Clinic Projects
2010 Initial Clinic
We began treating patient on a concrete slab adjacent to the Haitian Community Hospital on April 4th, 2010. We connected with the men of Rainmaker Fundraising and they were able to construct a wood frame structure and tarp over the slab to protect our volunteers and the patients from the sun’s heat. Two hurricane’s swept through Haiti the summer of 2010 and tore the tarp off multiple times. Thanks to our volunteers and friends in Haiti we were able to replace it quickly.
We had little in the way of supplies, but quickly began to collaborate with other aid organizations and hospitals to procure needed items and share information and services. We sought out Haitian doctors for collaboration and to educate regarding the therapy services now available.
2012 Temporary Clinic
After two years, it became necessary to leave the hospital grounds and we feared having to close. Thankfully, we received a generous offer for the temporary use of a screened porch, adjacent to a home in Petionville. Our friends from Rainmaker fundraising retro-fitted the space so it would be wheelchair accessible and created a secure storage area for us. Still no bathroom or running water, but a secure space that was shaded throughout the day. Our patient population began to grow and we initiated community outreach and educational programs.
Thanks to a generous donation from Advent Lutheran Church in Olathe, KS we were able to purchase land in Freres, just down the road from where it all began at the Haitian Community Hospital. With the support of the Rotary Club of Webster Groves Missouri, Rainmaker fundraising, and volunteer engineers from the St. Louis area, we were able to design a building that would be earthquake and hurricane resistant, have a large therapy gym area and separate children’s therapy room. We wanted a building that would be welcoming to the Haitians and become a part of the community. The American Red Cross approved our grant for the main clinic construction in 2013 and then a second grant in 2015 for the addition of a bathroom, septic and water system. Being able to wash our hands within the clinic walls, and have a handicap accessible flush toilet onsite are luxuries we will never again take for granted.
2013 Permanent Clinic
American Red Cross Testimonial
As clinic flexes its muscle,
Haitians regain mobility