While Haiti burns, we build:
The work you make possible
We were scrolling through Haiti news this week—gang violence, blocked roads, shuttered businesses—when our phone buzzed with an update from one of our team in Montrouis. Twenty-three second graders had just finished their Bible story time and were diving into lunch, their excited chatter filling the room as they shared what they’d learned about Noah’s Ark. In a world of heavy headlines, these moments of pure childhood joy remind us why this work matters.
That’s when it hit us: while the headlines scream chaos, you’re helping us write a completely different story.
You probably know the parable Jesus told about building. Most people focus on the storm that knocked down the house built on sand. But we think about the other guy: the one with blisters on his hands from digging, who kept going when he hit rocks, who probably had neighbors shaking their heads at all that “unnecessary” work. Nineteen years ago, we started digging.
The crisis in Haiti is heartbreakingly real. But for nearly two decades, we’ve been doing the unglamorous work of digging deep and building on solid ground. The result? Our house isn’t just standing — we’re adding rooms, thanks to you.
We're Getting Creative (and word is spreading)
Last year, we ran one Vacation Bible School. This summer? Ten.
What happened? Marie-Claire happened. And Mackenson’s giggle during musical chairs. And the way kids sprint toward the gate every morning because they know there are Bible stories, sack races, and art and—if they’re really lucky—it might be ice cream Wednesday.
Marie-Claire brought her 7-year-old son Mackenson last year. This summer? She brought Mackenson, his three cousins, AND showed up herself to help serve snacks. When parents start volunteering at a place they initially just dropped their kids off, you know something good is happening.
Ten communities now. Ten places where the Friday David and Goliath performance (featuring a cardboard sword that’s survived dozens of battles) has become the week’s highlight.
Last year, we ran one Vacation Bible School. This summer? Ten.
What happened? Marie-Claire happened. And Mackenson’s giggle during musical chairs. And the way kids sprint toward the gate every morning because they know there are Bible stories, sack races, and art and—if they’re really lucky—it might be ice cream Wednesday.
Marie-Claire brought her 7-year-old son Mackenson last year. This summer? She brought Mackenson, his three cousins, AND showed up herself to help serve snacks. When parents start volunteering at a place they initially just dropped their kids off, you know something good is happening.
Ten communities now. Ten places where the Friday David and Goliath performance (featuring a cardboard sword that’s survived dozens of battles) has become the week’s highlight.
We're Catching them Younger
Our kindergarten teachers kept coming to us with the same observation. These incoming children weren’t ready. They’d watch kids struggle with holding a crayon, sitting still for story time, or recognizing any letters at all. The teachers saw the gap and asked us: what if we could get them a year earlier?
This fall, we’re opening two new Pre-K classes in local churches. Our teachers saw the need and pushed for the solution. But expanding means more teachers, more supplies, more everything—and we can only do it because you’re still with us.
We're Breaking the Cycle
We're Doubling Down on our People
At our summer teacher training, something clicked for Mrs. Herline. Six years of teaching second grade, and she suddenly realized she could turn multiplication tables into songs. By day three, she was humming math facts in the hallway and scribbling down lesson ideas during lunch breaks.
That’s what happens when you invest in people who are already invested in these kids. Skip the middle man. Through our 5-day teacher training and 3-day principal seminars, your investment goes directly to the people who wake up every day determined to change these children’s futures.
How we survive while others struggle
People ask us this constantly. The answer isn’t complicated: we’re not outsiders with a rescue plan. We’re neighbors.
When our cook Widline serves lunch, she’s feeding kids from her own neighborhood. When our security guard walks the perimeter, he’s protecting children whose parents he’s known for years. This local trust has become our strongest shield.
While other organizations pull out, scale back, or shut down, we’re adding Pre-K classes and teaching parents to read. That’s not luck or good timing. That’s you making the impossible happen.
The wildest part? In a year when everything seemed to crumble, we grew. More kids, more programs, more hope. None of this makes sense without you. And none of our big dreams for next year happen without you either.
Please help these precious lives continue to flourish. It’s easy to make an online donation. Simply scan the code below. If you prefer, you can mail a check to:
Hope on the Horizon
Good news from Haiti: In a major move, the U.N. Security Council has approved a new “Gang Suppression Force” in Haiti composed of about 5,500 military, police, and civilian personnel, with the legal authority to arrest gang members — a much stronger mandate than previous missions. While many remain cautious, this development offers a renewed flicker of hope that the international community is reengaging to protect Haitian citizens and begin restoring stability.
