Dear Friends,
We hope this message finds you well. We have a few important updates to share, along with a heartfelt request for your continued support of the Haiti Outreach Program.
The security situation in Port-au-Prince remains fragile, and unfortunately, violence has now spread beyond the capital. Recently, gangs entered the town of Mirebalais in the Central Plateau, where they released hundreds of prisoners and tragically took the lives of two Roman Catholic nuns.
In addition, inflation and rising costs make it more challenging to meet even basic needs. This is why your support is more critical than ever.
Despite these troubling events, we are grateful to share that Boucan-Carré remains safe, and the core team of the Haiti Outreach Program is in regular contact with Fr. Lamarre and Sister Lounie. Fr. Lamarre sends his heartfelt thanks to each of you who have given so generously — your time, your talents, and your resources are making a difference.
2025 Student Sponsorship Campaign
Thank You — We’re Almost There!
We are thrilled to share that our in-person student sponsorship campaign at The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus was a tremendous success — we raised over $29,000!
A heartfelt thank you to the fantastic volunteers who gave their time over two weekends in March, helping to connect with parishioners and raise critical funds for the two schools we support in Boucan-Carré.
As you may know, these donations support essentials such as teacher salaries, student fees, uniforms, books, daily meals, and more. While we are incredibly grateful for the progress made, we are still working toward our goal of $50,000 — please help us get there!
If you have not yet had a chance to contribute, it is not too late. Every gift makes a difference. Suggested donation amounts are listed below, but any amount is deeply appreciated.
PRIMARY STUDENTS SECONDARY STUDENTS:
$180/yr tuition & meals $280/yr tuition & meals
$230/yr +uniform & test fees $330/yr +uniform & test fees
HOW TO DONATE: SCAN QR CODE
Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
417 Erin Drive, Suite 120
Knoxville, TN 37919
Medical Clinic Update
The clinic in Bouly is running smoothly and continues to see about 300 patients per month, including taking care of the prenatal needs of 50 women. The installed solar panels are allowing the clinic to operate without the use of a generator, saving money on fuel and allowing more resources to be used for medical supplies. We were able to purchase new benches so that patients can comfortably sit while waiting their turn to be seen by the doctor or nurse.
The most significant current need is vaccines, which have been requested from the government. Our team is also reaching out to private partners for support in this effort. To meet this and other critical needs, we are planning a fundraising event, and we will be sharing more details soon.
Potluck and Fundraiser for Haitian Friend Returning Home
Since last April, through the Humanitarian Parole Program and sponsorship from a Haiti Outreach Program Committee family, our Haitian friend has been working in Knoxville, allowing him to learn valuable skills and support his wife and daughter in Haiti. [While this update is being sent only to our email subscribers, we are intentionally being cautious and not including his name due to the gangs’ monitoring of news of Haitians returning home.]
On March 25, the Department of Homeland Security announced it was ending the parole program, and those who came to the United States must return to their home country.
Several church members from the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church are hosting a farewell fundraising potluck supper on Monday, April 21, starting at 5:30 p.m.
RSVP to Bob at bobgrimac@gmail.com if you are interested in attending. For those attending, enter through Painter Avenue (off Concord Road).
If you cannot attend and are interested in supporting our friend, please mail a check payable to “The Haiti Fund” and send to
P.O. Box 11854, Knoxville, TN 37939