Thompson’s Station resident Jeff Ponchillia is the founder of Change The Stars, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children in Haiti who are trapped in the grip of poverty. With a holistic approach, their organization aims to bring positive change by establishing an orphanage, implementing a scholarship program, supporting local schools, and aiding the children's hospital.
The Nashville native’s first trip to Haiti in 2012 changed his life forever — leaving Haiti, his heart was heavy but his mission was clear: something had to be done. Before visiting, Ponchillia spent years working in education at a charter school for at-risk students. When the school closed down, he took it as his sign to visit Haiti, as his family was already involved with the hospital there. Spending six weeks abroad getting to know the children and lending a hand, Haiti continued to weigh on his heart long after he landed back in Nashville.
“We spent a lot of time out in the community while I was there… there were schools with sticks holding up sheet metal to keep the weather off the kids and most of the schools hadn't had books of any kind for five plus years,” Ponchillia explains. “When I saw the needs with the schools and the orphanage, instantly, my life changed direction on the spot.”
Ponchillia was made aware of how bad of shape the children’s orphanage was in. Underfunded and struggling, he visited and immediately fell in love with the children, prompting his steady work with them. Upon returning home, the father of four created Change the Stars. Working to spread awareness and provoke change in the community, the nonprofit provides financial assistance to over 2,500 children in 10 primary schools mainly in Petite Riviera de Nippes to help with textbooks and supplies along with infrastructure repairs due to reoccurring earthquakes and maintenance upkeep. In addition, their Children’s Hospital Program has changed the lives of many. About forty percent of Haiti's population lacks access to essential health and nutrition services. Located in Port au Prince, The Sisters of Charity Children’s Hospital serves between 80 and 200 children with just two nuns volunteering their time to help ill and malnourished children. Change The Stars continues to provide Pedialyte, formula, medication, and a small salary to a full-time pediatrician to assist the nuns with the influx of children needing medical attention daily.
“I've seen the needs of these amazing people that deal with the worst conditions, and they still smile and have hope,” Ponchillia shares. “Just seeing that instantly puts perspective back on the things that we think are issues, but are still minute compared to what goes on in many places around the world.”
The hope the children possess as they begin to see change before their eyes is evident; Many of the students Ponchillia has supported hope to pursue careers in nursing, education, and medicine once they are finished with school — all careers designed to help others. Their desire to heal, educate, and care for their peers is inspiring to Ponchillia, and being a part of their hope and excitement for opportunity is something he never takes for granted. This year, Change The Stars’ Scholarship Program has helped sixty-four students receive an education on scholarships at universities around Haiti — many of which were once in the orphanage with no access to further their education.
“At Change The Stars, one-hundred percent of what anybody gives goes to Haiti,” Ponchillia explains. “People get to see the children and the stories of what their money is actually doing, which I think is super impactful… especially knowing every dollar that's given goes to where it's supposed to go.”
Visiting Haiti several times a year, Jeff is beyond thankful to the community for their generosity and willingness to help. Whether it be a donation or providing resources for him to bring along on a trip, there is no deed too small.
“A few years ago, I was going [to Haiti] and posted something on social media that the Children's Hospital needed formula, Pedialyte, and things for the orphanage,” Jeff explains. “Within a couple days, we had an Amazon wishlist… every day my front steps were full of packages. Seeing the people — literally the Thompson’s Station community — rally around what we're doing in Haiti has blown me away.”
For more information on the nonprofit or to donate and get involved, visit www.changethestars.org or follow them on socials @changethestars.haiti.
“...my life changed direction on the spot.”
“They still smile and have hope."