This is home

The portrait gallery below features people who work to ensure vulnerable Haitian children get the protection they need. They are champions for sustainable family development. Haiti is their home and they are determined to support a stronger, self-determined future. Despite natural disasters, political violence, formidable poverty, misguided (often harmful) philanthropy and a long national history of foreign exploitation, they are supporting each other every day. They nurture children, empower families, contribute to their communities and have hope for a self-realized future. They are owning their own stories.

*Photo by GBP Creative. © 2020 Giv’er Media Inc.*

Wilner Noel

FAMILY OUTREACH AGENT AND DRIVER — In 2010, Wilner was working at the orphanage where Canadian Morgan Wienberg came to volunteer. Unregulated and driven by profits, the orphanage was becoming more neglectful and abusive. After seeing Morgan’s efforts to protect the children and reunify them with their families, he decided to leave the orphanage and assist her in establishing LFBS. He was the first employee ever hired by LFBS and he continues to be indispensable to the organization’s evolution and growth. Wilner has always believed in the benefits of family reunification and he has worked hard to help LFBS establish an accepted and meaningful role within the Haitian community. As an LFBS Outreach Agent, he works with IBESR (Haitian Social Services) and other agencies to support and empower families with resources and opportunities for a self-sufficient future. An active and respected team member, Wilner also provides LFBS staff and clients safe transport around the community. He lives in Camp Perrin with his wife and five children.

“The part I love most about my job is when we are able to reunite families. I feel such a sense of relief every time we are successful in bringing a child and their family together. Family support and the love between parents and their children is essential for their development. Street children or children abandoned at orphanages are like any other children — they are human beings who require family love. In my job, I have seen so many positive outcomes when families are brought together. Reunification makes me so proud. I hope others involved in child protection see its value.”

Nicolas Joseph

STAFF MANAGER — Nicolas is certified teacher with training in both law and business administration. He joined LFBS in 2013 as a Family Outreach Agent and director for the organization’s educational programs. In 2017, Nicholas was promoted to Staff Manager, a position he continues to elevate as LFBS evolves its work in child protection and sustainable family development. Nicolas manages the organization’s day-to-day operations and ensures the programs are set for success. A gifted leader, he helps support and direct LFBS staff while also acting as a key facilitator with partner agencies such as IBESR (Haitian Social Service) and BPM (Haiti Police Child Protection Brigade). He is married and with two sons.

“When families are not united, it can divide our country. The best education a child can receive is from a loving family. It’s important because this is the way children learn to love themselves. And they must love others in order to love their country. They must love their country so we can all work for a better future.”

Fredner Mathurin

FAMILY OUTREACH AGENT AND DRIVER — Fredner is a tireless and talented member of the LFBS team. A native of Les Cayes, Haiti, he brings a deep understanding of the community’s social realities and a special compassion for the families he works to help. Fredner has been a Family Outreach Agent and Driver with LFBS since 2012, providing support and resources that families need to stay together and pursue self-sufficiency. LFBS’s outreach work and collaborations extend to more than 25 communities throughout Haiti, so he is often away several days at a time. Fredner has a wife and son.

“Food aid and financial support is not enough to get a child off the street. First they need to be reunited with their families and then they need follow-up support to ensure their situation does not persist. Nurturing these ongoing relationships is important in my line of work so families and their children can make progress. This type of case management is the future of child protection in Haiti so we can offer a better future to children of vulnerable families.”

Mikerlange Blaise

HOUSEMOTHER, GIRLS’ SAFEHOUSE — As the girls’ Housemother since 2011, Mikerlange is at the heart of LFBS’s child protection and healing efforts. A former business owner, Mikerlange is responsible for managing all of the activities at the transitional safehouse. She is focused on the children’s physical, mental and emotional well-being with medicine, nutrition, education and — most of all — loving care. She is married with her own young son and daughter, and shares her time between the safehouse and her family home just outside of Les Cayes, Haiti.