Please help these precious lives continue to flourish. It’s easy to make an online donation. Simply scan the code below or visit our website: https://schoolsforhaiti.com/support-us/. If you prefer, you can mail a check to:
Schools for Haiti
C/O Gil Bailie
PO Box 273848
Tampa, FL 33688
One click feeds bodies and futures. Donate now.
May you continue to see God’s power at work in extraordinary ways.
You and your families are in our prayers.
With gratitude and blessings,
The Schools for Haiti Team
schoolsforhaiti.com
William (Bill) Mansfield is the President and Owner of On Track Technology Solutions, LLC, with more than 30 years of experience in the technology industry. He built his first company, On Track Communications, Inc., from the ground up—growing it from zero clients to more than 7,000 commercial customers and annual billings exceeding $30 million before successfully selling to AppDirect in 2020. Today, through On Track Technology Solutions, Bill leads global initiatives in the sustainability sector, helping commercial and industrial clients improve water and energy efficiency. A longtime supporter of charitable causes, Bill has served on numerous nonprofit boards and views volunteering as a way to share his many blessings with others.
Byron Howell is both a lawyer and a minister, bringing over a decade of dedicated service to Schools for Haiti. In his legal practice, Byron represents major real estate firms in complex acquisitions, applying a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach—a skill set he also brings to his ministry and nonprofit work. He and his wife, Shannon, have traveled to Haiti numerous times, visiting our schools and connecting with the communities we serve. Byron’s blend of education, professional expertise, and deep heart for ministry continues to advance Schools for Haiti’s mission in meaningful ways.
Douglas Fearing and his wife Lois reside in Portage, Wisconsin. Douglas is the CEO of Fearing’s Audio Video Security, a company he and Lois founded in 1997 and which is based in Madison, Wisconsin, with an additional office in Milwaukee. Douglas has been an integral part of Schools for Haiti, serving on its Board of Directors since 2015. As a dedicated family man, he takes pride in being a father to two wonderful daughters and cherishes his roles as a grandfather and great-grandfather. Douglas is also a published author, esteemed community and church leader, and passionate youth mentor. He is the visionary behind a mentoring non-profit organization, serving as its founding and current President. Notably, Douglas has held the esteemed position of State President within the Wisconsin Jaycees, now recognized as Junior Chamber International (JCI).
Frank Hunt is the President of F. Hunt Enterprises, LLC, a South Carolina-based distributor for Hunt Brothers Pizza. With a strong background in distribution, Frank has been at the helm of F. Hunt Enterprises since founding the company in 1999.
Rick Barker is a seasoned leader in the faith-based and nonprofit sector with more than two decades of experience in pastoral ministry, church leadership, community development, and international missions. His missions work includes Haiti, Ukraine, Honduras, the Appalachian Mountains and El Salvador. He is recognized for his ability to strengthen and grow mission-driven organizations by aligning vision, people, and resources to achieve sustainable impact.
Mark Graham has been involved with non-profit organizations to raise money and participate as a Board Member of 501(C)(3) organizations since 1972. As a board member of organizations, I have led teams to rebuild a football stadium, build new college library, raise money for children with Cerebral Palsy, support teachers for children with weak education, Board member of Company for security for churches, and mental health services.
Matt White obtained a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Central Florida in December 1991. As a young engineer Matt worked in that field for the next several years with companies like Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney as a mechanical design engineer.
Dr. Sanjie Jackson is a passionate and community-driven dentist who leads with warmth, excellence, and heart. Born in Dominica and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Florida, she brings a rich cultural perspective to her work. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry, she combines advanced dental care with a deep commitment to service. both locally and globally, through mission work in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Swaziland, and Tampa Bay. Dr. Jackson currently serves as Vice President of the West Coast Central District Dental Association and President of the Upper Pinellas County Dental Association. Her dedication to helping others aligns with her mission to make a lasting impact through both dentistry and charitable work.
Dr. Heather Schock is an Assistant Professor at The University of Tampa, where she has cultivated a reputation for thoughtful leadership and excellence in teaching and research. With a strong academic foundation and a desire to empower future educators, Dr. Schock has contributed significantly to the university’s School of Education, driving the success of its students and the broader academic community.