What If Foundation

Transforming the lives of Haitian children through food and education programs

Updated

With so much gratitude

Students at the Father Jeri School have never been more grateful to have a safe space to come to each day, where they receive with a warm meal, a high-quality education, and the love and support of teachers who are dedicated to their success. 

And as the year comes to end, they wanted to show their gratitude to each of you who have made their health, safety, and education possible.

Children at Father Jeri School students give thanks for your ongoing support

“Thank you very much to the What If Foundation and its donors for all the support they give us at the school.” ­– Gregory, 2nd grade

 

“Thanks to these beautiful buildings that are built for us, learning becomes more interesting in a comfortable space.” – Gaelle, 5th grade

 

“Thank you very much to the What If Foundation and its donors for the food that they offer us every day and that allows us to learn better.” – Jenniflore, 1st grade

All of us at What If Foundation send our many thanks for your dedicated support and always keeping the children of Haiti in your thoughts, prayers and actions. 

Please consider a last minute gift today!

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Happy New Year,

Keeley Forrestel
Executive Director
What If Foundation

Thanks for being a part of the What If Family

As 2022 comes to an end, we want to take a moment to thank you for your kindness and generosity over the years. Your past contributions have helped us provide food and education to thousands of children across Haiti. To this day, we have served over 6 million hot meals to some of the most vulnerable individuals living throughout the country. The Father Jeri School continues to innovate ways to maximize their space, inviting more students into classrooms than we could have ever imagined. Today, over 500 students, grades K-12, are registered to attend school in the spring­— 500 young people who have a safe space to spend their days, have access to at least one hot meal each day, and are surrounded by the love and support of teachers who truly care about their future success.

Children in Ti Plas Kazo are happy to be back to class at the Father Jeri School
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PLEASE CONSIDER A GIFT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

This year tested the strength and resilience of our Haitian partners. The economic impact that Covid-19 had on the global economy came to a head. Violence continued to rage in the streets blocking access to fuel and making food and clean water scarce. Hunger and malnutrition amplified throughout the country and an outbreak of cholera (after more than 3 years with no cases) put hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Haitians at risk.  So many people lost their lives.  And to add to the challenges, we lost our dear friend and community leader, Lavarice Gaudin, a true hero of the Haitian people.

Students, staff, and other members of the Ti Plas Kazo community honor the life and legacy of Lavarice Gaudin

But in the small Ti Plas Kazo community of Port-au-Prince, the Lamanjay Food Program and the Father Jeri School served as a beacon of hope and a haven of love amidst the despair. Behind the gated doors of Na Rive, young people and their families received respite from the daily threats of the streets of Port-au-Prince. Despite violent protests, roadblocks, mandated school closures, and a deeply felt loss of leadership, Na Rive maintained their presence, never considering a community in which they did not exist. While not always able to function at their fullest capacity, they never stopped trying, never stopped serving.

This December, as the dust has settled and leadership at Na Rive is reorganizing, we feel a renewed sense of hope for all that is to come. We see a future where bellies are full and children aren’t afraid to walk to school.  A future where access to nutrition, education and medical care is the norm. We believe that change in Haiti is on the horizon and because of your ongoing support, we will never lose sight of a brighter, more prosperous Haiti.

PLEASE CONSIDER A GIFT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

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Happy Holidays,

Keeley Forrestel
Executive Director
What If Foundation

Remembering Lavarice: The Power of Love in Action

As many of you know, we received heartbreaking news of the unexpected passing of our dear friend and Program Director at Na Rive, Lavarice Gaudin, who died of natural causes in his hometown on November 11th. Lava, as we affectionally called him, was a compassionate and visionary leader fueled by a deep love and hope for his country. His humanity and devotion to the children and the Ti Plas Kazo community, and his indomitable drive and ingenuity to make miracles happen, have been an inspiration.  His kindness and big smile will forever be lodged in my heart.

Within the heartbreak of his untimely death, we are ever more determined to focus on our mission and support our partner Na Rive though this time of grief and transition, as they continue to provide critically needed programs for children and families.

As someone who knew Lava since the very beginning, I’ve asked What If Foundation founder, Margaret Trost, to share her reflections at this juncture in the organization’s history.

Dear friends,

I remember the day Lavarice took my hand and led me to the front of the new Father Jeri School.  It was 2016 and after many years of planning and work, construction had just been completed.  It was my first time seeing the beautiful three-story building, all painted and ready for students.  We stood in silence for a while with big smiles on our faces taking it all in.  “It will be a beacon of hope for the community, Margo.  Just as Father Jeri envisioned.” Lava said.  “A place where lives will change and leaders will be born. It wasn’t easy to create, but we found a way over, around, and through every obstacle.”

