Tuesday, January 14, 2016

Re:Hope Outreach Center for Leadership Training, Development, and Social Transformation project

Dear Friends, Donors, and Contributors to HTO

I pray this short note finds you well. I’m excited and overjoyed to share with you a great news and the mighty work God continues to do in the town of Corail, through your partnership and the ministries of Hope for Today Outreach. The Great news is  nothing but God’s vision and plan for the people of Corail, Port-Margot, and its surrounding areas. Below, you will find detailed information outlining the project of Hope Outreach Center for Leadership Development and Social Transformation. (This same document can be viewed as a PDF file by clicking on this link: Hope Outreach Center for Training and Social Transformation project ). The Board of Hope for Today Outreach has approved this project.

We count on your collaboration, partnership, prayers, and financial support to make this ambitious project a realization and success in the town of Port-Margot to the glory of God. Again, we thank God for your partnership and continuous support of the work of Hope for Today Outreach in Haiti.

In Christ,

Dr. Celucien L. Joseph

President & Founder

Hope for Today Outreach

“Remember the Poor”–Gal. 2:10

Project Name: Hope Outreach Center for Leadership Development
and Social Transformation

Project Leader: Dr. Celucien L. Joseph
President, Hope for Today Outreach

Project Location: Corail, Port-Margot, Northern Haiti

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Contact Information: Hope for Today Outreach (HTO)
P.O. Box 7353
Port Saint Lucie, FL 34985
Phone Number: 772-985-0696

E-mail: customers@hopefortodayoutreach.org

Estimated Project Cost : $ 2,000, 000

Approved by the Board of Hope for Today Outreach

Board Members

Dr. Celucien L. Joseph, President
Marvin E. Hobson, Social Entrepreneur Strategist
Ronald Stimphil, Ministry Coordinator and Consultant
Katia Joseph, Adult Literary Coordinator
Charles H Amisial, Counseling and Mercy Ministry Director

Vision of Hope Outreach Center

The vision of Hope Outreach Center for Leadership Development and Social Transformation is to train and equip the next generation of Haitian leaders and entrepreneurs of the town of Corail, Port-Margot, and its surrounding areas in the craft and art of carpentry, agriculture, house construction, plumbing, cosmetology, barber, sewing, music, and Christian leadership and ministry.

These future leaders and entrepreneurs will (1) become agents of change, (2) use the acquired knowledge, training, and skills (3) to train other individuals to become agents of change, (4) toward sustainable and long-lasting development and growth—both in the material and spiritual sense—of their own community and city; eventually, they will employ all their human resources and potential—community partnership and community collaboration—(5) to transform Haiti’s civil society in a larger scale.

The vision of Hope Center is an elaboration or extension of the vision and mission statements of Hope for Today Outreach whose basic existence is to empower underprivileged families, the poor, and the needy by meeting their material and spiritual needs.

The foundational scriptural verse of this ministry and project is Galatians 2:10: “Remember the Poor.”

Demography and Social Norms: The Town of Port-Margot

Port-Margot is a commune in the Borgne Arrondissement, in the Nord Department of Haiti. Based on the 2013 census, its population is about 100,00 people. The rural town of Port-Margot is less than two hours (if one drives by car) away from the city of Cap-Haitien— a major port area and the second largest city of Haiti. Port-Margot is a mountainous region that is located between Limbe and Borgne.

Like in other parts of the country, Haitian Creole is spoken by the majority of the population; the French language is spoken only by the educated few. The three major practicing faiths in the region are Roman Catholicism, Protestant Christianity, and Vodou. The oldest Church in Port-Margot, Sainte Marguerite Parish, was founded in 1711.

Port-Margot is one of the poorest rural areas in the country. Port-Margot’s infrastructure problems— deteriorated roads and bridges, inland waterways, hazardous waste, hospitals, schools, drinking water infrastructure, energy infrastructure and access, erratic power supplies and power interruptions, erratic power supplies, deforestation and soil erosion, etc.—reflect the reality of Haiti’s infrastructure crisis, and the poor living and physical condition of the Haitian population. For example, television and telephone (i.e. Mobile phones) access are almost non-existent in the sections and communities that make up the town of Port-Margot. Port-Margot’s infrastructure remains primitive and is poorly maintained. Consequently, the pressing needs for modernization, to educate the people in various trades and areas of interest, create more employment opportunities, and to develop reliable and strong leadership in the Region must be integral in improving Port-Margot’s infrastructure dilemma. These viable steps are necessary to the project of fostering human flourishing and sustainable and long-lasting development and economic growth of Port-Margot.

