a lot can change in 8 years…
When she was pregnant with Beige, Cassandra, went into labor at 32 weeks.
That can be scary no matter where in the world a baby is born, but in Haiti, it’s terrifying.
When she arrived our center, Beige weighed just 3 lbs (1.4 kg). She’d already spent 6 weeks in an area NICU.
After her time in the hospital, and before she was referred to our Family Center, Cassandra first sought help at a nearby orphanage.
For this young mom, it was never a question about whether or not wanted to take care of her daughter. She had simply seen too many small babies die in her community and she wanted something more for her daughter.
Rather than separate mother and baby, the orphanage sent the pair our way.
We’re so glad they did!
During the 12-weeks they spent at Second Mile Haiti’s Malnutrition Treatment Center, Beige’s mom learned to believe in herself— and she learned all the ways that mother’s like her can help their babies defy the odds and thrive.
And thrive they did!
Here they are 6 years later—Cassandra the proud mom of a Kindergarten Graduate!
When asked “what have you been doing at school?”, she lists school celebrations and special events, before she recalls what she’s been learning in math and science.
Eight-year-old’s love a good class party!
The main point here is that Second Mile’s support for families doesn’t end when they leave the Malnutrition Treatment Center.
We’re always looking for ways to support families in the vulnerable period following malnutrition recovery and in the years after.
This looks like follow-up visits at home and at the center, with continued access to our nurses and psychologists.
It looks like helping parents start gardens and businesses.
It looks like helping families achieve even greater stability through savings groups, access to maternal healthcare services, plus family planning without any cost.
And, most importantly, it looks like supporting the graduates of our Malnutrition Treatment Program when the time comes to enroll in school.
Education in Haiti is not free.
By helping families with tuition and school-related expenses, Second Mile—along with our School Sponsors and partners—is helping to break cycles of generational poverty and give every child a chance to thrive.
They deserve the chance to keep beating the odds.
The Numbers Fundraiser—our annual, one-day FUNdraiser—is just around the corner and we can’t wait to host this fun online event for the 11th year in a row!
It’s going to be slightly different this year.
We’ll be putting funds raised towards Beigelandine and the rest of the students in our sponsorship program. Last year, with your help, we met the school-related needs of 140 children.
This year, we hope to send 180 children back to school— and ensure that no child gets left behind.
We (Jenn and Amy)—Second Mile Haiti co-founders—will be in Keller, Texas during the fundraiser. That means, if you live in the area you can participate in-person!
If you don’t live in Texas, we are JUST as excited to connect with you online, August 5th.
Until then, stay cool and keep learning!
Love from Haiti 🇭🇹
Interested in joining us in Texas? Click the button below and we will send you the details.