“The children change a lot while they are staying here. Before you might be walking down the street and those same kids may have stolen a backpack off your back, but now they don’t. If a child is lost in the streets, they can come here. These kids are now in school and receiving support. That’s a lot of change for Haiti. We are helping. We can take care of them and get them home. I am happy with what I do. I do it with all my heart.”

Eluxon Tassy

ORPHANAGE SURVIVOR, BOYS’ SAFEHOUSE MANGER, YOUTH MENTOR — When Eluxon was four-years-old, his parents gave him up to Haiti’s orphanage system, believing it would offer him a better future. A decade later, he met Morgan Wienberg when she came to volunteer at the orphanage where he was living. It was a corrupt and abusive place. When it was eventually shut down, LFBS supported his education and ongoing development. Today, Eluxon works for LFBS as the Boy’s Safehouse Manager and a Youth Mentor, often working 24/7 to balance efficient operations with providing vital special attention to every child who comes through the transitional facility. Eluxon is that mentor who is always willing to share his experiences and insights about Haitian institutions while helping adolescents develop skills to improve their lives. He is passionate about finding ways to support family sustainability and end unregulated orphanage operations in Haiti.

“The future of our country depends on children. If they don’t get the support — if they don’t know what it is like to have someone who is thinking about their future — we’ll still have the problems we face today. Violence happens when you can’t dream of a future. But if we can dream of a future, we can make it happen.”

Florencia Bell

SUBSTITUTE HOUSEMOTHER AND FAMILY OUTREACH AGENT — First recruited as a safehouse employee in 2013, Florencia is now involved in a range of activities for LFBS. “Ms. Bell”, as everyone calls her, helps ensure the safehouses have the supplies and staff they need to run effectively. She also accompanies children to the local hospital when required. As a Family Outreach Agent, she is a trusted confidante and critical support-line for many families. She is also a seamstress, responsible for making children’s school uniforms, as well as teaching sewing to interested youth. Florencia is also a loving mother to her own two children.

“A child attending school can become anyone in society, but there needs to be people supporting the family and guiding them in the right direction. In every child hides an angel, a child’s origins and the income of their parents should not affect who they can become.”

Nadine Jean Claude

ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY — An accountant by profession, Nadine has held the position of administrative secretary at LFBS since 2016. Thoughtful, spirited and pragmatic, Nadine is responsible for the organization’s ongoing financial demands in Haiti, and she is considered the primary LFBS liaison for all day-to-day activities. She is always eager to take on other responsibilities, frequently helping in the kitchen and with special projects. Nadine is the mother of two daughters, Ketsard and Karah, and she often brings her youngest to work to play with the other children at the safehouse.

“Some children are on the streets in search of food, help or company. Like any other children, they have dreams and a future. The street does not determine the final course they will follow in their lives. Like any other child, the vulnerable have abilities and can become anything they wish, they lack only the framework to move forward. Instead of leaving them in the landscape of socio-political instability, we should work to educate them. Because any development — any success — must start with education and training.”

Mauna Chamblain

NURSE AND MEDICAL COORDINATOR —Mauna is a trained nurse and has been the medical coordinator for LFBS since 2016. Working with other partners and agencies, she coordinates all health-related activities and programs for LFBS clients. She manages and operates a small pharmacy for LFBS to ensure families have access to the medicine they need. She also helps respond to any emergencies and monitors the health of all LFBS clients. Her caring presence and professionalism have made her a trusted representative across the community of Les Cayes, Haiti.

“In order to improve the living conditions of vulnerable children, it is not enough to simply offer them food. They need a comprehensive health plan that provides good guidance and facilitates access to healthcare. This can make a big difference to a vulnerable child and their family. The future of these young people must be a priority for our country. We must realize that tomorrow belongs to the children and it is up to us to protect them.”

Islande Sainéis

HOUSEMOTHER, BOYS’ SAFEHOUSE — Originally from Maniche, Islande left her home community to join LFBS in Ley Cayes in 2018. As the Housemother at the Boys’ Safehouse, she anchors all daily activities with compassion and diligence. From preparing food and keeping the facility clean, to providing critical emotional support to children who have been rescued from dangerous emergency situations until they can be reunified with their families or placed in alternative, community-based care. A respected team member, Islande is committed to her work as a guardian to bring security and smiles to the children at the safehouse.

