Haiti Relief | 2011
Summer Camp Gives Haitian Children the Chance to
Play, Learn and Heal | September 2011
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.
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The Gift of Mobility | July 2011
It has been a long and challenging process getting this container of wheelchairs to Haiti. Months of fundraising, thousands upon thousands of dollars, countless emails refining details with the manufacturer, 45 days on the sea en route to Haiti, piles of paperwork and finally navigating the Haitian government’s “process” in port and customs. But it is so worth the effort.
The culminating event was no Hollywood production (as much as we would have liked one!). It was a small group of dirty, hot Americans and Haitians working together to distribute the new chairs to St. Vincent’s students, alumni and community members.
In our best effort to practice responsible wheelchair provision, all recipients were brought to the courtyard at the school. Unlike many organizations, we do not believe in a “one size fits all” philosophy.
 Four different size wheelchairs were set up outside Fr. Sadoni’s office. The older children and young adults capable of making their own decisions were able to test drive multiple chairs to determine which one was the right fit and would best suit their individual needs. Ronald helped up select the proper size wheelchairs for the youngest children who were waiting for us in the dormitory.
Caravanning the empty wheelchairs from the storage space to St. Vincent’s school
As soon as all sizes had been determined, the team set out to the storage area to gather the appropriate chairs. One of the recipients, Rony, followed us and waited patiently outside so he could be first. As soon as he selected the one he wanted, he hopped in and was spinning around in an instant, practically doing a dance with his new wheelchair! He immediately requested a pen so he could mark it with his name that he proudly wrote on the backrest. He even stayed to help Sonya affix the stickers to the chairs.
Rony trying out his new chair
Adding his John Hancock to the backrest
Proud and Tall!
Unlike the frantic rice and water distributions following last year’s earthquake, the process at St. Vincent’s was calm. All the chairs were set out in rows, delineated by size while recipients eyed the chair that they wanted.
 One by one, each person climbed into his or her new seat, some independently while others required assistance. A few were tentative, moving gingerly and slowly, testing out the brakes and the maneuverability of the mountain bike tires that are so different than the smooth hospital wheels they are accustomed to. Others were quickly trying to figure out how they could do tricks, pop wheelies and fly around the courtyard!
 While their reactions varied greatly, audible thank you’s in Kreyol, English, French and sign language abounded.
Much to our surprise, some of the older boys chose not to accept a new chair. The puzzled looks on our faces prompted Jean Robert to ask why. The young men said they couldn’t play basketball in them! One boy explained that the thick all terrain wheels (meant for traversing rough terrain) wouldn’t allow the fluid movement necessary for wheelchair basketball. While unexpected, we respected their decision and, of course, now we are researching sports wheelchairs to include in coming shipments.
Since school had ended at St. Vincent’s right after our departure earlier in June, many of the students were on summer break with their families and unavailable to receive their chairs that day. However, there are plenty for them all when school returns!
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St. Paul's SEXTON goes GLOBAL
 John Joseph (left) had the chance of a lifetime in May 2011. Never having traveled internationally, John jumped at the chance. But a tourist destination wasn't his goal: he wanted to go to Haiti.
Why Haiti? The answer to that question begins five years ago with Hurricane Katrina. John is one of the brave souls who was unable to evacuate and weathered the storm in New Orleans. Like 1,000s of others, he lost everything during the violent hurricane except for his life. St. Paul's parish was his life preserver during the months and years following the storm. People he didn't know came to his aid and helped him rebuild his life. He was a changed man.
Five years had passed when John learned about the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Throughout the course of 2010, he heard about The Red Thread Promise's work in Haiti and approached Kathy (above) about traveling with the group. The Haitian's experience was so similar to his own-a devastating act of God that took everything-he couldn't just walk away and do nothing. He felt that God was calling him to go and he listened. Within weeks, his passport application was sent and the fundraising began. Before he could blink, John was on the plane to Port-au-Prince to work at St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children. He rolled up his shirt sleeves and began to pay it forward.
