Annual Report 2008
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The latter part of 2008 brought profound changes in our economy. The impacts of the economic downturn in the developed world may require lifestyle changes that are painful, but these are not likely to approach the level of suffering these same forces are having in Haiti. With that in mind and as a dynamic organization the Colorado Haiti Project began to respond to these forces while at the same time rededicating itself to the course of sustainable development it has already carefully defined.
In September of 2008, the board of directors of the Colorado Haiti Project (CHP) hired me as Executive Director. My background in community organizing aligns closely with the goals and guiding principles of the organization (you can review these on our website at www.coloradohaitiproject.org). I accepted the position with a clear sense of purpose, commitment and enthusiasm, none of which has diminished since that time, in fact, they have only deepened. During this time I have learned more about CHP's history and significant accomplishments. The list of milestones in this annual report shows the progress the organization has made in various program areas and gives the best evidence of its ongoing vitality in getting the job done. These are the results of the well coordinated efforts of many people who have built a quality organization as board members, staff, mission participants, volunteers, and financial supporters. On behalf of our Haitian brothers and sisters I want to express deep gratitude to all of you for the many ways you have given to our organization.
In addressing the profound level of need in the Petit Trou region, CHP has developed a high standard of performance and remains steadfast in its commitment to creating the means for people to achieve positive sustainable change. What makes CHP so effective is the way it has amplified the special talent of individuals through a network of constructive relationships. In 2008 we continued to develop this basis for our work together as we moved ahead here in Colorado and in Haiti. The scope of our actions increased greatly as programs have emerged that require sustaining support, and as the reach of those programs has extended well beyond the walls at St. Paul's and into the various zones throughout the region. During the first two weeks of October, board chair Don Snyder guided me through this area as we selected sites for twelve wells. As with our health initiative'’s training of 34 women volunteers in the various small communities throughout the area, the drilling of wells will enlarge the footprint of our organization in a way that has an enduring impact on the lives of 13,000 people. With the people who see their lives changing for the better we celebrate meeting various objectives along the way toward reaching the broader Millennium Development Goals.
As an organization we are proud of the achievements of the past year, but we also look forward with renewed energy toward the coming year to meet new challenges and discover new opportunities. I urge you to renew your commitment to support our work together as we lift up the lives of our Haitian brothers and sisters. I also ask you to look at ways that you can increase your involvement and dedication. In the coming year we need to build our organization by developing the base of our support throughout Colorado. Are you willing to take a more active role? Call our office (303-938-5021) or email me: paulcasey@coloradohaitiproject.org. Throughout Colorado we hope to form small groups to work on increasing the visibility of CHP, to advocate for the people of Haiti and to facilitate our fundraising efforts locally. The work we are doing is a story of hope, and hope is what has always brought people through difficult times.
Paul Casey
Executive Director
The Colorado Haiti Project
2008 FINANCIAL CHARTS
Income
Operational Budget Usage
The 2008 Financial Statements are available below.
2008 YEAR IN REVIEW
- Focus 2008: At its March meeting the Colorado Haiti Project Board of Directors adopts the document that was the primary outcome of its retreat in February. This document sets a strategic course for the organization for the entire year.
- New Board Members: CHP welcomes three new board members: Mike Earnest who is our new Medical Director, Mike Glinsky, and Jack Zeller who became Treasurer. Marti O'Dell stepped down from the board in December after serving her full term of eight years.
- The Rev. Pat Laudisio retires in May, and she graciously holds a fundraising event to celebrate that fact and benefit CHP at the same time. Pat is still very active on behalf of CHP.
- The Water Project: In March 100 water filters are distributed to members of the community beginning with our Community Health Volunteers who help to train others in their proper use.
In October board chair Don Snyder and executive director Paul Casey do preliminary work to determine the sites of 12 wells to be drilled in 2009 throughout the region. - CHP sends three missions to Haiti in 2008:
- The Medical Mission sends 17 volunteers and an abundant array of medical supplies to treat over 1200 patients at its clinic in January. CHP's first medical mission was in 1990.
