New All Terrain Wheelchair video

Remember those beautiful bright red All Terrain Wheelchairs that we delivered in June / July, 2011? We've put together a video that tells a bit of the story and shows some of the distribution.

For more details about the assembly and distribution of the chairs, check out:

Back in Haiti again (June 2011)

The gift of mobility (July 2011)

Please share this link with friends and family and let them know what The Red Thread Promise is doing in Haiti and other countries!

Camp Jake approaching fast!

“Fast and furious” adequately sums up Camp Jake Director Tom’s trip to Haiti last week. Not unlike our wheelchair assembly and distribution in June / July 2011, he arrived on Saturday afternoon and left on Tuesday morning, packing in numerous meetings in and around Port-au-Prince. Considering the first and last days were exclusively for travel, in the remaining two days Tom was able to finalize many details in preparation for the first session of Camp Jake and we'd like to share some of the highlights with you.

One day was spent visiting Kaliko Beach, the location for the first camp. The hotel has managed to capture some of the former beauty of Haiti, known as the “Pearl of the Carribbean” in the 15th and 16th centuries. Beautiful rocky beaches, blue water, and palm trees create an ambiance that one would think impossible only 1.5 hours away from the dusty, trash-strewn streets of the capital city. What a beautiful change this will be for the students!

The view from the hotel where Camp Jake will be held

At the hotel, Tom secured the sleeping quarters for all campers, counselors and St. Vincent’s staff as well as the other facilities that we will be utilizing for our programs. He evaluated areas for wheelchair accessibility and ensured that the grounds are well secured. Different areas of the facility were mapped out to house various activities for the campers based on their individual abilities and strengths.

St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children

Many hours were spent with Fr. Sadoni, Director of St. Vincent’s, discussing the list of attending children and their physical challenges, transportation to and from the beach and other logistics. Conversation covered camp activities, that will include sports, creative arts and social experiences. We are thrilled that Fr. Sadoni shares The Red Thread’s excitement for the camp. He has been most gracious to us, giving us his time and any assistance we need in cementing the final plans for Camp Jake.

Physicians for Peace

Tom was also able to meet with Mary K from Physicians for Peace who was also in Haiti visiting St. Vincent’s at the same time (small world!). They spoke at length about the upcoming camp as well as The Red Thread’s long-term vision for Camp Jake, which includes extending the camp’s reach beyond fun and recreation to incorporate vocational training into the programming. We look forward to years of partnering with this great organization!

Reconstruction

Last, but not least, Tom was able to spend time with Mike, a long-time friend of St. Vincent’s and veteran of providing assistance in Haiti. They reviewed preliminary drawings for the rebuilding of St. Vincent’s and discussed the challenges of the project, including utilizing better quality materials as well as providing a more accessible space to better accommodate the children and their various physical handicaps. We are blessed to be a part of this process.

All-in-all, it was a great trip, successful on so many levels. We are excited to offer these exceptional students a new experience in another part of their home country. January 2012 is right around the corner!

The Red Thread receives $21,000 from Physicians For Peace

We are ecstatic to share the following news about our partnership with Physicians for Peace and their support for Camp Jake!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kathy Korge Albergate

The Red Thread Promise

Kathy@redthreadpromise.org

817.320.6522

Summer Camp Gives Haitian Children

the Chance to Play, Learn and Heal


Camp will serve orphans with disabilities from Port-au-Prince

New Orleans, LA – Sept. 8, 2011 – During a unique camp this January, dozens of Haitian children with disabilities will play, explore and receive proper care for their physical and emotional needs, thanks to the collaborative efforts of a group of nonprofits based in the U.S. and Haiti.

The Red Thread Promise was recently awarded $21,000 by Physicians for Peace and ChildFund to support Camp Jake Richard, a camp for orphans from St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children in Port-au-Prince. The camp removes physical and emotional barriers, giving participating children the chance to engage in creative arts, as well as physical and social activities under the supervision of a team of volunteer counselors, artists, musicians, mentors and healthcare professionals.

"The concept for Camp Jake was inspired by my 13-year-old nephew, Jacob Richard, who suffers from Duschesne muscular dystrophy, a degenerative terminal illness,” said Tom Landry II, director of Camp Jake and a member of The Red Thread board. “Our camp will bring Jacob's selfless, energetic spirit to the orphaned children of St. Vincent's. We believe every child deserves the most life has to offer, regardless of disability, class, race or circumstance. Camp Jake will assure that physical limitations are left behind and replaced with endless opportunities for emotional and physical development in a fun-filled atmosphere."

More than 30 children are expected to participate in the camp, which is scheduled to run Jan. 3-8,2012, in Kaliko Beach, about 1.5 hours north of Port-au-Prince.

“Physicians for Peace is thrilled to work with our partners to ensure that these children receive the care and fun-filled experience they deserve and need to lead healthier, happier lives,” said Brig. Gen. Ron Sconyers (USAF, Ret.). “Camp Jake Richard will be a life-changing experience.”

Read more about The Red Thread Promise’s work in Haiti at http://redthreadpromise.org/, keyword: Haiti.