The people of Port-Margot and the surrounding areas such as Corail, Grande Plaine, Bayeux, etc. are mostly peasants and farmers. A small percentage of the population is street vendors, local merchants, and owners of local businesses. The employment rate is substantial and almost equal to the national equivalent. According to the 2013 census, the literacy rate has exceeded 60%, and the percentage of the population who has not completed High school or received a High School diploma is equal to the illiteracy rate. The challenges the people of Port Margot face on a daily basis are integral to the living reality of the Haitian people, nationally. The results of a recent research by World Bank indicate that Haiti remains the poorest country in the Americas and one of the poorest in the world (with a GDP per capita of US$ 846 in 2014) with significant needs in basic services. According to the latest household survey (ECVMAS 2012), more than 6 million out of 10.4 million (59%) Haitians live under the national poverty line of US$ 2.42 per day and over 2.5 million (24%) live under the national extreme poverty line of US$1.23 per day It is also one of the most unequal countries, with a Gini coefficient of 0.61 as of 2012… The quality of education and learning remains a challenge. Only one third of all children aged 14 are in the appropriate grade for their age. Only one third of all children aged 14 are in the appropriate grade for their age.

The complementary information below is provided by the Organization for the Development of Port-Margot (ODEP):

“Port-Margot, city founded by Bertrand d’Orgeron in 1625, is located 35 km from the city of Cap Haitian, the principal city in the Nord department of Haiti. Historically, it was the first French establishment of Saint Domingue with the “boucaniers” and “filibustiers” around 1630. It was a flourishing colonial region. The municipality is composed of two big neighborhoods: Petit Bourg and Bayeux, and six sections, namely Bas-Petit Borgne, Haut Petit Borgne, Bas-Quartier, Bras Gauche, Grande Plaine and Corail.

Today, Port-Margot is home to about 100,000 with mostly all Faith representatives (Catholicism, Adventist, Wesleyan, Baptist, Methodist….). There are several Kindergarten schools, elementary and high schools and a parish hall for social events; the Dominique Batraville library has severely limited services; a few health centers offer services, yet they are limited due to a lack of resources. Transportation is underdeveloped but is worth the effort as Port-Margot is one of the locations of the most captivating beaches in the country. Business is also underdeveloped. Most state institutions are present: the tax collector’s office, the town hall, two courthouses, the civil registry office, the Communal agrarian office, the Haitian National Police, and the Regional Board of education.

With a topography characterized by hilly ground in the east and west, Port-Margot is a predominantly agrarian region where seasonal agriculture and small-scale fishing are used. The fields were once green and production had increased considerably. Each parcel of land was cultivated according to the needs of the community, and the surplus sold to the big cities. Unfortunately, what appeared to be a terrestrial paradise gradually changed. The lands were devalued due to deforestation. Approximately a quarter of its mountains are still green and wet but we observe less production of several precious commodities like coffee beans, cocoa and other food plants. The river frequently changes its bed. During the drought season, it has only a thin filament of water, but in the rainy season, it terrorizes the whole region along its path. The migration towards the metropolitan cities or Dominican Republic, unemployment, intensification of a lack of basic necessities (drinking water, electricity, public services, communications, etc.) and lack of healthcare has contributed even further to the economic recession of the region…