- Our first Environmental Mission begins work in late October with eight participants built a greenhouse, performed preliminary work on a composting site, and delivered musical instruments for the new music program at St. Paul's.
- In November, the 2nd Education Mission includes six participants who carry out seminars and trainings with teachers at the school to build their capacity related to a carefully developed French curriculum, teaching methods and classroom activities.
- Community Health Volunteers Program: 34 women volunteering on behalf of the community are trained in basic life saving skills in August 2008. To reinforce their learning in October they receive illustrated manuals. In November, accompanied by board member Dr. Warren Berggren six of the women health volunteers travel by plane to Jeremie where they participate in advanced training with support and collaboration from the Haitian Health Foundation.
- Health Report: In August Erin Snyder completes a comprehensive 133 page report of CHP's health work that includes a detailed listing of current programs, related organizations and key relationships in the area, possible models for project work, and recommendations for next steps. This report has great value as a basis for subsequent development of health programs.
- Emergency funding for disaster relief allows CHP to bring trucks loaded with rice and other supplies to those in great need in a region that was isolated as a result of the four major hurricanes that struck the island between August and September .
- Three Bishops' Fund Campaign:
- The Anschutz Foundation awards $150,000 challenge grant for the Water Project.
- The L.P. Brown Foundation awards a $20,000 grant.
- The Colorado Episcopal Foundation's More than a Match Campaign raises $27,604.25.
- The Holthues Trust presents $25,000 to the Water Project as part of a larger grant.
- "Passionate Potters" event raises over $25,000 dedicated to the campaign.
CHP receives The Virginia Irvin Challenge Grant of $5,000.
- St. Paul's School begins its 2008-2009 academic year in October after being delayed by a series of devastating hurricanes in August and September. This marks the opening of the secondary school with its first class of 7th grade students. Also new this year at St. Paul's is a government normal school to train new teachers.
- The Women's Center with support from the American Cathedral in Paris continues its training in vocational skills for 40 women with the first graduation to take place in May of 2009.
- Fonkoze: The microcredit organization opens two centers in Petite Trou de Nippes. One has 33 members; the other has 43 members.
- New Website: CHP launches a new and greatly improved website in late September. You can visit us at www.coloradohaitiproject.org to see news, updates and events or to make an online donation.
2008 Financial Statements
Click the link to view:
Statement of Financial Position
Statement of Functional Expenses
History of The Colorado Haiti Project
The Colorado Haiti Project, Inc. was founded in 1989 by Colorado Episcopal priests Father Dayle Casey and Father Ed Morgan, and Haitian Episcopal Priest Father Octave LaFontant. Setting out from the Milwaukee Episcopal Diocese mission at Jeannette, Haiti, they made a long and very difficult journey westward along the coast road across numerous rivers to Chevalier, near the town of Petit Trou de Nippes. Father Octave stopped the Jeep at a desolate spot, literally at the end of the road. As the three priests surveyed the spot, the two from Colorado threw up their hands - it was too remote from the Jeannette Mission, too isolated, the roads were virtually impassable, and there wasn't even a water source to work with. They would have to turn back and find a less forbidding spot for their new mission. Father Octave replied: "If God wants us to go - we go! Besides - I have already bought the land."
For the first few years, pioneering CHP Board members and volunteers from across Colorado traveled to Petit Trou to clear the land, dig two wells, build temporary shelters for the church and school and a cinderblock house for Father Octave. Since that starting point, the Colorado Haiti Project has grown to oversee a variety of projects in Haiti, with our greatest concentration in funding, resources, and mission trips going toward St. Paul's Mission at Petit Trou de Nippes.
Today the Mission campus includes St. Paul's, Haiti's second largest Episcopal Church, a Rectory, a Women's Resource and Education Center, Faculty Housing and Guest Quarters, a system of wells and cisterns, sanitation system, and a nearby telecommunications tower bringing the Internet to St. Paul's Mission. The centerpiece of the Mission is the new St. Paul's School, a 14,000 square foot building, where 750 students in Grades K - 6 are enrolled.