ScareHouse’s Laura Kelly took some time to interview HFF Co-President and Co-Founder, Ali McMutrie this week. In addition to being a fun interview, it was pretty revealing and gives a little bit of insider information about Ali that you won’t want to miss, so be sure to read the article here: Did We Just Become Best Friends?!?. While Ali lives in Haiti for most of the year, she’s currently in Pittsburgh, working to raise funds and awareness for Haitian Families First. In her few hours of spare time each week, she terrifies and thrills guests at ScareHouse. “It’s been a fun gig,” said Ali about her time at ScareHouse, “and a good way to earn some money to support my next flight to Haiti.” The job of raising awareness about HFF isn’t all scares though. Don’t miss the 1st Annual Karaoke Costume party going down this Saturday, October 20th. 10PM Shadow Lounge. Get the detail on that here: Rock & Roll Karaoke Costume Party. Some singing from musical guests might be frightening, but come out and join in on the fun!
By HFF Co-President Ali McMutrie
365 days ago you had just entered the world. We don’t know what that was like for you, but at less than 2 pounds, we know that you had a will to live that none of us will ever be able to explain or understand.
We don’t know much about what was going on in your birth mothers life when you were born. We do know there was no one there to support her, and she was likely very scared. She had not received basic prenatal care in the months leading up to your birth, she was not healthy, and due to basic complications during your birth in the hospital, she did not survive.
No one was there with your mommy when you entered the world and she left it. And when your mother passed away, you were alone.
365 days ago another mommy, your friend Seth’s mom, found herself in a similar scary situation. Seth’s mom was just 23 years old, and Seth’s daddy was not around to support her either. Seth’s mom was just as scared and alone as your birth mom – except she had the love and support of HFF.
HFF employee, and friend to Seth’s mom, Junia spent two days at the hospital helping her through her labor, and reassuring her that, with HFFs help, she was capable of parenting her new baby. Seth came into the world the morning of October 10th, too.
Seth was born in the same hospital room you were born in.
The Doctor laid you on the table, Jeremie, screaming and crying, clinging to life. You were so tiny and frail, but had a strong, loud voice of a little guy who had no intention of giving up.
Junia was approached by the doctor who asked what HFF would be willing to do for you. In Haiti there is no option for a baby like you, the best option would have been to find an orphanage where you would have spent the rest of your life without a mom or a dad. We sent an HFF employee to the surrounding provence to search for your birth father, or any relative of yours, but came up with nothing.
During this time, Junia, who just a year earlier found herself in her own difficult situation, coming close to making the decision of giving up one of her children, held and warmed you, she fed you milk with a dropper. She cuddled and squeezed you tight.
That day Junia became your mommy. Junia, who with the help of HFF found herself with a steady, stable income and a safe, secure home, made the decision to adopt you as her own son.
Over the next year you grew to be a big strong boy, bigger than any of us could have imagined when we first saw you struggling to breath, so small. You bring joy to your mom’s life, as well as your big sister’s, Daphka and Schneidine. You are the son that Junia always wanted and dreamed she would have. You came to her in a special and unique way, you are a special and unique boy. You are strong. You are loved. Happy First Birthday, Jeremie! Leave your birthday wishes for Jeremie in the comments below!
Wow. Just . . . wow. Something happened this week that is so amazing we simply can’t put it into words.
The easiest way to describe it? #46in46—raising the funds for 46 kids to go to school in 46 days—became #46in7!!!!!!!
7 Days!! SEVEN!! SET JOU!! SIETE DIAS!! However you want to say it, we—no, YOU—came together and sent 46 kids to school this year! In 39 days LESS than the goal that we set!
You paid tuition for 46 kids, you bought 3 sets of uniforms for each of those children (which includes employing several seamstresses for several weeks), you bought the various school books 46 kids need for the entire school year, and you even covered a daily snack for every single school day this year for all 46 children.
What this means is different for each child. Some of you may have been matched with a young child who will have the opportunity to go to school for the very first time this year! Some of you may have noticed that you have an older child whose age may not quite seem to match up with their grade: you are giving a child a chance to go back to school after being unable to attend for a year or more because he or she couldn’t afford it.
What it means is the same for every child in one way, though: you gave a child a chance for a better future. You gave them hope that, without an education, would not exist.
We are beyond grateful to everyone who stepped up to make 46 children’s dreams a reality. To everyone who sponsored a child personally, who teamed up with friends to sponsor, or who sent what they could to go towards one of our kids, to you, on behalf of the children, we are so thankful.
Our work in Haiti does not end here, though. We would be so appreciative if you would continue to connect with Haitian Families First on Facebook, Twitter, our website, or whatever is most convenient for you. Please share with your friends and family the awesomeness that you took part in this week. It is not bragging to talk about your sponsored child! Please share with us in the comments, or by email if you’d like, how #46in46 has impacted you this week. We would love to hear about your inspiration for participating, what sending a child to school for an entire year feels like for you, or anything you are willing to share.
If you, or anyone you know, were thinking of sponsoring and are unable to now because we have reached our goal, we ask you to please consider learning more about our other programs. We have 35 other children in our Formula Program and Health & Wellness Program. Many of the other children are young siblings or cousins of the 46 kids.
Thank you friends,
Ali & Jamie
If you are in the education field and are interested in being a part of a school-to-school program between Pittsburgh and Port-au-Prince, will you please email us (ali@haitianfamiliesfirst.org) and let us know?