Haiti Partnership Quarterly Newsletter: Fall 2023
Gratitude & Answers to the Top Questions We’re Being Asked
We want to begin by telling you how grateful we are for your prayers, support, and generous contributions to our Haiti Partnership outreach ministry. Below, you’ll find updates on St. Marc School and Clinic, the new Cassava Program, and informational Zoom sessions we’re offering throughout Wisconsin and beyond. First, we want to answer some questions we are frequently asked:
Since we can’t go to Haiti now, what is the best way for me to get involved in the Haiti Partnership? Spread the word! Pass along this newsletter. Host a Zoom session for your parish outreach committee, vestry, coffee hour, service organization, or group of friends. Become a Haiti Partnership Ambassador for your parish. To learn more, contact our consultant, Cathy Parrill (
).
How do I donate? You may use the online diocesan giving portal (click here or click the red “Giving” button on the diocesan website) or mail a check payable to the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee, with “Haiti” written on the memo line. Send to the diocesan office at 804 E. Juneau Ave, Milwaukee WI 53202, to the attention of Caroline Senn.
How is fundraising going? It’s going well, thanks to all of you! See below for more details about that.
Could our group schedule a Zoom meeting at a time of our choosing? Yes! Contact Cathy Parrill after the first of January with times that work for you, and we will accommodate your request if at all possible.
News from Jeannette
St. Marc School and Clinic
Although many schools, clinics, and hospitals in Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital city, are shuttered due to the gang violence, we are thankful to report that Jeannette has remained peaceful and the St. Marc institutions continue to function as usual.
St. Marc schools opened on September 11, the official start date determined by the Haitian Ministry of Education. Student population:
- Preschool: 109
- Elementary (6 grades): 90
- Intermediate (3 grades): 46
- Secondary (4 grades): 64
The clinic also continues to adhere to its regular schedule, with Dr. Elie on site three days each week as usual.
Funding
The budgeting process began last spring when St. Marc leadership presented the diocese with their forecasted staffing costs for the 2023-24 school year. The Executive Council voted to fund 80% of that budget. Local contributions and/or expense reductions cover the remainder. The determination of funding amount was based on the founding philosophy that those who receive also give back as they can and on the projected amount of donations. From January 2022 to September 2023, donations totaled $260K and expenditures totaled $262K.
With approximately $100K in cash reserves, we have the funds to honor our commitment for the current year budget (Sept. 2023-Aug. 2024). Now, we are seeking contributions for the following school year. Your current donations will help us to know the amount we can commit to St. Marc’s 2024-25 budget.
Diocesan Staff and Financial Contributions
At the former Haiti Project Steering Committee’s recommendation, the diocese now commits both staff and funds to the Haiti Partnership. Diocesan Chief Financial Officer Caroline Senn spearheads the partnership, working directly with Haiti Partnership consultant Cathy Parrill, whose remuneration comes from diocesan, not donor, funds. For fiscal year 2024, the diocese has allotted $80,000 for the Haiti Partnership.
From January 2022-December 2023, the diocese funded a five-month study conducted by our local partner in Haiti (APSHA) to create a strategic plan for supporting the community of Jeannette in growing food security and income with which they can increasingly support the needs of their school and clinic. A brief summary of the five-month study and its conclusions and recommendations can be found at this link:
APSHA Five-Month Study Summary
The diocese covered the $50K cost of that study in full, as well as the $50K cost of Phase I of the Cassava Program, which was recommended as a result of that study. From January 2022 to December 2023, the diocese has contributed a total of $136K to the Haiti Partnership, in addition to the $260K contributed by donors.
Cassava Program
Phase I: Phase I began in September 2023 with a series of farmer meetings to explain the program, what will be provided, and what will be required of those who choose to participate. Eighty farmers were selected to participate in Phase I, during which multiple trainings will be offered before the planting season. Then at the start of the rainy season, each farmer will be provided with sufficient cassava cuttings to plant 0.5 hectares of land.
In addition, there will be two large research plots to test various varieties of cassava, various companion planting options, and to grow cuttings for the following planting season. This phase, which will continue through summer 2024, is fully funded.
Approximately 450 people will benefit from Cassava Program Phase I (80 farmers plus family members living in their households). By the end of this 12-month phase, 400-500 tons of cassava will have been grown and harvested.
Phase II: We are currently seeking $175K in donations and grants for the second phase of the cassava program. During this phase, they will build a processing facility that will be staffed. Phase II will also offer training and the implementation of cassava processing for drying the cassava and making flour from it. This will reduce seasonal food instability and malnutrition, provide income, and create the ability to locally source school lunches while reducing their cost.
The program will improve their food security by diversifying food sources, as well as increasing farmers’ income to meet their families’ basic needs. Workers that are involved in cassava processing activities such as peeling, drying and by-product production can earn an income from these new jobs. Local entrepreneurs will provide services and products related to cassava processing, such as the supply of processing equipment, distribution of finished products, etc. Local consumers will be able to access a range of cassava-derived products, such as cassava flour, snacks, and chips, offering healthy, local food alternatives. For more information about the Cassava Program, go to this link:
Cassava Program Overview
Please continue to pray for our friends in Haiti and this partnership, consider contributing your time and talent to this worthy outreach ministry, and donate through the giving portal or by check marked “Haiti.”