Lava’s determination to make possible what might seem impossible to most people has always inspired me.  He was a deeply courageous leader who led from the heart and worked tirelessly to create positive change in Haiti.  He loved the Father Jeri School and was so proud of its students and teachers.  In my last phone call with him, he shared that he’d just received word that 100% of the 9thgrade students passed the state exam, an enormous accomplishment given the insecurity in Haiti and the stress and anxiety the students and faculty face daily.  

“Education is the most important force for change,” Lava said.  “There is nothing better than education.  With education, over time, you cannot lose. We keep the progress going, even though we’re in this challenging, tough time.  At the Father Jeri School, we make sure that we take care of each student, to help them with the struggle.  To go to the state exam and pass it, it’s a big thing.  Na Rive loves doing what we do in Haiti.  Whatever we do, we make sure we do it with love.”  This commitment to the children and determination to provide quality education with loving support will continue and is part of Lavarice’s legacy. 

The grief of losing such a dear friend and leader so suddenly is only starting to be felt, but my experience over the years has shown me that we will move through this time of transition with perseverance and keep this important work alive.  What If and Na Rive have navigated through many challenges over our 22-year history – the coup in 2004, the great loss of Father Jeri in 2009, followed by the catastrophic earthquake in 2010, devastating hurricanes in multiple years, ongoing political and economic crises that have led to so much suffering and the current state of emergency throughout Haiti, and now Lava’s passing.  I deeply trust our partnership and its shared vision and commitment to serve the children, to lead with the heart, and to live the wisdom of the Haitian proverb Father Jeri taught me so many years ago, piti piti na rive.  Little by little we will arrive.  

Lavarice and I talked often about how the foundation of What If and Na Rive is love, and that love is the most powerful force in the world.  Now that he is no longer physically present with us, the love that he poured into his work in Ti Plas Kazo and the difference he made remains and will continue to inspire us all.  

Thank you for your love, ongoing support, trust, prayers, and for being a part of the What If Foundation. 
  
With appreciation and hope,

Margaret

As we remember and honor Lavarice and his legacy, the What If Foundation has been working closely with the devoted team at Na Rive to plan the transition into the next chapter of our partnership. While mourning his loss, they are working hand-in-hand with the community to further their mission and are already in action.

The needs in Haiti given the current humanitarian crisis are immense and it’s never been more important to keep providing support on the ground.  However, we could not do this work without you. Your donations help change and save lives and bring hope and opportunity to countless children and families in Ti Plas Kazo and beyond.  As we enter the season of giving, I invite you to share what you can to support the children at the Father Jeri School, which as Lava shared with us many times, has become a beacon of hope for the community.  Your gifts will help ensure this continues.

Please join us in honoring Lavarice and his legacy by making a meaningful contribution today

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With gratitude,

Catherine Lelong
Board Chair
What If Foundation

Devastating News at What If Foundation

I’m writing to you to share with you with great sadness and with a sense of disbelief the unexpected passing of Lavarice Gaudin, Na Rive’s fearless Program Director, What If Foundation’s trusted partner, and a great friend to so many people all over the world. 

Lavarice, affectionately known to many of us as Lava, was a champion for the Haitian people- not only those living at home but also those abroad. He was a persistent advocate for social justice and human rights and a fighter for the change he knew possible in Haiti. 

Despite the insurmountable challenges he was faced with daily, Lava carried out his work with great pride and with a deep commitment to impact the lives of children and families in Haiti.

Yesterday, the What If Foundation received notice from Na Rive of Lava’s untimely natural death. We will continue to update you as more information becomes available. 


As a supporter of What If Foundation, we wanted to share with you first. Although many of you have not met Lava in person, he too touched your life as he did with so many people across the world. He was truly an inspiration. 

The world has lost an incredible life. We have lost our friend. Lava will be terribly missed. 

With sympathy,

Keeley Forrestel
Executive Director
What If Foundation

Haiti needs your support

Last year, Haiti experienced one of the most challenging series of events in the nation’s history. In the midst of the global pandemic, Haitians endured a presidential assassination followed by a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake and tropical depression, deepening the humanitarian crisis.

The assasination of President Jovenel Moïse led to a rapid increase in political and economic insecurity in an already precarious environment. Gang violence, kidnappings and protests have surged over the last few months leaving many people living in fear.

We feel trapped and we don’t know what the next hour will bring. My family can’t leave the house. I am worried because my kids aren’t going to school and my pregnant wife needs to see a doctor. I need to buy water and gas but it has become nearly impossible to access. I worry for my unborn child. I’m very afraid and I want things to get better so I can get my wife to the doctor. 
Stevenson Delva, Parent of Father Jeri School Student
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People carry containers with water amid water shortages due to daily protest against high gasoline prices and crime in Haiti. (Photo: Reuters, September 2022)

Gangs continue to control Port-au-Prince and civil unrest is at an all time high. This week, a wave of demonstrations flooded the streets after the Haitian government announced an increase in fuel prices. The drastic rise in public protests and overwhelming violence have resulted in the closure of schools and businesses across the city.

