Our History
Fr. Andre Sylvestre
Fr. Andre Sylvester, a diocesan priest from the Archdiocese of Cap-Haitien, Haiti, completed his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at Ball State University in 2009. During his time in Muncie, Fr. Andre says he felt, “a calling to help abandoned children.”
Upon returning to Haiti, Fr. Andre began building an orphanage where he says children, “have the privilege to feel love, have access to education and health care, hear the good news of the Gospel, and learn how to shape their destiny.”
Earthquake in Haiti
January 12, 2010
The 7.0 Magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti. According to Wikipedia, nearly 3 million were affected by the earthquake. The death toll was over 220,000 according to the Haitian government. Many children were left orphaned.
Called to Action
March 1, 2010
Fr Andre Sylvestre, a Haitian Catholic priest, approached a group of parishioners at St. Mary, Muncie, IN to help him start an orphanage for the children affected by the earthquake. His dream was to give the orphans a home.
First Fundraising Dinner
October 1, 2010
The parishioners organized the first fundraising dinner for the children. This event continued to be hosted every year. In later years, it became an Indian food themed event which welcomed everybody in the community.
First Parish-Wide Garage Sale
August 1, 2013
The first St. Mary parish-wide garage sale for Haiti was hosted. Many parish members have donated their household goods for this sale. This garage sale takes up two stories of the St Mary event hall.
Tax-Deductible Status
September 1, 2014
Obtained 501(c)(3) status to be an official non-profit. This means that all donations are tax-deductible. Prior to this, the charity operated under St. Mary Catholic Church in Muncie, IN
School and Residence Initially Completed
October 1, 2016
The residence and school were completed on a campus of 17+ acres, the majority of which is in agricultural use. Currently 36 children reside in the orphanage with plans to house 100. The buildings were completed with the help of donors, volunteers, and friends of Fr. Andre Sylvestre. Ninety-seven percent of the funds donated went directly to build this home for the children.
Nun Residence Completed
October 1, 2017
The residence for the Congregation of Sisters, Daughters of Mary, was inaugurated. These Catholic nuns are teaching the orphans and the children in the community that attend the school.
Ongoing Needs
January 1, 2018
With your donations, you can sponsor a teacher whose salary is $2400 a year. You could also support the monthly costs of an orphan. $100 monthly would go a long way. Our online donation portal has the option for a recurring donation. Keep the orphans of Haiti in your prayers. We have seen first-hand through the many years of ups and downs with the orphanage that there is immense power in prayer. Our Lady of Perpetual Help has never left us unaided.
Future Plans and Beyond
April 6, 2021
Fr Andre’s plans are to build a Chapel, a medical clinic that will serve his children, staff, and surrounding community, and a “guest house” which will include a service station and restaurant. Additionally, more room will need to be added to the residence to house up to 100 orphans.
Continuing the Mission
The dedicated group of volunteers of the OLPH Foundation are continuing the mission of Father Andre. Despite the turmoil in Haiti, this Foundation has been able to supply for the daily needs and training of the orphans.