organise the refurbishment works and the expansion of the “Hopital Espoir”.”
Thanks to the excellent cooperation between hospital director Gladys Thomas and thehumedica teams, great achievements could be reached during the past months. Photo:humedica/Rene Lako
While the renovation works progressed step by step, the humedica mission team members continued treating the patients in tents outdoors. A large part of the people suffered from traumas so severe that entering a building caused them to enter a state of anxiety anyway.
Click Here to read more
by Rene Lako/RBU, 2010/12/04
Some days ago – ten months after the devastating earthquake in Haiti – the great day had finally arrived: the „Hospital of Hope“, where humedica teams had started treating patients immediately after the terrible disaster, reopened its doors after complex renovation works had been finished.
In January the victims of the heavy earthquake had to be treated outdoors, lying on the ground.
Parts of the building that had been in danger of collapsing had to be renovated, sanitary installations needed to be renewed. A ramp has been built specifically for disabled patients in order to spare them the difficult way over the stairs. The entire electricity system has been renewed and many more refurbishment works have been implemented.
In the framework of a festive celebration the “Hopital Espoir” was reopened once more by hospital director Dr Gladys Thomas. humedica employee Rene Lako interviewed her about this special day in her life, which also is a very special day to all the patients who have been cared for at the hospital and will be cared for there in future.
“Many of the ideas for the renovation and for the reopening ceremony came up thanks to the cooperation with humedica,” said the hospital director. “We have been working side by side since the earthquake that took place on January 12, this year. Back then, thehumedica mission teams supported our hospital immediately after the disaster and at first mainly treated victims of the earthquake.
But also after some time had passed after the earthquake, humedica stayed. While the doctors and nurses continued treating the patients, I had more time to organise the refurbishment works and the expansion of the “Hopital Espoir”.”
Thanks to the excellent cooperation between hospital director Gladys Thomas and thehumedica teams, great achievements could be reached during the past months. Photo:humedica/Rene Lako
While the renovation works progressed step by step, the humedica mission team members continued treating the patients in tents outdoors. A large part of the people suffered from traumas so severe that entering a building caused them to enter a state of anxiety anyway.
Click Here to read more
Don't forget the plight of Haiti's children
05/09/2010
By Shaquille O'Neal, Special to CNN
(CNN) -- When the January 12 earthquake hit Haiti, I watched hour upon hour of coverage on CNN. Like everyone else in the world, I saw images that were among the most horrifying caused by a natural disaster in our time.
I had never been to Haiti at the time. Like many, I have friends and even family members of Haitian descent. But what occurred to me and most others were the questions: "How could this happen and be so destructive?" "Why the lack of infrastructure?" "Why the lack of preparation for disaster?" No country could be totally prepared for that kind of disaster, but Haiti and its people seemed to be particularly disadvantaged against Mother Nature's might.
I immediately got on my computer and began doing research, reading about Haiti's history. Admittedly, my American history dates were a bit foggy, so I tried to give myself a brief refresher. In school, we learned very early on about the abolition of slavery and Abraham Lincoln. But I was never taught that there was a small black nation in the Caribbean that had defeated Napoleon's army in 1803.
That was the same year the French decided to sell their only other colony in the Western Hemisphere: Louisiana. Had the slaves, led by Toussaint L'Ouverture, not overthrown the French Army in Haiti, would the French have sold Louisiana to the United States?
The Louisiana Purchase instantly doubled our country's size. Now, I have spent my time in Louisiana. I graduated from Louisiana State University. But I never linked these two events. I am sure historians do, but does the average American know that the Haitian revolution possibly played a large role in the history of the United States of America?
So, I ask myself, had Toussaint L'Ouverture not lived, would America be the America it is today? If his army and the slaves had not defeated the French, would the French have wanted to sell their only other colony, so close to Haiti?
Click here to read more
Gladys Thomas Interview
Uploaded on Feb 1, 2010
While in Haiti in January 2010, Jerry Dillon did a quick video with Gladys Thomas regarding the earthquake and their
needs. To donate please go to www.dillonadopt.com. Gladys oversees the Rainbow Of Love Nursery and Children's Village, School of the Good Sower, and Hope Hospital in Haiti. This video is some excerpts from the interview.
