Since 2018, my husband, Robert, and I have been involved with Future Forward for Haiti, which works to improve the education and well-being of children and their families in four different villages in rural Haiti. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with 60% of its population living in dire poverty.
For the past five years, armed gangs have sought to fill the country’s political vacuum by taking control of large swaths of territory. The challenges are huge for Haitians caught in the crossfire, and for humanitarian organizations attempting to provide aid.
Since 2018, Christ Church of Hamilton and Wenham, along with many North Shore neighbors, has supported the village of St. Louis d’Ayiti by:
- financing school construction
- supporting salaries for teachers and staff
- funding a lunch program to nourish students all year, providing for many who cannot count on meals at home every day
- providing textbooks each year
- sending emergency relief when necessary
Robert and I support Future Forward because we believe that Haiti’s interests are well served by investing in its children. The school has grown significantly since 2018—the children are eager to learn, and free lunches boost attendance!
This is a humanitarian effort with a long arc. We hope that these children will grow up smart and strong, equipped to become change agents for their country.
Please consider a donation to this worthy cause.
With gratitude,
Patty and Robert Hanlon
*Though popularized by Martin Luther King, this sentiment was originally coined by the abolitionist minister Theodore Parker in 1852.
Future Forward For Haiti incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity in 2015 to administer the work begun by Grace Lutheran Church in Teaneck, New Jersey back in 2008. All our work is accomplished by volunteers eager to send the most possible aid to Haiti. More than 95% of every donation goes directly to support the work in Haiti.
More info about the situation in Haiti:
Haiti’s Troubled Path to Development
Haiti’s Gang Violence Crisis
If you prefer to donate with a check, please write it to Future Forward for Haiti, and mail it to T. Skinner 9 Juniper Street, Wenham MA 01984 We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with no paid employees so over 95% of your gift goes to provide these meals.
