CAMP JAKE: Gumbo galore!

Head chef, Tom, manning the gumbo

Maxing out St. Vincent's stove

Marie Carmel lending a hand in the steaming hot kitchen

A mountain of okra

HAITI :: MAY 15-20, 2013 :: During the most recent trip, Tom gave St. Vincent's residents a sneak peek at one of the activities that will be introduced at Camp Jake 2013 - cooking! After a long day of scouting potential sites for a farming initiative that The Red Thread Promise plans to launch (stay tuned for details), Tom and Doug—our aeroponics expert and Tom's traveling companion—brought the ingredients for a traditional New Orleans gumbo!


Campers and residents of all ages joined the pair in St. Vincent's kitchen prepping chicken, sausage and okra for a dish completely foreign to the kids—one they had never tasted or even heard of. (40 lbs of rice and 35 lbs of meat make for some serious gumbo!) As the gumbo's boil roared, campers looked on inquisitively wondering if the rice would be mixed in with the gumbo and, in true Haitian form, speculating if there were enough spices in it!  

Some of the evening's sous-chefs

Grinding spices

Following over 4 hours in the kitchen where temperatures soared to well over 100 degrees F, the gumbo was ready. Thinking their work was complete and they could escape to the cooler air outdoors, Tom and Doug realized they had to serve 70+ hungry residents, far more than originally anticipated.

The final product, seasoned to perfection

Plenty of rice

Again, the campers came to his aide and an assembly line quickly formed without Tom or Doug's direction. First, the bowls were filled with a heap of rice. Second, each was smothered in piping hot gumbo and sprinkled with filé. Lastly, sliced baguette and butter dollops were added to complete the dish. The finishing touch: ice-cold Tang® and a bit of candy for everyone.

Outside the kitchen, a long line of hungry residents had already formed. Within minutes of being served, the bowls were emptied and the residents returned for more until every bit was devoured.

Campers and residents filing in for a bowl of gumbo

Tom and Doug resisted returning to their hotel until well after 10pm, long after our usual Haiti curfew. Doug even inquired about sharing space in the dorms as he had made numerous friends and learned more sign language then he ever thought possible.

The old saying, "too many cooks in the kitchen" was given a new meaning during the gumbo cookout. We welcomed each and every helper and were grateful for their assistance in preparing the meal. Every chef was instrumental in the meal's success! 


One of our many goals is to help St. Vincent's become self-sustainable so there is sufficient food for everyone all the time. Currently, staff and students receive beans and rice twice a day; on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays they receive a third portion. This reinforces our efforts to explore sustainable farming initiatives so no student is hungry again.

Yes, that is indeed ice-cold Tang® 

Dieumenne distributing candy to everyone

JACOB'S FUND: Meeting Kyle

Kyle and mom, Kelli

Have you ever met someone new, but, after spending a short period of time with them, felt like you’ve known them much longer? That was the experience of the Jacob’s Fund team when they met little Kyle and his family two short weeks ago.

Glenna, Jacob’s Fund Director, and Sonya, TRTP VP, drove to a quiet Cincinnati suburb to meet the newest recipient of a Jacob’s Fund ridership (aka a hippotherapy scholarship). The pair was warmly greeted by Kelli, Kyle’s mom, and welcomed into a very neat, organized home. After learning that both a 6- and 7-year-old live in this space, the ladies were amazed at how tidy everything was! Kelli was quick to explain that keeping a neat home creates a peaceful space for both her son and herself. 

We asked her to explain and tell us more about Kyle. Beaming with love, she proceeded to help us get to know her unique little boy, all the while keeping a watchful eye on her children.

Kyle is an adorable blond haired, blue eyed, 7-year-old with a radiant smile and infectious laugh. He adores music, especially catchy gospel songs performed by the young people on one of his favorite videos. He recognizes and can point to all of his ABCs and 123s as well as his colors, small victories for children much younger than him, but colossal milestones for someone with his challenges. 

At an early age, Kyle was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), which is characterized by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills, typically noted before 3 years of age. Symptoms may include problems using and understanding language; difficulty relating to people, objects, and events; unusual play with toys and other objects; difficulty with changes in routine or familiar surroundings, and repetitive body movements or behavior patterns. Unusual responses to sensory information, such as loud noises and lights, are also common. (Excerpts from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) 

Kyle also has epilepsy, a seizure disorder that affects the nervous system and is characterized by two or more seizures from an unknown cause. (Paraphrased from Epilepsy.com) In addition, he has hypotonia—low muscle tone—which creates balance issues causing him to fall easily.