Uploaded on Feb 1, 2010
While in Haiti in January 2010, Jerry Dillon did a quick video with Gladys Thomas regarding the earthquake and their
needs. To donate please go to www.dillonadopt.com. Gladys oversees the Rainbow Of Love Nursery and Children's Village, School of the Good Sower, and Hope Hospital in Haiti. This video is some excerpts from the interview.
LEAP's Impact in Haiti
01/10/2010
Dr. Hobar was in Haiti January 16th (day 4 of the Haitian earthquake disaster) with LEAP volunteers Drs. Ale and Ian Mitchell. They worked around the clock amputating gangrenous limbs and repairing facial injuries of earthquake victims pulled from the rubble and delivered them to Sacred Heart Hospital in Port-Au-Prince. Knowing Dr. Hobar and the LEAP Organization were in Haiti administering medical care, Dr. Renato Salz, President of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) called Dr. Hobar and asked if he would help coordinate getting surgical volunteers down to Haiti- he had a list of more than a hundred plastic surgeons from around the world who called and volunteered their services.
The LEAP Haiti Relief Effort began in January 2010 and ran through June 2010 when all the acute surgical reconstructive needs had been met. In incredible fashion, LEAP worked with its hundreds of volunteers to secure private planes for transportation in the first 6 weeks of the disaster,and forged an agreement with American Airlines to secure 6 seats on a weekly basis once commercial flights were assumed. LEAP secured transportation, safe housing, translators, and in country coordinators in Haiti, established a presence at Haitian Community Hospital, and began sending complete surgical teams from around the U.S. and Canada. By April 1st, the program was in full swing. Between April 1st June 30th, 67 medical personnel including 25 medical doctors and 42 registered nurses were sent on 10 different teams. In total, from January through June, the LEAP teams treated more than 1000 patients and performed more than 400 major reconstructive surgeries, the majority of which served earthquake victims. Dr. Hobar, representing LEAP, was awarded By ASAPS the 2010 Humanitarian Services Award. LEAP continues to travel to Haiti and plans on continual visits in years to come.
LEAP is now partnered with the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) in an international disaster relief program. Learn more here. ISAPS has more than 2500 surgeon members and operates in 93 countries around the world. In Haiti, LEAP is currently working at Espoir Hospital in Port Au Prince in partnership with Gladys Thomas and the Foundation for the Children of Haiti, and is providing world class pediatric surgical services to the infants and children of Haiti
01/10/2010
Dr. Hobar was in Haiti January 16th (day 4 of the Haitian earthquake disaster) with LEAP volunteers Drs. Ale and Ian Mitchell. They worked around the clock amputating gangrenous limbs and repairing facial injuries of earthquake victims pulled from the rubble and delivered them to Sacred Heart Hospital in Port-Au-Prince. Knowing Dr. Hobar and the LEAP Organization were in Haiti administering medical care, Dr. Renato Salz, President of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) called Dr. Hobar and asked if he would help coordinate getting surgical volunteers down to Haiti- he had a list of more than a hundred plastic surgeons from around the world who called and volunteered their services.
The LEAP Haiti Relief Effort began in January 2010 and ran through June 2010 when all the acute surgical reconstructive needs had been met. In incredible fashion, LEAP worked with its hundreds of volunteers to secure private planes for transportation in the first 6 weeks of the disaster,and forged an agreement with American Airlines to secure 6 seats on a weekly basis once commercial flights were assumed. LEAP secured transportation, safe housing, translators, and in country coordinators in Haiti, established a presence at Haitian Community Hospital, and began sending complete surgical teams from around the U.S. and Canada. By April 1st, the program was in full swing. Between April 1st June 30th, 67 medical personnel including 25 medical doctors and 42 registered nurses were sent on 10 different teams. In total, from January through June, the LEAP teams treated more than 1000 patients and performed more than 400 major reconstructive surgeries, the majority of which served earthquake victims. Dr. Hobar, representing LEAP, was awarded By ASAPS the 2010 Humanitarian Services Award. LEAP continues to travel to Haiti and plans on continual visits in years to come.
LEAP is now partnered with the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) in an international disaster relief program. Learn more here. ISAPS has more than 2500 surgeon members and operates in 93 countries around the world. In Haiti, LEAP is currently working at Espoir Hospital in Port Au Prince in partnership with Gladys Thomas and the Foundation for the Children of Haiti, and is providing world class pediatric surgical services to the infants and children of Haiti
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Supporting the work of Foundation of the Children of Haiti. Serving the Children of Haiti since 1981 |
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