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.
By Vivian Lee Croft
After graduating high school I wanted to join the Peace Corps. Then, I wanted to teach English in Nepal. Now, I want to help strengthen a country, one family at a time. And that, I can do.
You might laugh at the seeming impossibility of how these things help or even, how one person can make a difference, moreover, has the passion or will to do so. The common thread through all of these desires and likely everyone following the dream to dedicate his life to service, is the explicit need to help other people.
Reflecting on the first few weeks of this year, the anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti, the annual celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and my own personal accomplishments and losses, I believe nothing but change will propel me forward. And in changing my personal belief system to include the understanding that my actions matter, I embrace being called a changemaker. Just knowing that I can lead by example, or give one extra dollar or enhance someone’s life with education, leads me to believe that I am changing the world. These are small steps, simple ones that start at home, with me.
My dad taught me the importance of leading by example, staying true to my word, honoring my relationships, and fighting for that in which I believe. Genetics or upbringing, he is the reason I give so deeply and so passionately. As I provided care for him at my parents’ home, my childhood home during his battle with cancer eight years ago, I was able to connect with him in a way that has since impacted my view of life and death. He died at home, with dignity, with my mom and me at his side. His death rocketed me forward in wanting to really dig deep and help others. When Jamie and Ali and I talk about the families in Haiti served through our programs, I often think of his final week under my care. I know how it feels to lose someone. I know what a blow it is to have to see cancer take down a giant of a man. I know that education and prevention are key (but not the only) components in proper health care and this is something that translates over borders.
This week, Jamie is hoping to finalize a date for a surgery in the US for Junior, a child in Haiti who cannot get the life-saving operation he needs there. This is his last chance. I hope that I am able to honor my relationship with HFF and Junior’s family by fighting for them, because I believe in them. My hope is that Junior’s father will not have to know the sorrow of losing his child. By leading by example, giving an extra dollar, and offering education in whatever form that comes, I am contributing to the change I know I can see.
Some people talk about dreams. Big dreamers plan for change. Changemakers institute it. If the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. didn’t talk about his dream, he wouldn’t have inspired countless others to help him change the world. My dream is for us to change the world. Let’s help Haiti grow to mirror the hearts of its people, who engage with love and hope. Let’s reach out and be changemakers.
You too can be a changemaker, maybe you already are. I’d love to hear how. Send me an email at vivian (at) HaitianFamiliesFirst dot org or tweet us at @HaitianFam1st and tell us how you change your world. We’d love to be inspired by your efforts and will share them with everyone else so that they may be inspired, too. #GiveUp2GiveBack
Vivian Lee Croft is a member of the Haitian Families First Board of Directors. Vivian lives in Pittsburgh and is a graduate of Duquesne University. Her chief roles are programming and development for the organization. To get in touch with Vivian, please email her at vivian@haitianfamiliesfirst.org.