This time of the year not only is a time for celebrating but also the time to welcome VISITORS to our campus. This is a key part to our success and our ability to keep offering the services we do. When our story becomes your story we all win!
Meet Exilien Jean. He came to MFO in 2000, when he was just 9 years old. His mother was still living but unable to care for him once his father passed away. He was welcomed into our family as one of the very first children and now thanks MFO every day for the opportunities he has had and continues to have.
When you start out with a vision of doing good things and you surround yourself with good people- GOOD HAPPENS!
When I came back to my home country with the vision to “make sure children without access to education could obtain one” – I had no idea that so many years later the work would extend so far beyond the four boys and one room house I started with. I also never imagined and that the people I’ve met along the way would believe in me and be the reason we are able to go so far.
Being the Founder and Director of Maison Fortune Orphanage I have a unique role that has become more than I had ever imagined. When visitors come now what they see is a very different picture than the photos we took 15 years ago. Now in addition to the smiles on the children attending primary school, they also see high school girls making their dreams a reality through education, and University students looking ahead to graduation and starting their own businesses. Thank you for making this a beautiful reality for over 200 children in our current care and the 70+ who have moved beyond our care and are now finding their own way.
In addition to kids it is my unique position to also see our facilities. Today I want to highlight those of you who have also shared that vision over the years has contributed to our Capital and Building Funds. Our children are only as safe as their environment allows them to be and that is
why your special support to our buildings, infrastructure, and security is so important. Over the years our buildings have been painted, generators bought and fixed, pumps installed, wells dug for constant safe water supply, and roofs have gone up for shelter from the storms. All of these projects are prioritized, budgeted, and done with local companies and labor. When you give to our capital fund you are enhancing the lives of our children but also lifting up our Hinche community. I can’t thank you enough.
This year we have been renovating and building a new kitchen area. This is only possible with additional giving beyond our operational needs and we are so appreciative. With our new space, our children can study out of the rain and our cooks can prepare meals while it rains! Our transition to gas cooking is nearly complete and we are grateful!! We will be saving money going forward by not buying charcoal and saving the environment at the same time! With your support, we no longer need to procure 150 lbs of charcoal each week to keep our fires hot! Thank you! Thank you!
Lastly, while we have been working together to change the lives of others, you have also changed mine. In a time where the world seems to be turning inward, I am grateful to know the exact opposite is true. Alongside each other we will always be stronger, Thank you.
-Lefort Jean Louis, Founder and Director Maison Fortune Orphanage