The newest addition to our shelter family is Chanje Lakay: Bellanton. Following the earthquake in 2010, a humanitarian organization from Spain built a dormitory for the Petion family to take in orphaned children who lived in their neighborhood. As a result, more than 20 children came into their care. Marjorie and her husband Pastor Jean Martelly Petion (pictured at left) recruited volunteers in the community to help raise the children. In 2014, the funds dried up and the Spanish organization ceased to provide the funds necessary to provide food, water, and education for the children. We had already known Pastor & Mrs Petion for several years and had always been impressed and inspired by their strong work ethic, honesty and heart to see a lasting change in her community.

When we discovered that the family had lost its funding for the 24 children in their home, and that no other funds were available, we were deeply moved. After several conversations and some strategic planning, we decided to adopt the shelter as our own and add these children to our Haiti Child Sponsorship.