Welcome to our first quarterly digital newsletter featuring updates on our mission and the mission of our partners working in Bondeau.

 

The Right Rev. Leopold Frade, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida, notified the South Florida Haiti Project that it had received a $30,750 grant from the United Thank Offering of the Episcopal Church.  Known worldwide as UTO, the United Thank Offering grants are awarded for projects that address human needs and help alleviate poverty, both domestically and internationally.

 

The funds for this grant will support the salary of a music teacher for Bondeau and the purchase of instruments requested from Pere Phanord, Priest in Charge in Bondeau, to enhance the flourishing music program at the school in Bondeau.

Fr. Andrew Sherman, President of the South Florida Haiti Project, states "this grant will enable a significant expansion of the exciting music program at the school.  We are grateful for this grant from UTO and its affirmation of our partnership with our Brothers and Sisters in Christ in Bondeau".

 

South Florida Haiti Board Meets in Bondeau with Pere Phanord and the Vestry of St. Marie Madeleine congregation.   The South Florida Haiti Project board met in Bondeau from  October 16th through the 19th.  

The board met with Pere Phanord and the Vestry of St. Marie Madeleine to review the progress of our partnership and to discuss priorities for future development and mission.  Three priorities emerged from this significant conversation:  1.  Completion of the church building project; 2. continued support for the education ministry and especially for the recent expansion to the school to include grades 7, 8 and 9; 3.  reliable drinking water  for the community.  The board will continue to work on all three areas in response to these priorities.

 

The third phase of the construction of a new church for the Bondeau community begins in November. This project, under the leadership of the Rev. Sam Owen, started in in 2012 when a group of lead donors provided the funds to construct a foundation, which was completed in July of 2013 for the celebration of the Feast Day of St. Mary Magdalene. This year additional funds were raised to enable the next stage of providing wall and a roof for the building. The South Florida Haiti Project manages the funding for this project.

 

A Haitian architectural firm developed the plans with assistance from an American firm, Masaada Architects. The newly modified plans provide reinforcement to withstand earthquakes and wind while also maximizing the natural flow or air and light into the building. Currently the community worships in a school classroom that doubles as a worship space, which was constructed with funds raised by the South Florida Haiti Project in 2006.

In commenting on this next phase of construction, Fr. Sam Owen says, "we are thrilled to continue the church construction project because it is so important to the people of Bondeau as a spiritual home and symbol of hope for the community. God is leading us as we work together with Pere Phanord, the people of Bondeau and our partners in the US to complete this holy work".  

Mission Team of "Water Experts" to Visit Bondeau in November 

The non-profit group, Water for Small Villages, a collaborating partner with SFHP in Bondeau, will send a team of hydrologists to Bondeau in early November led by Steve Krupa, President of Water for Small Villages, to test for the presence of water on the St. Marie Madeleine campus.   Based on previous testing, the team is hopeful a new source of drinking water can be identified.   The report from the team will be received by the end of November.

 

 

Food Packing Event in September 2014 

The food packing event for Bondeau was a huge success with 18 congregations and over 500 volunteers!  On Saturday, September 13,  St.  Mark's , Palm Beach Gardens, St. Paul's , Delray and Church of the Advent in Palm City organized at food packing event for Bondeau at St. Mark's in Palm Beach Gardens.  Over 18 congregations in the Diocese of Southeast Florida were represented with over 500 volunteers.   The food arrived in Bondeau at the end of October and Pere Phanord reports that the amount packed will feed the 325 school children for approximately 3 months .

 

 

 

Select "South Florida Haiti Project" when you designate the amount.

Add a note to indicate a donation to the School or the Church.

 

Or, you may mail a check to:

 St. Gregory's Episcopal Church 

100 NE Mizner Boulevard, Boca Raton, FL  33432

 

South Florida Haiti Project is an auxiliary Ministry of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church.

St. Gregory's Episcopal Church is a religious nonprofit organization.  

All donations are tax deductible.