Haiti
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Relief efforts continue for the children impacted by the earthquake. OverviewOne of Kids Alive International’s most challenging and needy sites is the country of Haiti—the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. Haiti is home to more than 9.5 million people in an area no larger than the State of Maryland. The poverty in Haiti is so horrific that it is nearly unimaginable--and the most heartbreaking of its victims are the children. Kids Alive serves these orphaned and abandoned children by giving them an education, nourishment, and a place to call home. Facts
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Helping the Children
Kids Alive began ministry in Haiti in 2002 and opened our first children’s home in Cap Haitien two years later, rescuing children who would otherwise have no future.
On January 12, 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti near the city of Port-au-Prince. According to USAID, more than 230,000 people were killed as a result of the earthquake. The devastation and death caused by this catastrophe left thousands of orphans roaming the streets of the collapsed city —adding to the 300,000+ orphans in Haiti prior the earthquake. While many agencies and government organizations provided short-term relief, Kids Alive has developed a long-term strategy to help heal the children who have been left behind.
Since the disaster the number of children in our school and homes has quadrupled. Kids Alive provides an education, nutritious meals, medical care and the love of Christ to these orphaned, abandoned, extremely poor, and hurting children. And the construction of the Haiti Children's Village to serve all these children has just begun. It’s a large endeavor. But with the help of supporters, these young lives will be transformed from victims to Godly men and women who will be the future of Haiti.
Ministry SitesPhilip's Place |
Missionaries |
Support Philip's Place
Philip's Place
In 2004 Kids Alive opened its first Haitian children’s home, Philip’s Place, but after less than a month it was forced to relocate due to a revolution sweeping the north of Haiti. Despite the turmoil and chaos, the children of this home have found peace by praying and studying the Bible, and are readily able to quote memorized verses from the book of Proverbs. The home is also known for Christian hymns and choruses which often can be heard by anyone passing its front gate.
Support Nate's Place
Nate's Place
Nate’s Place children’s home is located next to Philip’s Place in Cap Haitien and currently cares for ten children. It was begun through the support of family and friends of two vibrant young Christians, both of whom were named Nate, who passed away tragically in their prime.
Support Joseph's Children Home
Joseph's Children Home
The smallest of Kids Alive Haiti children’s homes, Joseph’s is home to five children and their house parents. The number of children receiving this love and nurture will continue to expand in their larger facility.
Support Haiti Children's Village
Haiti Children's Village
Most of the 80+ children that will be living at the Haiti Children’s Village were impacted by the January 2010 earthquake. Many of them lost parents or caregivers and need a safe, loving home to help them recover from the disaster. Some of the children have been abandoned by their families because of their extreme poverty which was only made worse by the earthquake.
The Children’s Village will be home to over 80 children currently living in rented facilities. After the completion of the first eight homes for these children, additional independence homes will be built for the teenagers and young adults as they prepare to transition back into society. The land has been purchased and construction has been started.
Children at this Village will be cared for by loving Christian house parents, educated at our school, and provided nutritious meals, medical care and everything they need to grow up strong and break the cycle of poverty. And they will also be introduced to the saving grace of Jesus Christ, giving them hope for a better future.
Support Teri Gunnink
Teri Gunnink
After graduating with a Business degree from The University of New Mexico, Teri began her journey into full time Ministry. Having completed an 11 month mission trip around the world in 2009, Teri felt a strong calling to move to Haiti. A friend introduced her to Kids Alive after hearing her vision from the Lord for Haitian orphans to be raised in family homes. Teri will be joining Kids Alive as a special projects and communication coordinator.
Support Brent and Letitia Jefkins
Brent and Letitia Jefkins
With desires to serve in overseas missions for many years and a joint passion for working with children, Brent and Letitia Jefkins joined Kids Alive in 2010 after hearing God's call to serve Him in Haiti. Letitia was introduced to Kids Alive while working with Haitians in the Dominican Republic before she and Brent were married.
Brent holds a bachelor's degree in Business. He is a talented musician and is active in sports. He is serving with Kids Alive as Service Team Host. Letitia is completing a degree in Social Work and serves Kids Alive as Administrative Assistant/Independence Coordinator. Brent and Letitia are from Ontario, Canada and plan to serve with Kids Alive in Haiti for 2 years.
Support Kristen Bulgrien
Kristen Bulgrien
Kristen has had the desire to serve God in missions since she was in high school. Recently, through a series of changes in her life, God opened the doors for that desire to become a reality. She will be joining the Kids Alive Haiti staff in November 2011 as a teacher/tutor.
Kristen graduated from Wheaton College in 2008 with a dual degree in French and Christian Education and Ministry. She enjoys music and hopes to do a lot of singing with the Kids Alive students! Her current time commitment with Kids Alive is one year.