“The Ministry of Education has mandated for all schools in Port-au-Prince to remain closed due to the violence, therefore students haven’t been able to get started. My number one priority is the safety of students, teachers, and staff at the Father Jeri School and the community food program.  I’m working around the clock with our partners and staff to be prepared for the return of students. While we are doing everything we can to stay safe, at this point we are under God’s protection.” 
-Lavarice Gaudin, Program Director, Na Rive
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In the summer of 2021, Haiti dominated the media. Individuals and corporations stepped up to provide much needed support and relief during a time of significant tragedy. Reporters highlighted the efforts of community-based organizations and emphasized the need for Haitians to take the lead in determining the best way to assist their communities.

But the media attention quickly shifted and global support for Haiti lessened while the need for emergency and humanitarian aid continued to grow. Haitians continue to be in dire need of external aid.

Please join us in supporting our neighbors in Haiti through these challenging times by making a donation today.

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Your support of Na Rive does more than provide hunger relief and educational resources for the children and families of Ti Plas Kazo. Because of you, thousands of Haitians know they are not alone in their fight for safety, opportunity and a better future.

All of us at What If Foundation thank you for your ongoing support.

Gratefully,

Keeley Forrestel
Executive Director
What If Foundation

Support Haitian youth and families forge ahead

When our founder, Margaret Trost met Father Jeri, he shared with her his dream of building a community-led organization that supported youth and families in Ti Plas Kazo to overcome hunger and have access to opportunities to create a brighter future. He told her: “First we feed the children, we keep them alive. Then we educate them.” Father Jeri believed deeply that while food is a necessity, education has the power to transform lives.

Father Jeri student, Wesley Noel, takes his qualifying exam. 

Last year, despite the violence surrounding them, 98 percent of Father Jeri seniors passed their qualifying exams and were awarded a diploma. Of these students, 10 were awarded national scholarships to attend universities throughout the country. Na Rive and the Father Jeri School continue to aid these students in their pursuit of education by providing them with a hot meal each day and financial assistance that subsidizes the cost of textbooks and transportation.

Support youth and families to forge ahead despite their challenging circumstances.

Make a gift today.

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But many other promising young graduates are often left without next steps and limited opportunities to thrive. Thanks to your generous contributions, Na Rive is building programs that offer more options for recent graduates.  This year, six promising young adults are being granted scholarships to attend college in a variety of fields including medicine, dentistry, counseling, and engineering.

Wesley Noel is a scholarship recipient who is currently studying counseling at the University Notre Dame of Haiti. As a young child, Wesley lived in extreme poverty, experiencing significant hardships that challenged his ability to study and succeed in school. But teachers at the Father Jeri School saw his potential and put in extra effort to provide him with the support he needed to succeed. He graduated in 2020 and is now determined to help others who are emotionally and psychologically challenged by Haiti’s current situation. 

“I never thought I would be able to graduate high school and I am so thankful for this opportunity to continue my education. There has been so much tragedy around me, at times I felt like giving up. But the teachers and Director at the Father Jeri School didn’t let me. They believed in me and encouraged me to keep going. They made me feel safe and hopeful that I could keep learning and make a living for myself. Today, I know I can help others cope with the challenges of living through this very difficult time in Haiti.” 

– Wesley Noel, Scholarship recipient

The comprehensive and ongoing support of students like Wesley is testimony of the unique and holistic model of community assistance embraced by Na Rive.

Additionally, because of your generosity combined with the commitment and vision of leadership at Na Rive, a new technical school, the Institute Polivalant Jeri (IPJ), has opened its doors at the Father Jeri School. High school graduates can attend evening classes at IPJ and learn trade skills that support their future employment. Certifications in masonry, carpentry, sewing, and computer technology are among the first programs being offered

Your contributions help students pursue their dreams of giving back to their community 

Please consider making a gift today.

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Over the last two decades, Father Jeri’s dream of uplifting the community, one small step at a time, has come alive. What started as a one meal a week for a couple hundred children has grown to provide daily nutrition assistance for families in the neighborhood, robust community support and opportunities for youth to forge a new path out of poverty. 

The growth and success of Na Rive could not have happened without your ongoing support. Thanks to your generosity, the What If Foundation can continue to assist our Haitian partner in providing holistic support to the students and families of Ti Plas Kazo and beyond.

With gratitude and hope,

Keeley Forrestel
Executive Director
What If Foundation