My good friend Vivian had been talking about Jamie & Ali for months. On this particular evening in August, she was chatting with me over pizza about all things life and love when I finally said, “Ok, what’s this Haiti thing really about?” I could only hear for so long about her involvement with Haitian Families First. That night, it was time to listen and I’m so glad that I did.
I don’t like to describe myself as “busy,” but you could definitely describe me as someone who is involved. I work full time for a non-profit organization I love, I own my own business, the College Mentorship Academy, and I’m a member of the Hill House Association Board of Directors. So ok, I’m busy. And the last thing I needed that evening in August was another organization to add tasks to my ever growing list of “to-dos.” But Vivian has passion and she’s one of my closest friends. I trust her. And I knew deep in my heart that it was time to listen.
The work that Jamie & Ali do in Haiti is nothing short of remarkable. These beautiful women give every ounce of their love and strength to the mission of keeping families together, in a place that’s so different from that which I’m intimately familiar, that I can’t even imagine the poverty and struggles they confront daily. After learning more from Vivian, I decided it was time to meet Ali.
Luckily, she was in Pittsburgh, and she’s fond of Indian food. Over dinner, Ali, Vivian, and I talked about Haiti, the work of HFF, the challenges, and ultimately – I knew it was time to do more than just listen. It was time to open my heart and share my love.
What does my love look like? It looks like time, talent, and money. I support Haitian Families First daily by advising Vivian and Ali in daily operations and strategy. I support Haitian Families First weekly by putting together this newsletter. I support Haitian Families First quarterly by writing a check. I tell my friends and family. I attend events and volunteer. I participate in the #GiveUp2GiveBack campaign. And I bet you’re rolling your eyes right now because you think I’m stroking my own ego. But hang on – that’s not the point.
Love comes in many forms, in lots of colors, shapes, sizes, and opportunities. The above is my love, but what’s your love look like? Maybe your love is a one-time, $5 donation. Haitian Families First will love you for that $5. Maybe your love is volunteering at the spring carnival. Haitian Families First will love you for that time. Maybe your love is encouraging your place of employment to match a donation you make towards the HFF formula program. Haitian Families First will love you for that support. Maybe your love is telling a friend to “Like” the HFF facebook page, so they learn more about the challenges and successes Jamie & Ali have in Haiti. Haitian Families First will love you for that new Like. This child will love you…
and so will this one… 
and this one… 
and this one… 
Love comes in lots of forms, and I bet you have a little love to share. I bet you could http://giveup2giveback.org. I bet you could RT about the next event HFF Tweets. I bet you could donate a can of formula. I bet you have some love to share.
Want an easy way to share your love with HFF? Love this video.
Haitian Families First is part of the “What in the World Are you Doing?” challenge. You can help us win $5,000. Starting tomorrow, February 14th, watch and “love” the linked video above. Only one watch and vote is needed, but please share the link with someone you know and spread the love!
Why should you? Because here’s the point. You’ll be helping an amazing organization continue their work. And, you will feel great when you give. Sharing your love today will make life a little sweeter. How do I know? Trust me on this one. I’ve got the to-do list to prove it.
Eryn Morgan is the Founder of the College Mentorship Academy and a consultant to Haitian Families First. She lives in Pittsburgh and is a graduate of The University of Pittsburgh. Her chief roles with HFF are marketing, including the weekly assembly of the HFF newsletter, strategic planning, and visioning. Have questions about sharing your love? Get in touch with Eryn (eryn@erynmorgan.com) or Vivian (vivian@haitianfamiliesfirst.org) today.
When we met Jeta in April of 2010, the mother of two was struggling. Her partner and father of her children had left her, she had lost her job, and she was struggling to feed her eighteen-month old son, Kervens. Jeta knew how painful a separation from Kervens would be: she’d already placed her daughter Gloria with another family member an hour away in Port-au-Prince. After talking with Jeta, it was clear to us that this was a mother who was willing to work hard to take care of her family, but who needed a hand up, a little bit of support to achieve self sufficiency.
Gloria is flourishing in the first grade, proud of the chance to go to school, something she never thought would be possible. She is a responsible big sister to 3 year old Kervens, and it is clear that she enjoys having the rambunctious, loving little guy around. Kervens loves his mom more than words can describe. Sometimes when he is upset he calls her ‘Jeta!’ which always takes people by surprise – he has a BIG personality . He will beg to take a ride in the car with us, but if it takes him too far away from Jeta, he is no longer interested. He wants to be close to his mom.
Jeta, Gloria and Kervens are a beautiful HFF family, one that supports countless families in their community by being a shining example of what positive change can come to those who are struggling with a little bit of support from a caring neighbor.
