What a year it has been….

Be the Power of One 2013 Summary

As we come to the end of 2013 we look back on a year of reflection, growth, accomplishments and great joy. Our Board of Directors would like to thank you for the support and encouragement you have given to Be the Power of One this year. Your gifts have changed the lives of so many children and families.

Our annual trip in August gave us an opportunity to once again coordinate the summer program at Institution Vallee d'Adoration et Benediction in Pignon, Haiti. It is such a wonderfully exhausting week for us. By week’s end the program that includes school lessons, craft projects, singing and plenty of outdoor fun attracts more than 200 children a day. When the week concludes, craft supplies, toothbrushes, toothpaste, small toys and gifts are given to each student. We are also able to provide students a nutritious lunch each day. Your ongoing support and our fundraising events have allowed us to pledge funds that will cover 60% of the school expenses for 120 year round students.

 Spending time at the school gives us a chance to witness how the community well, drilled with Rotary support in 2011 by Haiti Outreach, continues to profoundly affect the entire community. With a source close by, women and children no longer have to walk long distances to provide water for their families. The well is also a social center were folks of all ages interact as they wait for their turn at the pump. We spent time with the founder and executive director at Haiti Outreach and look forward to working with them on larger water projects.

Jean-Ronel Joseph the recipient of our first “Higher Education Scholarship” continues to excel in his two-year theological program at the Windward School of Evangelism in St Vincent. After graduating this coming April he will return to Haiti, and we look forward to having Jean-Ronel as our primary contact there. His English skills will quickly prove invaluable. We are so proud of his accomplishments and know that his hard work has changed his entire family’s future. Now we start the application and interview process for our next scholar.

Looking forward to 2014 we know we have our work cut out for us. We have committed in principle to partnering with Haiti Outreach in drilling five more community wells, a number of high school graduates have approached us regarding college scholarships and we are exploring opportunities to support other schools.                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                 These are ambitious goals for Be the Power of One.

Your support and encouragement will make this all possible. The work of Be the Power of One has already changed so many lives and 2014 is the year to step it up! As you make your year end contributions please consider an additional gift to Be the Power of One. Every dollar makes a huge impact in Haiti and 97% of each dollar goes directly to program expenses.

Please feel free to call with any questions. As always we welcome any opportunity to speak to your friends, churches or service clubs.