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In the fall of 1978, Fr Thad Rudd talked to Jeff Gaver at a Rotary Club Meeting about going to Haiti as part of a Mission work group. Thus was born the dream that became "Ventures in People".
Fr. Rudd had been to Haiti on prior Mission trips and was familiar wiht 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 wiht 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 Epicopal School and Churh. A few contruction 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 werre loved fo rtheir 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 roject began to take root.
Interest remained about Haiti Project. There were many things that could be done and there were more people that wnated 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 begining 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 Chruch 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 Easster 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,m the 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 twith professionals in various helath 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 possiblity of a working relationship wiht 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 adition to being a Veterinarian. He graduated in May of '87.
What started as a "litle visit" to a far away coutnry ahs 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 wit the goal of "HELPING HAITIANS TO HELP EHMESELVES".
As we prepare to celebrate the 30th Anniversay of VIP in 2009, we will continue wit the History in our Newsletters.
THE PAST IS HISTORY - THE FUTURE IS A MYSTERY - TODAY IS THE GIFT (PRESENT)!
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