ABOUT THE RED THREAD PROMISE


The Red Thread Promise (TRTP) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide hope and healing for needy and orphaned children—children who have no one to advocate for them and cannot advocate for themselves. Our program exists to improve the quality of life for these children. We provide them with the treatment they need so that they can each lead a life with dignity, health and hope. Find us online at www.redthreadpromise.org. Follow us on Facebook: The Red Thread Promise or on Twitter: Red Thread Promise.

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Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Well, not quite... But breakfast with Physicians for Peace was, in our opinion, much better!

TRTP Vice President, Sonya, met with Mary K and Mary W from Physicians for Peace (PFP) on Wednesday morning in downtown Norfolk, Virginia, at a cafe around the corner from PFP’s home office. Over sausage and eggs, the three shared information about their respective organizations and their various global projects. However, much of the conversation landed on the work of both groups in Haiti and the inaugural Camp Jake this coming winter.

Mary W (Physicians for Peace Public Relations & Communications Manager),

Sonya (TRTP Vice President) and Mary K (Physicians for Peace

Senior Director, Global Health Programs)

During the discussion, it didn't take long to identify the shared vision and philosophy between The Red Thread Promise and Physicians for Peace. Both organizations value building relationships with their in-country partners and those they serve, getting to know the people and culture in their respective work areas. They each work hand-in-hand to provide education to local professionals, ensuring that host country healthcare professionals and others can continue the work long after the volunteer teams have gone. Both respect the cultures in which they work and only provide services and supplies that align with the needs and requests of their in-country partners.

As these similarities were laid on the table, it was clear to see that this is the beginning of a fruitful partnership. We are so thankful for the opportunity to meet these ladies and get a better understanding of Physicians for Peace.

Hundreds, probably thousands, of NGOs (non-governmental organizations) are currently working in Haiti. The more we can team together to provide exceptional care in an efficient manner, pulling our resources (whether financial, medical or educational in nature), the more we can help Haitians help themselves.

If there are others that would like to have Breakfast with The Red Thread Promise to share ideas and build relationships, please let us know!

Vote for us!

For those of our blog readers who don't follow us on Facebook, we encourage you to do so! That is simply the best way to get up to the minute news on The Red Thread Promise's work.

That being said, the blog is a few hours behind Facebook in sharing some GREAT news.

Recently, we entered some photographs from our May/June trip to Haiti into several international photo contests. We received word yesterday that we are one of 75 finalists in a contest sponsored by GlobalGiving.org!

Our category, GIVE SUPPORT, has 15 photos. All photos listed in this category are from projects focused on micro-finance, humanitarian assistance and children.

Voting began today at noon EST (August 10) and ends at noon EST on August 17. Winners will be announced August 19.

You can vote by first liking the GlobalGiving Facebook page and then clicking “Like” under each photo you want to vote for. Of course, we'd love it if you would vote for our photograph of JoJo (pictured at left), who you've met previously in many blog posts (see links below for additional info on JoJo).

You can only vote for each photo once. The winning photo from each category will be be featured on the GlobalGiving homepage and GlobalGiving social media. One overall winner will be awarded $1000!

Please help The Red Thread Promise extend its work by voting today! Consider sharing this link with your family and friends as well. It is a great way to generate interest for our programs and the prize money would go directly to our programs. A quick, easy and FREE way to show your support.

Thank you!

~ The Red Thread Team

Meeting JoJo

JoJo's artwork

More artwork

Even more artwork!

Last, but not least

Nuggets from Haiti - 2011, part 4

What’s it like when you show up at the orphanage right before feeding time? You roll up your sleeves, grab a bowl of noodles and begin feeding the hungry birds! The babies were lined up in a row, buckled into high chairs, swings and bouncy seats, waiting, every eye on the adults with the food. Some were quiet while others were vocal and demanding. Spoonful after spoonful, wiping food off of tiny chins, one after the other. While we fed the youngest ones, the older kids showed us their skills with a fork and bowl of noodles. What a blessing to be a part of that day!

The "hungry birds"

Waiting patiently

Kathy's turn to feed a little one

Old enough to feed themselves

Enjoying lunch

All smiles

Camp Jake update

Over the last few months, we have been blogging with excitement about the creation of The Red Thread Promise’s Camp Jake, a unique and wonderful retreat for the orphans at St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Our camp director, Tom, and volunteers have spent an amazing amount of time and energy planning, fundraising and recruiting volunteers to make this an incredibly memorable experience for the 33 kids who will attend.

Sometimes, the best laid plans get detoured. The planning, fundraising and excitement for Camp Jake continue at a remarkable pace, however the inaugural Camp will now be held in December 2011 instead of August as anticipated.

In addition to negotiating a maze of red tape, our camp director has received news that some close family members have serious health issues that must be given his complete attention. And so, in the last few days, we have come to understand the need to delay opening the Camp for a few months. The decision was difficult, but it is imperative to The Red Thread Promise Board of Trustees and everyone involved, that Camp Jake be a resounding success.

While December seems far away, it is only a few short months that will be filled with additional planning and fundraising, collecting supplies, firming up volunteers, booking flights, securing hotels and so on. We plan to deliver the best possible camp to these extraordinary children who deserve only the best!

We are so grateful to everyone’s hard work and hope you will understand and not be discouraged by this slight delay. Please continue your efforts to make Camp Jake the most wonderful experience for the kids of Haiti!