The VIP Experience - More than a trip!

Just because volunteers aren't paid doesn't mean they're worthless...it just means they are priceless!

Ventures In People Haitian experience - more than a trip! We're pleased to hear of your interest in participating in our VIP activities in Haiti. The following is information that we feel will be helpful to you.

Our Mission: to bring hope to the Haitian people through appreciating and supporting their efforts to become self-sufficient.

Our Vision: we undertake projects that bring hope to the Haitian people through programs that promote health, education and community.

VIP offers an unforgettable and rewarding humanitarian and cultural experience. Just 2,000 miles from Wisconsin - just 5 1/2 hours flight time - just 10 or 14 days of your time - A Passport is required!

We know the global consciousness of people is becoming more and more attuned to the needs of developing countries. Ventures In People recognized that need in Haiti with its first trip in 1979 to provide health care to areas that had no access to health care before.

VIP is an independent, volunteer, non-profit 501c3 organization. VIP has grown from the original primary health care endeavors, (the first health care delivered to the Mirebalais area in the Central Plateau through village visits) to community building through outreach activities, an education sponsorship program, and 4-H Clubs.

VIP teams are somewhat task oriented. Although that implies the need for special skills, all groups need assistants who can help with the tasks and support the work. People from all walks of life are needed - from health care professionals and para-professionals, maintenance workers, homemakers, veterinarians, youth, "jack-of-all-trades - and the list goes on. You may want a vacation from your usual job and get involved in something different.

Options for participation: 4H Club Meetings with projects, teaching crafts and /or health care subjects, goat care, gardening and subjects suggested by the Haitian 4H Leaders.

Also: Visits and/or participation in Mothers Club Meetings, - Visits to the Shelter for Elderly and Handicapped, Orphanage, Schools, Worship Services, Rotary Meeting, and other community activities and events.

Lodging: Is arranged by the Trip Leader. Guest houses and hotels are chosen with care.

In the short run, Haitians have been badly hurt by turbulent times in government and natural disasters. In the long run YOU CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE WITH YOUR PARTICIPATION!!

Cost: Included are all lodging, meals, and transportation in Haiti pertaining to VIP planned activities. Costs do not include personal expenses or side trips. Itineraries are customized to accommodate each group. Present cost is $750.00 for 10 days - $900.00 for 14 days. Costs are subject to price changes in the US or Haiti plus airfare.

Travel Plans: Transportation to Milwaukee or Chicago is usually arranged by the Trip Leader to assure "Group Travel". Payment for Airfare is arranged for with Trip Leader.

AN ORIENTATION FOR EACH GROUP TAKES PLACE WHEN ENROLLMENTS AND TRIP PLANNING ARE COMPLETE.

Further information will be provided upon request to trips@viphaiti.org or Heidi 262.338.8254 / Geroge 262.335.3237.

Everyone's safety is a matter of concern to VIP and our associates in Haiti. We monitor the feasibility of travel closely through informed personnel in Haiti and the US State Dept., Washington DC. All trip participants are registered with the American Consulate in Port au Prince, Haiti stating our location in Haiti for communication at all times.

THE CHALLENGE IS COMMITMENT - THE OPPORTUNITY IS SERVICE
The diversity of programs and projects offered by VIP provides opportunities to share in the activities and tasks with Haitians.

The experiences provide unique work experiences, cultural immersion and social activities - an opportunity to see things "through Haitian eyes".

CHANGE IS TAKING PLACE, but for the average Haitian the process will be too slow without outside help - THAT'S WHERE YOU COME IN!!

Gearing up for Scheduled trips

Our Volunteer teams and our planned trips are great ways to help by becoming a part of this experience. We generally plan both Winter and Summer trips so most people, including College students can fit this into their schedule. We are always in touch with both the US Government as well as local Haitian leaders through Email communications. Please email trips@viphaiti.org if you are interested in joining us or in learning more about a scheduled trip. You'll be glad you did!

When the diversity of skills and talents of participants are known we are able to match you with VIP program needs. Please list any special ideas or suggestions you may have for your participation. We feel VIP's presence in Haiti which has continued these many years (despite political unrest at times and other distractions) allows us to be sure the funds, supplies and equipment we provide are directly utilized by/for those who need them most.

Comments from Former Trip Participants

• I wanted to experience life in a third world country and work with others toward a common goal and my mission was accomplished.
• Thanks to everyone who made my experience better!
• It opened my mind to think about how much is needed and how fortunate we are.
• VIP took good care of the group and I appreciate all the time involved in all the planning.
• I had a wonderful time and definitely consider this the best travel experience I have had.
• Thank-you for all the hard work that makes such a momentous experience possible.
• We had a great group of people with 3 young adults (7th, 8th & 9th grades) who were a pleasure to be with.
• I didn't expect to have an ice cream sundae in LesCayes!!
• I didn't think I would have to think about water SO much!!
• Haitian people always give to me more than I give to them.
• My overall experience was an eye opener to Haiti's condition and positive for me.
• While I've been to other 3rd world countries (India & Africa), I don't remember ever being exposed to the kind of poverty in Haiti. Efforts of groups like VIP are very much appreciated.

Current Trip Participants - Pay Trip Fees

Pay Online Using Pay Pal or Credit Card
If you have alredy registered for a VIP trip to Haiti and would like to make a trip payment please click this button:
Mail a Check to Ventures in People
Please make checks payable to Ventures in People Foundation, Inc.
Please mail to: Ventures in People Foundation, Inc. ATTN: Trips P.O. Box 1150 West Bend, WI 53095 It is kindly requested that you include a brief note designating the funds should be used to cover trip fees. Doing so will help to ensure your contributionsare used according to your wishes.

To learn more about these life-changing trips click here or email trips@viphaiti.org.