“If we had a fair distribution of wealth, a strong state and unity among us, the country would have less poverty and fewer street children. Street children are the product of a broken society that punishes the poor. Youth crime is a result of this neglect. If we invest in family reunification for vulnerable children, it will create positive change in our national life.”

Pierre Angelo Joseph

AGRONOMIST — Angelo was trained as an agronomist in the United States. Following Hurricane Matthew’s devastation of rural communities in Haiti’s southern peninsula in 2016, he returned to his home in Les Cayes to help support food security in Haiti. Impressed by the positive impact LFBS was havinging with street children, Angelo joined the organization’s outreach team to provide families in rural areas with training and supplies to develop their own small farming plots. The program has helped 70+ families in 14 different regions generate some income from goods to sell at market while empowering healthy independence for families. Angelo lives in Les Cayes with his wife and their twins.

“My job is to help families grow a garden. It’s for the family but also for the children and community. Our program is important because it helps families take care of themselves. I have learned that change is possible if you want to make it happen. I have seen the transformation of street children and I know I can help my country by giving kids a better life in Haiti.”

Emmanuel Raymond

HOSPITAL AND CHILD PROTECTION OUTREACH AGENT — Emmanuel is on the frontline of child protection in hospitals and health care facilities in Les Cayes, Haiti. Contracted by LFBS in 2016, his presence in the pediatric and maternity wards quickly reduced the rate of children abandonment and trafficking — from 48 children per year to just two. When a child is abandoned, or in cases where parents cannot afford medical attention, Emmanuel notifies local authorities to ensure that child receives the care they need. In emergency situations, he also steps in as a driver for LFBS. He is a father of two daughters.

“Each child is a world, a mind, a future opportunity. But sometimes the future can seem really dark. Our approach to child protection can help them avoid certain obstacles that may damage their future. I am proud of my work. Unfortunately, our arms are too short to reach all the children who need help. So, we invite others to play their part to safeguard the next generation.”

Medjine Lundi

GIRLS’ SAFEHOUSE SUPPORT WORKER — Medjine has worked for LFBS since 2014, helping to ensure the smooth-running of the girl’s safehouse. From kitchen duties and housekeeping to providing the Housemother the support she needs, Medjine is dedicated to making sure the children who stay at the safehouse feel comfortable and comforted. She is a mother to five of her own children.

"Despite the difficulties and crises our country faces, children should not be part of the long list of victims because they are our future. If we want to see our nation grow, we must invest in the protection of children, especially those who are most vulnerable. We need to find ways to help children in need to provide more security and hope for the next generation "

Ronald Jean Claude

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR — Ronald has many key roles in facilitating effective operations for LFBS. He started working for the organization in 2017, providing safe transport for LFBS staff and clients involved with their family outreach programs and services. His connection to the local community, and in particular with children living on the streets, has made him a valuable team member. He is essential in managing the organization’s logistics and administration. As a father of a young daughter, Ronald is deeply dedicated to protecting vulnerable children and bolstering sustainable family development.

"Giving a helping hand to such important work is an honor for me. To give innocent souls the chance to live under one roof as a family and to help educate them is a huge job that has so many benefits. Child protection work is not easy. Sometimes the people you want to protect hesitate to leave their situations. That's why this work requires patience. Without patience, you can get really discouraged. But we need to keep trying.”

Wisly Jean Claude

ENGINEER — Wisly studied on scholarship and received a degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in urban planning. He worked for a UN Habitat program before starting to work with LFBS in 2018 as the lead engineer on a new building project. The project will centralize LFBS operations on its own land in order to provide better services. To date, Wisly has completed a bridge, safe drinking well, retaining wall and security wall around the property. He is now working to build on-site facilities for LFBS offices, a medical clinic, transitional safehouses for girls and boys and a multi-purpose facility that will provide space to offer clients workshops and training. Wisly is also writing a book that assesses how Haitian governments have failed to implement engineering and planning policies in the past and advise measures they could take to improve the situation. He lives in Ley Cayes with his wife.