Despite the problems, Port-Margot still maintains its charm, with an average temperature of 29 degree Celsius, modern recently-built houses and an abundance of activities to satisfy almost everyone. Chouchou Bay, is known for its white sand and vast coral reef that can be reached and appreciated by divers and enthusiasts about 10 to 15 meters from the surface of the water. It is also surrounded by an array of luscious mountains. In this slice of paradise, it is only you, your feelings, and imagination. Whether you choose to come by boat, car or on horseback, you will find it hard to leave this dreamlike paradise. It’s also worth mentioning other beautiful beaches: Coup de Sable or Cabaret, Pass Kannot, Coco. It is awesome to visit Basen Waka in Novion or Djambou’s fall in Bas Petit Borgne for a cool shower. One can also enjoy a romantic sunset at Morne Coplan, and camping site and family picnics at l’Ilet. The coastal municipality also has its share of annual beach festivals. Every 20th of July, Port-Margot residents, visitors, and the entire neighborhood celebrate the feast of Sainte Marguerite, in honor of the town’s patron saint. Every 4th of September, we celebrate the feast of Saint Bertin in Petit Bourg; on June 13th we celebrate the feast of Saint Antoine de Pardoue in Aria, and on August 24th we celebrate the feast of Saint Louis in Novion, near Chouchou Bay.”

General overview of Hope Outreach Center

Hope Outreach Center will house four facilities: Hope Outreach Leadership Development, Hope Outreach Vocational School, Hope Outreach Music Academy, and Hope Outreach Health Center, and five main buildings. While the Center will be located in the rural area of Corail, it will, however, serve the neighboring communities of Petit Bourg and Bayeux, and the ensuing six sections: Corail, Bas-Petit Borgne, Haut Petit Borgne, Bas-Quartier, Bras Gauche, and Grande Plaine.

Students who are enrolled at the Center to pursue a trade, study music, or be equipped in Christian leadership ministry will pay a minimal charge for tuition and school supplies. However, the literary program, which is designed to help improve the alphabetization campaign in the country will be of no charge. The Center will enroll no more than 200 students in an academic year.

The Center will be built on 2 acres of land, and include the following components:

• 4 facilities;
• 5 buildings;
• 20 rooms: 15 classrooms, and 5 guest rooms;
• 6 bathrooms;
• 3 water wells;
• A Community Library;
• A Computer Lab;
• A Community Health Center;
• A Community Pharmacy;
• A Family Counseling and Rehabilitation Center;
• A Community Food Pantry.

The estimated cost to build the five modern buildings, four centers, the library, and the medical clinic is roughly $ 2, 000, 000. Other expenses such as land purchase, the three water wells, and modern classroom equipment, teaching tools and supplies for the teachers, medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals for the health center, and solar panels and windmill technologies to provide non-interrupted power and electricity to the centers and buildings are not included.

Our Five-Year Model

The Leadership of Hope Outreach Center has adopted a “five-year model” to assess our success, services, and ministries among the people of Corail and the greater Port-Margot. It is assumed that with our fully-active and engaged teachers and staff, well-equipped and buildings, furnished learning centers, and functioning facilities, we would be able to fulfill the stated objectives of the Center within the five-year plan.

Hope Outreach Center Objectives:

1. To provide basic medical and preventative health care to the poor, homeless, widows, single women with children, and disadvantaged families, and diagnose and treat common diseases such as TB, HIV, STD, etc. in the town of Corail-Port-Margot;*

2. To provide literacy skills and training to 250-300 people in the next five years;*
3. To train 100 tailors in the next five years; *
4. To train 100 seamstresses in the next five years; *
5. 100 construction workers in the next five years;*
6. 100 plumbers in the next five years;*
7. To equip 50 Christian ministers and leaders in the next five years;*
8. To train 100 barbers in the next five years;
9. To equip 100 cosmetologists in the next five years;
10. To train 50 musicians in the next five years;

*The items (# 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) asterisked signal most urgent needs and areas of service.

Such  ambitious educational project is desperately needed in Port-Margot. Foremost, the Hope Outreach Center will help improve rural education in the Region, and the literacy rate among the people. Second, it will help alleviate poverty, prostitution, and reduce child pregnancy. Thirdly, the project will train farmers and enhance agricultural production by applying new techniques and scientific advancement to farming and harvesting crops. Fourthly, it will train creative and socially-active leaders in the community. Finally, this educational project will improve the overall living condition of the people of Port-Margot and the surrounding areas.