Upon understanding that this little man has these conditions, we instantly understood the need to maintain a tidy house. Not only is the house kept in a way to maximize Kyle’s safety, but to honor his internal need for order. He likes chairs to be pushed in, doors to be closed and no clutter. It was evident to us that his parents care deeply about preparing and maintaining the best possible environment for their eldest child.

Now that you’ve met Kyle, maybe you feel like you know him too. Stay tuned for our next post that explains why Jacob’s Fund has taken an interest in this exceptional child!

CAMP JAKE: Camp Director visits St. Vincent's

St. Vincent's students greeting Tom

As you've read on many occasions, Tom travels to Haiti often during each year to see his friends at St. Vincent's. But there is no time where residents celebrate his arrival more than the visit that takes place 8 weeks before Camp Jake. This trip—May 15th through 20th—was no exception!

As he pulled through the gates of St.Vincent's, former campers emerged from the dormitories, kitchen, clinic, classrooms and convened at the SUV. Even as he opened the door, campers pummeled him with questions about camp in French, English and in sign language:

• which counselors were returning from Camp Jake 2012?
• what activities were planned for the upcoming camp?
• are they going to the same resort?

Several even pulled Tom aside following his visit and shared that Camp Jake was truly the one event they look forward to each year and asked that he promise they will always have Camp Jake. Of course, Tom answered that as long as he was around and there were campers as eager as they were to attend, there would always be a Camp Jake!

His answer brought a smile to each camper's face as well as the entire The Red Thread Promise team.

Tom and Samuel at Camp Jake / July 2012

JACOB'S FUND: Expansion dreams come true!

Glenna greeting Amazzing, one of the therapy horses

That’s right.You read the title correctly. 
The Red Thread Promise is standing on the threshold of a brand-new relationship with a PATH certified hippotherapy center in southwestern Ohio! While we will continue working with the kids and staff of McKenna Farms, our long-term partners in Georgia, The Red Thread team has longed to provide hippotherapy and therapeutic riding to children in other areas. Now, we are making that dream a reality.

Recently, Glenna (Jacob’s Fund Director) and Sonya (TRTP VP) traveled to Hilltop Equestrian Center in beautiful rural Ohio. Less than an hour’s drive from many of the more populated cities and towns in the area, Hilltop is staffed with AHA certified therapists who are ready to work with our children. During our conversation, we quickly established that both organizations share many common goals and basic principles, agreeing that:

• Hippotherapy and therapeutic riding opens the door to new worlds for youngsters with disabilities; and
• A family’s economic circumstance should not prevent a child from receiving therapy. 

It was the start of something beautiful.

One wing of Hilltop's stables

Glenna, Jacob's Fund Director, and the Hilltop staff

Jim Hazelwood, Program and Events Director at Hilltop, and Amy Day, Master of Physical Therapy, guided the tour through the facility as we discussed practical matters such as: 

• how often hippotherapy is offered
• how many children receive therapy
• how many therapy horses are in use
• how long sessions are and associated costs
• their therapist qualifications; and  
• the certifications of the facility.

One of Hilltops littlest riders during hippotherapy

The indoor arena

As we’ve mentioned in previous posts, providing services like this goes far beyond the technical aspects. We were eager to hear what Hilltop does for families as a whole. With a goal of enriching all family members’ lives, a pre-screening consultation is required for entry into any Hilltop program so that staff can get to know not only the child receiving therapy, but the family also. Hilltop also provides numerous programs for other family members including adults, teens and typically developing siblings in addition to therapy services. 

When we left, Hilltop welcomed The Red Thread Promise to visit, observe, take photos and interview staff, children, and families anytime.  

Learning horsemanship

This was music to our ears as we do our best to share the progress of the children we support with you. In an upcoming post, you’ll meet Kyle, the first child Jacob's Fund will be sponsoring at Hilltop. Stay tuned and be prepared to fall in love with this precious little boy!

JACOB'S FUND: From a Jacob's Fund mom

Cameron and Landon, Jacob's Fund kids

Only a week ago we honored our mothers on Mother’s Day. Since Jacob’s Fund’s work not only affects the children receiving therapy, but also their entire families, we thought you’d like to from a Jacob’s Fund mom.

Cameron and Landon received riderships from Jacob’s Fund earlier this year so they could continue their hippotherapy at McKenna Farms. Here’s what their mother, Melissa, has to say about their progress:

Cameron is not the same boy he was last year. His speech defect was downgraded from severe to mild in all areas!

What a joy it is to be able to have a conversation with my son! I have gotten to know him on a much deeper level since his therapy began. Now he can tell me “I like that” or “I don’t like that.” He no longer screams bloody murder when we brush his teeth or hair or try to put lotion on him. He does these things on his own!

