Empowering Adult Handicapped Haitians

The work that you are funding through Friends of St. Vincent's (FoStV) continues to bring life and light to our partners who are in an unthinkably difficult situation.  I am talking of course about the adult residents of St. Vincent's Center, eleven good souls who have created their own nonprofit organization in order to strengthen their purpose.  The organization is called CAHSAV, named after something good to eat.  In French it stands for Center for support and lodging for the adults of St. Vincent's. 

• SCHOLARSHIPS: As you know, for those who have followed the progress of CAHSAV since 2018, our partners have chosen several teens with disabilities to receive scholarships, funded by you, the Friends of St. Vincent's (FoStV).   The student that CAHSAV supports currently is Roger.
• LUNCH COUNTER ON CAMPUS: With the blessing of the director of St. Vincent's, Père Irnel D., and with funds from FoStV, CAHSAV members have outfitted a lunch-counter restaurant on campus, the Bar-Resto.  When the elementary/middle school is in session, CAHSAV members make a mid-day meal and sell plates to the teachers and visitors. 
• ANNUAL MEETING & CELEBRATION: As you may also know, if you have visited Haiti, ceremonies and celebrations are essential to living life fully.  Through you, FoStV has funded an annual event [meeting, feast, speeches, music, and talent show] where CAHSAV members join in spirit with all Haitians in a celebration of Independence Day, January 1.
• STABLE LIVING SITUATION FOR MEMBERS OF CAHSAV: It is important to emphasize that the members of CAHSAV are housed on the campus, in shared dorms; that they have daily meals; and that they have personal care as needed by the caregiving staff of St. Vincent's. They have a good relationship with the director of St. Vincent’s, Pére D. They are integrated now into planning for the future by the members of the Board of St. Vincent's and CMMH, Children's Medical Missions in Haiti.
• “VALUE ADDED” FOR DAILY LIFE: Building on that solid foundation, the daily lives of members of CAHSAV have been enhanced by FoStV donations that supply internet to the campus; pay a part-time motorcycle messenger to do errands outside of the St. V. campus; pay a part-time nurse for preventive care and treatment of ordinary maladies; and supplement the basic meals with fresh vegetables and fruit.

DIFFICULTIES?  YES, FOR SURE:   Haiti is in a state of severe civil unrest and has been for at least five years, following the assassination of the elected president, Jovenal Moïse.  St. Vincent's has two locations: one has had to close (downtown Port-au-Prince) while the other (Santos 17 in Croix de Bouquets) has been severely limited in activities.  St. Vincent's Center on Santos 17 is intended to be a day school with about 200 students, from first through ninth grade, and about 20 residents (11 of whom are the adults of CAHSAV).  Due to the gang activity in the area, St. Vincent's has had to decide from day to day whether or not to open. Going out for recreation or shopping is rarely possible.

NEW LEADERSHIP:  The capable and engaging leader of CAHSAV, Samuel E., died unexpectedly from a respiratory illness in November, shortly after his 40th birthday.  This happened in spite of the love and care from Père D. and five of Samuel's friends who rushed with him to the hospital and stayed by his side. As we all know, people are unique and not replaceable. But three young men are combining their efforts to carry on the work of the founder and leader, Samuel E.  Markenson G., a musical entertainer with blindness, was the vice-president and is now the president of CAHSAV.  Jean-Marc B., our most recently sponsored high school graduate, with blindness, is second-in-command to Markenson.  And Kenson A., wheelchair repairman and teacher of the deaf, who has reduced mobility, is assisting both Markenson and Jean-Marc in maintaining communication with FoStV.  We have begun meeting to set up a quarterly transfer of the funds we raise to help them with their work.

NEW HOPES:  Père Irnel D., moved by the sad loss of Samuel E., has taken the initiative to build a day-use building for his friends and colleagues in CAHSAV. The building, to be called the "Pavilion Samuel E."  offers a wide porch for the school-age children to come to after class to enjoy the friendship of the adults, as they did when Samuel E. was there.  It includes space for an office for CAHSAV business affairs, and large room for the crafts and the art projects that CAHSAV members enjoy.  The boosts the spirits and collegiality of the adults: they have their own space, for the first time.   We are hoping to be able to send some financial gifts that Pere Irnel D. can use to outfit this pavilion with furniture and supplies.