Hope Outreach Leadership Development (HOLD)

The Hope Outreach Leadership Development will be the largest facility of all the four. There will be a total of 5 rooms to host teachers and guests, and 3 bathrooms to accommodate personal and meet hygienic needs. The components of HOLD are as follows:

• A conference center that holds about 250 people. The Center will also be the place for teaching and training Christian leaders, ministers, counselors, and pastors. This Center will equip men and women in the areas of biblical and theological studies, Christian education, and Biblical counseling.
• A library for the community (Hope Outreach Community Library) that holds about
1, 500 books in French and Creole for the promotion of reading and knowledge, and the cultivation of understanding and wisdom.
• A computer lab that holds about 30-40 computers;
• A family counseling and rehabilitation center to assist families and individuals in the community with their emotional and psychological needs.

Hope Outreach Vocational School (HOVC)

The HOVC center will hold two specials programs: the Vocation school itself, and the literacy program. It will train individuals in the craft and art of barber, carpentry, cosmetology, and sewing (for both tailors and seamstresses).
It will comprise of six classrooms: 4 teaching classrooms, 2 laboratory rooms, and 2 bathrooms.
a) These teaching classes are devoted solely to the dissemination of knowledge and instruction. Each field (i.e. carpentry) will have its respective classroom for teaching purposes.
a) The last two classes are reserved to store special equipment and tools.
b) The literary program will provide free literacy coaching or training to the illiterate population of Port Margot.

Hope Outreach Music Academy (HOMA)

The Hope Outreach Music Academy will be a venue to train the young people of Port-Margot, ranging from the age of 5 to 18 years of age, in the art of music and voice. HOMA will have 3 music rooms and 1 bathroom.
a) In the first five years, music students will be trained in three musical instruments: keyboarding, guitar, and drums.
b) There will be three individual classrooms to host students according to their musical preference or interest. Summer music camps will also be held as the demand grows.
c) Voice students can also elect to play any instrument as desired.

Hope Outreach Community Medical Clinic (HOCMC)

The Hope Outreach Community Medical Clinic will be an indispensable resource to provide free healthcare and meet the basic medical needs of the homeless, the poor, and the disadvantaged individuals and families in the town of Port-Margot. The Clinic will provide services in these areas: immunizations: immunizations to children and adults; sexually transmitted diseases: screening, diagnosis and treatment services of STD including syphilis, chlamydia, herpes, etc.; women’s health: prenatal health care to disadvantaged families, widows, and single women with children, pap smears, breast exams, birth control and STD/HIV Testing. Other types of services that will be provided include hearing and dizziness testing, digital mammography, vascular studies, pulmonary function testing, etc.
There will also be a community pharmacy to assist the people-in-need and the sick.

List of Items to Donate

Below, we highlight the needs for each individual center or facility, and the items we would like to receive from potential donors.

1. Hope Outreach Leadership Development (HOLD)

• Books (for the library) for all ages in French and Creole in every discipline and area: literature, reading (Children’s and young adults’ books), grammar (both French & creole), general sciences, social sciences, history, geography, computer, mathematics, religion, philosophy, theology, Christian ministry, health, leadership, dictionaries, self-help books, etc.
• Electronics and Computers: Desktops and laptop computers, printers, projectors, microphones, headsets, etc.

2. Hope Outreach Vocational School (HOVC)

• Barber tools: barber manuals (French and English will do fine.), clippers, scissors, straight razors, tools for cleaning and sanitizing, mirrors, Barber’s chairs, barbershop capes and towels, combs, brushes, neck dusters, barber manuals, etc.

• Carpentry tools: carpentry manuals (French and English will do fine.)
a) Hand Tools: Hammer, tape measure, chalk line, carpenter’s pencil, utility knife, Tin Snips, nail puller, speed square, framing square, levels, wood chisel.
b) Power Tools: Circular saw, drill (3/8″ to 1/2″ chuck), reciprocating saw, extension cords, etc.

• Tailor tools: sewing manuals (French and English will do fine.), sewing machines, French chalk, Shears, measuring tape, thimble, sewing machines, fabric scissors, seam rippers, straight pins, seam gauges, marking tool (pencils, pens, markers, etc.), hand sewing needles, turning tools, machine needles, bobbins, fabric shears, rotary cutters, clear plastic rulers, self-healing cutting mats, pinking shears, measuring tape, water soluble pen and/or tailor’s chalk, seam gauge, etc.