At the beginning of August 2012 he wouldn’t even attempt to play with other children. If you could only see him now! I have to make Cameron leave when he is interacting with other kids. We rejoice over the tiniest victories because each one demonstrates the progress he is making.

Landon has also made great strides. He can communicate basic needs now. His teacher even videotaped him singing with his class the other day. We recently took him back to a developmental pediatrician who prescribed new medication for him. Within a short time he was playing with toys again for the first time in a week. Small victories!

I thank God for lighting my path last year. At a friend’s barb-b-que I met Shelly who told me of McKenna Farms and hippotherapy. I met Jesse, director of the farm, who introduced me to Jacob’s Fund. Through the help of all these angels, we are getting to see our real sons shine through.

Please continue to pray for our family. Every day is a new journey and we take leaps of faith along... but I know God will supply our needs. He has thus far. Thank you so much for the opportunities Jacob’s Fund has given my children, for helping to restore a broken family who is enjoying getting to know their very special sons.

We will continue to keep you updated on the twins’ progress. Your support continues to help make this possible through either one-time or continuing gifts.

CAMP JAKE - Wish list

Jean enjoying some free time at camp in Jan 2012

People continue to ask how they can support Camp Jake 2013. Here is another opportunity! Below is a list of items that are needed for camp that will be re-used year after year. Items still needed are in red.

APPAREL

70 – pairs swim shoes - DONATED - THANK YOU!
70 – backpacks - DONATED - THANK YOU!
70 – 100% cotton beach towels - DONATED - THANK YOU!

Claurrician working on a masterpiece!

ART SUPPLIES

30 – bottles Deco Art Americana 2 oz. acrylic paint -

various colors of your choice
10 – digital cameras
sewing machine needles - DONATED - THANK YOU!

10 – sets Crayola markers - DONATED - THANK YOU!

Older campers always enjoy playing cards

GAMES

3 – THE GAME OF SET cards

3 – sets pick up sticks
2 – sets of Checkers / boards - DONATED - THANK YOU!
2 - sets wooden blocks - DONATED - THANK YOU!
2 – sets braille dominoes - DONATED - THANK YOU!

3 – playing cards - DONATED - THANK YOU!

3 – UNO cards - DONATED - THANK YOU!

3 – sets dice - DONATED - THANK YOU!

3 – sets jacks - DONATED - THANK YOU!

Moise loves everything and anything that has to do with a ball

SPORTS

3 – durable high quality single jump ropes
3 – durable high quality double-dutch jump ropes
3 – inflatable basket balls - DONATED - THANK YOU!

3 – inflatable soccer balls - DONATED - THANK YOU!

3 – inflatable volley balls - DONATED - THANK YOU!

3 – inflatable red rubber balls - DONATED - THANK YOU!

One of the many jam sessions from Camp Jake July 2012

MUSIC

11 – earbuds (standard peg style jacks)

any type of musical instrument that can be hand-carried

MAKE-UP

appropriate for dark skin tones - DONATED - THANK YOU!

MISC

travel size laundry pods or packages

If you or an organization you know is interested in donating any of the items listed, please email Kathy to specify what you'd like to donate and the quantity. Kathy will supply a shipping address for these items. Please do not ship to our Havertown address. We will be dividing up the supplies among our counselors from across the states who will be hand-carrying everything into Haiti for camp in July. Thank you for your continued support.

CAMP JAKE - Camper gift list

Mackenson receiving his backpack full of supplies from Camp Jake / July 2012

For those who have asked how they can support Camp Jake 2013—a summer camp experience for Haitians with disabilities—here is the perfect opportunity! Below is a list of items that will be gifts to the campers for use at camp and beyond:

70 – athletic exercise shorts - adult & child size - 20 received; 50 needed

70 – pairs ankle socks: adult & child size - DONATED - THANK YOU!

70 – containers of shea / cocoa butter - DONATED - THANK YOU!

70 – stainless steel water bottles - DONATED - THANK YOU!

70 – toothbrushes - DONATED - THANK YOU!

70 – tooth paste - DONATED - THANK YOU!

70 – small toiletry bags - DONATED - THANK YOU!

35 – digital wrist watches

35 – bottles of sunscreen - DONATED - THANK YOU!

30 – deodorant sticks - DONATED - THANK YOU!

30 – compact mirrors 

15 – braille wrist watches - DONATED - THANK YOU!

If you or an organization you know is interested in donating any of the items listed, please email Kathy to specify what you'd like to donate and the quantity. Kathy will supply a shipping address for these items. Please do not ship to our Havertown address. We will be dividing up the supplies among our counselors from across the states who will be hand-carrying everything into Haiti for camp in July. Thank you for your continued support.