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.
Read moreCalled 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.
Read moreFirst 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.
Read moreFirst 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.
Read moreTax-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
Read moreSchool 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.
Read moreNun 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.
Read moreOngoing 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.
Read moreFuture Plans and Beyond
April 9, 2018
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.
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