• Seamstress tools: sewing manuals (French and English will do fine.), sewing machines, fabric scissors, seam rippers, straight pins, seam gauges, marking tool (pencils, pens, markers, etc.), hand sewing needles, turning tools, machine needles, bobbins, fabric shears, rotary cutters, clear plastic rulers, self-healing cutting mats, pinking shears, measuring tape, water soluble pen and/or tailor’s chalk, seam gauge, etc.

• Cosmetology tools: cosmetology manuals (French and English will do fine.)
a) Scissors and Shears—the kit includes several different shears and scissors, including basic haircutting shears, thinning shears, and ninja shears.
b) Mannequin heads, combs, aprons, gloves, water bottles, clips and other cutting accessories, perm and dyeing accessories—i.e. curlers, mixing bowls, application brushes, coloring caps, etc.
c) Razors, razor blades, case, electric appliances—i.e. blow dryers, curling irons, straightening irons, diffusers, etc.

3) Hope Outreach Music Academy (HOMA)

• Music books or manuals—for these instruments: keyboard, drums, guitar (French and English will do fine.) for all ages;
• Keyboards, drums, guitars, etc.;
• Music stands, guitar fret markers, musical sheets (keyboard, drums, guitar), speedometers, headsets.
• Microphones, earplugs, etc.

4) Hope Outreach Community Health Center (HOCHC)

a) medical supplies and equipment are as follows:
■ supplies –disposable syringes and needles, expendables/consumables, cotton wool, laboratory stains and tape, catheters and sterilisable syringes, thermometers, etc.
b) ■ equipment –beds, examination tables, sterilisers, microscopes, weighing scales and bedpans.
c) Refrigerators
• Over-the-counter stomach aids and antibiotics, pain relievers, etc.
Vitamins, medications, supplements, first aid kits, Band-Aids, over-the-counter medicines for children, etc.

How to Help and Support the Hope Outreach Center Project

It is evident that this project is ambitious in scope. The basic aim of Hope Outreach Center is to empower underprivileged families and individuals, meet both the material and spiritual needs of the people of Port-Margot, and to provide literacy training, vocational training, and ministerial equipping. Nonetheless, to train and equip the future leaders, entrepreneurs, and church ministers and leaders of Port-Margot, it will require consistent community engagement and support, collaborative partnership, and unswerving financial commitment to achieve our stated objectives and overall vision for the people of Port-Margot, and the country of Haiti at large. Below, we suggest various ways you can partner with us, donate, help, and support the Hope Outreach Center Project.

1. Prayer

Hope for Today Outreach counts on your prayers. We face unprecedented challenges and opportunities as we seek to reach out and serve the poor, the vulnerable, and the most economically-disadvantaged individuals in Haiti. We value your fervent prayers as we attempt to provide both material and spiritual needs to the people of Port-Margot.

2. Financial Support

We will gladly and thankfully welcome your financial support. All financial contributions in forms of checks should be made to Hope for Today Outreach (HTO). You can designate which facility or center you wish your donation to go to:

• Hope Center Building Project (HCBP)
• Hope Outreach Leadership Development (HOLD)
• Hope Outreach Vocational School (HOVC)
• Hope Outreach Music Academy (HOMA)
• Hope Outreach Health Center (HOHC)

To make a financial donation through our online service, please visit our website (http://hopefortodayoutreach.org), click on the Donate and Support tab, then on the PayPal button called Pay Now. You will be directed to our online secure PayPal page to make your financial contribution.

3. Donating items on the list

If you would like to donate any of the items listed above to Hope Outreach Center for Leadership Development and Social Transformation, please send your donations to the address listed below:

Hope for Today Outreach (HTO)
P.O. Box 7353
Port Saint Lucie, FL 34985
Or you may contact us by phone: 772-985-0696 or by email: customers@hopefortodayoutreach.org

HTO Board Members

Dr. Celucien L. Joseph, President
Marvin E. Hobson, Social Entrepreneur Strategist
Ronald Stimphil, Ministry Coordinator and Consultant
Katia Joseph, Adult Literary Coordinator
Charles H Amisial, Counseling and Mercy Ministry Director

The motto of Hope for Today Outreach is to “Remember the Poor”—Galatians 2:10.