Sanise

"Because of AP, I still have my children..."

Sanise grew up working for the family who took care of her. She was treated well, and received some education. By 2008, the family decided to no longer support her. She was 18 and would be left on the streets. Knowing she couldn't take care of her daughter in this situation, she went to a nearby orphanage to have them care for her.

Fortunately, the woman running the orphanage explained to Sanise what it meant to leave her daughter there. (Most Haitians are not told about adoption and termination of their parental rights when they take their children to an orphanage. They are just trying to provide a way for their babies to live.) Sanise was shocked, and told the woman, " I would rather go through misery than give up my baby in that way!" The lady offered Sanise a job and allowed her to bring Jersey with her to work. 

Shortly after this, the lady running the orphanage returned to the States. Before she left, she introduced Sanise to Shelley, the Founder of Apparent Project.  The idea of  the Apparent Project was still unfolding, so Sanise started out helping Shelley at home with cooking and cleaning. She eventually became one of the original 4 women to roll cereal box beads in 2009. She helped Shelley with housework during the day, and rolled beads at home in the evening. She also made necklaces that sold on consignment in the USA.

When the Apparent Project artisan house opened in 2010, hot lunch was served to all the employees. Sanise was one of the cooks, but continued rolling beads after hours. Later she was transferred to the "stamp art" group, but now she a a Team Manager who oversees artisans who are make Signature jewelry. She loves the responsibility of her job, and because she is a manager, she was automatically enrolled in our Apparent Project Institute where she has learned Typing, Word, Excel and some English!

She has two more children now. Her youngest, Elena, has been enrolled in our on-site Childcare Program.  The two older ones are now in school.

When asked to share how Apparent Project has changed her life - the tears flowed.

She said... "Because of AP, I still have my children. I also take care of two sisters. I have been able to buy land and I'm building my own house. I can make a better tomorrow for my kids - they can have a better education. I want them to go to University. I never thought Apparent Project would reach this point - that we would have classes!!! I'm so excited. And, I want to thank Shelley! I never thought all of this was possible. But she did!"

Given the opportunity, these moms do not want to give up their children. They just need jobs. They need the chance to thrive. So thankful that Sanise was told the truth and was given a job. It eventually led her to the Apparent Project and a changed life. She is forever grateful.

The artisans are now employed by Papillon, the Haitian production company that was created by Shelley to fulfill legal presence for the business. The Apparent Project is the non-Profit that works alongside Papillon to promote job creation and distribution of jewelry products. This generates income that is helping these women to rise up out of poverty. 

Your donation helps us to continue empowering Sanise and many other women through jobs, skills training and through our on-site Day Care, Preschool and the AP Institute. 

Thank you for helping us make a difference!