“I want to do my job well. I want to respect the building regulations and laws. It’s important to have proper infrastructure and utilities because it helps people feel safe and cared for. Improving things like electricity, water supply, traffic (roads), flooding and waste can improve people’s lives. I want to resolve these problems to make a difference in the lives of Haitians.”

Bertrand Meridien

REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF IBESR (SOCIAL SERVICES), SOUTHERN DEPARTMENT — Bertrand studied administration and judicial affairs and he completed his thesis on child labour in Haiti. He was then hired by IBESR, the Haitian government’s social services department. Since 2010, Bertrand has focused on child protection and family support. His department has been working on monitoring and enforcing Haiti’s laws around orphanages and collaborating with other local groups and agencies to find alternatives to the separation of families and institutionalization of children.

“Working in the child protection sector in Haiti requires passion. My work helps me understand others. I support people in my community. If I didn’t do the work I do, I might only focus on myself instead of supporting my community. It makes me hopeful for Haiti’s growth. For a Haiti that follows national and international laws. A Haiti that is blooming.”

Israël Renaudin

FORMER STREET CHILD, STUDENT — Israël, now known as “Job”, is a former street child who was one of the first children LFBS helped to reunite with his family. Before running away, he’d experienced a difficult home life with a hard-working mother and an absentee father. After six months on the street, he met the LFBS staff and moved into their Transitional Safehouse for boys. There, with some stability and support, he returned to school. Now Job excels as a student and talented artist. He has reconnected with his family who have been able to participate in the LFBS business startup program that provides training and resources to help families generate income. Job hopes to continue his studies and learn languages so he can find work to support his family.

“Some children are on the streets in order to make a living, but begging or living at the expense of other people never really works. Some street kids are orphans, others have run away from home to find a better life. Sure, they will get money here and there, but only enough for one meal at a time. Children deserve better. They are the present and the future of our country. We need to help them live better while staying at home.”

Beaullil Rose Myntha

ORPHANAGE SURVIVOR, SMALL BUSINESS OWNER —“Mika” spent years living in an abusive orphanage before LFBS helped shut the institution down. She was one of the first children LFBS helped to reunite with her family. She moved back with her mother who had started a small business that helped pay for Mika’s tuition to return to school. She recently graduated as a beautician and has started her own small business. Mika recently became a mother herself.

“When I see other children who are in orphanages or on the streets, I speak with them to encourage them, not humiliate them. Because there is still life after what they’re going through. Because I lived that situation too. What I experienced makes me a better mother. I will never allow my children to suffer the same thing.”

Odyanne Lorandian

ORPHANAGE SURVIVOR, STUDENT — Odyanne was 15-years-old when her parents sent her to an orphanage in hopes she would get a better education and find a better life. LFBS helped to reunite her with her parents and supported her education while she lived at home. Odyanne recently completed training in hospitality and she is learning English. She is currently attending a post-secondary program in business administration. Ultimately, Odyanne wants to find work in the tourism industry in Haiti.

“What I learned from what happened in my life — a huge lesson — is to understand people as people. There are some things I lived through that I would never wish people to live through. There are people who see people like trees, like nothing, like items. But for me, I see people as people.”

Saint-Louis Jean Robert

PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR, CHILD PROTECTION BRIGADE (BPM) — Jean Robert has led the Southern Department Child Protection Brigade for the Haitian Police for the past 12 years. He is passionate about ensuring that children have the legal protections they deserve under Haitian law. He works closely with members of IBESR (Haitian Social Services) on child welfare issues.

“Police work is a sacrifice. We have chosen to do this because we love our country and we want our country to respect the law. As the saying goes, “justice makes a nation become strong”. As police officers, we are doing our part, we do what we can. We do what the law asks us to do within the limits of what we have and what we swore. We serve and protect.”

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