The focus of this organization is a holistic approach to health, education and the welfare of the families in Jacmel. It is our aim to help those most vulnerable, to overcome the trauma they have endured and to promote the psychosocial well being of families in this earthquake shattered nation. Through short-term and long-term agendas built within the Haitian community, we will provide wellness programs in social, educational, mental and physical health care sectors for women, children and families. Working with local schools, faith-based organizations, government officials, and non-government agencies we will work together to help stabilize the foundations of families, now and in the future. SUMMER CAMP
Beginning in July of 2010 teams of committed teachers, counselors, students, health-care and other professionals will come to Jacmel to manage education, sports, arts & crafts, music and dance camps for Haitian children. These weekly programs will be sustained throughout the summer by sending rotating teams of dedicated volunteers from the U.S. We will work side by side with Haitian teachers as we train them to manage the program independently. American doctors and nurses will set up an outpatient health clinic, located next to the camp and will address the medical needs of the children and their families. Women and children who have endured the loss of their homes, schools, and family members due to the 7.2 magnitude earthquake of January 12, 2010 need support in healing. 5,500 people in Jacmel alone are still living in filthy, unsafe, tent cities in sub-human conditions. We aim to give these women and children an opportunity to escape this harsh environment, if only a day at a time, to play, talk, be listened to, laugh, learn, and smile again. We hope to bring the childhood back to the children and the joy back to their families. WELLNESS PROGRAMS
Programs to enlighten women and mothers of the community will be presented in conjunction with the children’s camps. Seminars will be conducted by groups of volunteer professionals including psychologists, nurses, and mental health care workers from Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York. These programs will include: stress reduction techniques, grief group therapy, nutrition, hygiene, family counseling, gardening, and parenting, for example. Through education we can give women and children the confidence and skills that will eventually affect not only them, but also the future of Haiti. Our organization will begin to change Haiti, one step at a time.
