Empowering Adult Handicapped Haitians

Dear Friends,

It is time to celebrate some good news!  In the middle of a tumultuous time in Haiti, when our friends, the adult residents of St. Vincent's Center are unable to leave the property due to the risk of gang violence outside the walls, the residents have been creative.

• They have created awards for the women who are the care-givers for the residential children, and thanked the women during a party on Mother's Day.  Watch the little video and see if you recognize some of the hosts, our partners and friends! (You might wonder, who is "CAHSAV"?  Answer, that is the name that our friends at St. Vincent's have chosen for their own local non-profit!)
• Samuel, the president of the organization of adults which is called CAHSAV, has joined the Rotary : at a distance, by the internet, as a member of the Rotary World Disability Advocacy Group. 
• Samuel also spoke to our Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) students in Haiti about advocacy for persons with disabling conditions, in Haiti: at a distance, by TEAMS.
• The internet is so important during this time of isolation: you can see that, thanks to your gifts, Friends of St. Vincent's has been able to pay the internet bill during the times of isolation.
• And sometimes, it's just good to relax with your friends.  Here's a little video of an afternoon dominos game.

The big goals of the adults remain the same: lodging for the adults so they don't need to stay in childrens' dorms for ever; small businesses for earned income; and an opportunity to provide mentoring via vocational training for the younger graduates of St. Vincent's as they come along.

In spite of all, this group of adults promote the joy of life!  It is a pleasure to join their journey along the way. 

Links:

• Dominos: a little moment of humor & friendship
• Friends of St. Vincent's website
• Our friends at St. Vincent's: self-named CAHSAV: Mother's Day!