VIP Haiti

Fr. Rudd had been to Haiti on prior Mission trips and was familiar with the Montrouis area along the coast. His initial intent was to go to Nicaragua, Wisconsin's "Sister State". He was thwarted in that effort by political upheaval which made the country unsafe for travel. Since he had promised to lead a group, he used his contacts in Haiti to find a village to serve. The village was Mirebalais which had no health care whatsoever. A group of 25 people went on the first trip in February 1979 and worked with the parish of Fr. Fritz Lafontante.

The group established a small out-patient clinic in a community building that was available near St. Peter's Episcopal School and Church. A few construction projects were started and several out-patient clinics were visited.

The group stayed in the Lafontante home and an old mansion across the street. At night they would walk through the community making many friends, especially among the children. (Some of those children have grown up to be good friends as well as helpers to us.)

The group had a doctor, two veterinarians, optometrist, lab tech, electrician and LOTS of helpers.

Besides the Mirebalais area the group visited Montrouis Settlement and toured and of course shopped in Port au Prince. Cap Haitian on the North Coast and the Citidel, a fort built to protect the island from Napoleaon's attack, were also visited.

There were good times, bad times - happy times and sad times. The Haitians were loved for their cheerful outlook and friendliness. But, the poverty which abounded was depressing. Most of the people on the trip wanted to return the next year and the project began to take root.

Interest remained about Haiti Project. There were many things that could be done and there were more people that wanted to visit the area. As a result the relationship was continued. Valuable information was gained from a visit with Dr. Wm. Larimer Mellon who founded Schweitzer Hospital in Des Chapelles in 1956. A project was organized under the sponsorship of the Oconomowoc Rotary Club and Zion Episcopal Church called "Haiti In '80". And so the second year began with planning for more trips.

HAITI in '80 and '81 and so on - interest grew and so groups were larger and more diversified in talent. More things were beginning to be realized and new projects emerged. It was becoming obvious that a broader approach was needed so toward the end of '81 Haiti Project was incorporated and named Ventures in People Foundation Inc.

A grant of $47,000 from the Nat'l Episcopal Church provided enough funds for VIP to build a school and clinic in Petit Fond as well as drill a well.

The first youth group went at Easter time in '82. They worked in Mirebalaisa and with Mother Theresa's Sisters of Charity in PauP at a waterfront clinic and orphanage. An unforgettable experience, to say the least. (Yes, THE Mother Theresa) Another youth group went in '83.

With the same kind of enthusiasm shared by the youth, the VIP Board decided to invite youth into the adult groups. The advantage was that they could work with professionals in various health care and service vocations. Many of them have gone into service work as a result of their experiences. Working in a Third World country for even just 2 weeks has lasting impressions!

By the end of '82 the Community Hospital building was reaching completion in Mirebalais.

VIP looked into the possibility of a working relationship with Eye Care Haiti to broaden its' involvement and help VIP take a community approach. We could better meet the needs and challenges of the Haitians and provide opportunity for greater outreach into the remote mountain areas.

By the fall of '83, Jeff Gaver returned to the UW Madison to become a "people doctor" in addition to being a Veterinarian. He graduated in May of '87.

What started as a "little visit" to a far away country has become a major health and sociological force in Haiti. The project has become greater than a few people. It has always been a group effort - dynamic, vital - with ups and downs along the way - but always with the goal of "HELPING HAITIANS TO HELP THEMSELVES".

Under the IRS rules for charity foundations, VIP has enjoyed almost three decades of providing aid, education, and economic development opportunities through volunteer services in Haiti.

Your tax deductible contributions enable us to continue helping, leading and guiding Haitians to help themselves. Contributions may be sent to Ventures in People Foundation Inc. P.O. Box 1150, West Bend, WI 53095.

All contributions are acknowledged.

"Don't walk behind me - I might not lead; don't walk in front of me - I may not follow. Walk beside me and be my friend."

This well describes VIP's objective of "helping Haitians help themselves".

RECOLLECTIONS OF A FOUNDER - Dr. Jeff Gaver - written in 1989