For 25 years, Cincinnati-based Hope for Haiti’s Children (HFHC) has provided meals, medical care and Christian education—as well as agricultural, vocational and leadership training—to children in Haiti who otherwise could not afford it.
“We want to grow leaders who in turn will help their own country and people,” Tonya Hunt, vice president of HFHC, shares.
Poverty-stricken Haiti has very few public schools, so most schools are tuition-based. In fact, 50 percent of school-age Haitian children never attend school—HFHC serves about 3,000 children in 10 schools in diverse parts of the country.
“HFHC is primarily a sponsorship organization,” Tonya states. “Sponsors pay $36 a month—and that puts a child through school. One hundred percent of the sponsorship stays in Haiti.”
“Our ministry is unique in that we only have Haitians working in our schools and other programs. Everyone involved knows the language, the country and the people … and can interact well,” she remarks. “We have a very strong network of Haitian leaders on the ground who we trust to do the work.”
In addition to sponsorships, the ministry raises funds to operate daily school lunch programs, two orphanages, a micro-farm, an annual medical clinic and Camp Hope—a 21-acre recreational and training facility offering summer youth leadership camps.
One of the key sponsors of HFHC’s lunch program is just over in Mason—Cincinnati EntryPoint, local experts in creating stunning transformations of doors and windows, are also committed global partners in helping transform the lives of impoverished children in Haiti.
Cincinnati EntryPoint owners, Bruce and Suzy Carden, share their company goal. “Because God has blessed the growth of our companies, we’ve been able to meet a goal of feeding a child with every door we sell.”
“We prefer to keep our charity private,” Bruce adds. “But hopefully by being open, we will inspire others to get involved in this wonderful organization.”
Bruce and Suzy started sponsoring children 22 years ago, and eventually expanded their commitment to the lunch program.
“One thing that sets us apart is our lunch program,” Tonya explains. “A lot of these kids might not eat every day, so parents knows their children will eat if they are at our schools … that’s what EntryPoint provides. Bruce is very humble about it, but he has a big heart for these kids. He has sustained one of our school’s lunch programs for many years—it has given stability to that school to know their lunch program is being taken care of.”
A guaranteed daily meal is vitally important to these children. “I’ve seen it firsthand … I visited a school and spoke with the cook who said the lunch program changed their school,” Tonya shares. “Every day when the kids arrive, instead of playing or going to their classroom, they head to the kitchen to see what’s cooking. They grow up not knowing when their next meal will come, so they want the reassurance each day that there will be a meal.”
Sponsored children also receive regular medical care. Every year, HFHC sets up a medical clinic in the city of Port au Prince and brings every child in their schools to the clinic for a checkup.
“There are very few clinics, hospitals or doctors in Haiti,” Tonya says. “During the year, we keep a nurse in each school to monitor any needs. Our annual clinic is staffed with volunteer U.S. medical personnel … we provide medicines, follow-ups, specialist referrals and pay for any medical services required.”
The Cincinnati headquarters of HFHC provides training and resources, in addition to securing sponsorships and raising funds for all operational costs—partnering with individuals, nonprofits, businesses and government groups. One hundred percent of sponsorships and 89% of all other funds go directly to Haiti. HFHC is committed to a high level of financial accountability and integrity, a commitment that has been recognized by independent rating group, Charity Navigator—in fact, HFHC has been awarded their highest rating for seven years. Over the past three years, HFHC has received a perfect score—they’re one of only 11 international charities in the U.S. to claim this stellar rating.
“It’s all about these children and giving them a chance,” Tonya says, reflecting on HFHC’s mission. “When they get this opportunity to go to school, their whole life changes … there’s no telling what these children can be. They rely on others’ compassion. You can become their safety net.”
HopeForHaitisChildren.org | 12020 Southwick Lane, Cincinnati | 866.314.9330
It’s all about these children and giving them a chance … there’s no telling what these children can be. They rely on others’ compassion. You can become their safety net.