Since his return from Haiti, John is again a changed man. This experience left a lasting imprint on his life. When asked to share his observations about Haiti, John had this to say: "Seeing the Haitians the way I did, they need way more than I can give. They are strong - the earthquake didn't stop them from 'keeping on'. Even though conditions are bad, the people still have pride about themselves. Their tight knit families are impressive. Haitians believe in working to feed themselves. It's hard to put how I feel into words because it's cheating them; it's cheapening the experience. They have nerves to hang in there with the mess they deal with day-to-day; to wait for something better. There is so much to be done - they need a lot. They really need a lot."
We are so encouraged by John's enthusiasm and his eagerness to return to Haiti to continue being the hands and feet of Christ.
To read about John's work at St. Vincent's, please visit The Red Thread Promise's blog.
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Saturday, May 7, 2011 Camp Jake Richard
Fund the Fun!
We are SO excited to announce our newest program in Haiti!
INTRODUCING CAMP JAKE RICHARD, the first summer camp for St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. For the precious orphans of St. Vincent’s, Camp Jake Richard will turn a long, hot summer with no family, no school, and no respite from cultural ridicule into a summer to remember.
 ABOUT THE CAMP Camp Jake Richard is an annual summer camp especially for the disabled children of St. Vincent’s. Located at a former monastery on the beach in Montrois, on the northern coast of Haiti, the camp will be held for two, 10-day sessions each summer.
The children of St. Vincent’s will travel just 2.5 hours north by bus to reach the camp that is worlds away from their everyday lives in the city.
There they will be greeted by a volunteer staff of counselors with varying backgrounds, chosen for their ability to provide both a fresh and cohesive camp experience.
Staff will include interpreters for the deaf, musicians, artists, cooks, craftspeople and mentors to help with the children’s physical limitations.
 While at camp, the children will be encouraged to express themselves creatively, to let loose physically and emotionally, and to explore life in ways that will broaden their horizons and deepen their self confidence.
Camp Jake Richard is designed to remove physical, mental and emotional barriers, giving the kids the opportunity to engage in:
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Creative arts therapy, such as sculpting, painting, music, sewing and jewelry making, which will be both fun and therapeutic, as well as teach valuable skills to enable career opportunities after graduation.
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Physical, life and social activities, including sports, aquatics, baking, cooking and a special Olympics designed to free them of any physical affliction, impediment or fear. redthreadpromise.
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Easter Challenge and Beyond April 2011
When we visited St. Vincent's in mid March, 2011, many of the children complained of abdominal pain during their examination. It didn't take the physicians long to determine that they were not sick—but hungry. Many were very thin and underweight, although they didn't display some of the tell-tale signs of malnourishment, such as the tips of their hair being red instead of black. We trust that it is because of the arsenal of vitamins at St. Vincent's clinic being distributed on a daily basis that is helping in this manner. However, it is very disturbing to see these children suffering from something as vital as insufficient food.
As a result of the earthquake, essential funding for St. Vincent's program was lost. Unfortunately, this has come with a high price for the 185 children in their care, 90 of which live at St. Vincent's. Hard decisions have to be made, such as:
Do we buy water or food for the students today?
How many times can we afford to feed them all this week?
 It is with this in mind that we have reached out to many of our large donors and organizations that have supported our programs in the past.
Recently, The Episcopal Diocese of Olympia (Washington state) has taken up this cause and partnered with us to feed St. Vincent's children. The Diocese of Olympia has challenged the Diocese of Louisiana to have every member of their respective organizations donate $10 to buy food for St. Vincent's.
Ten dollars can make a world of difference to these children. $10 will feed 1 child for 2 weeks, a minimum of 2 meals per day. Who would have thought that for the price of 2 or 3 gourmet coffees that you could feed a child in Haiti for 2 weeks. What a blessing to be able to give so little and make such a huge impact on a child!
Today, we challenge you to do the same.
We ask you to consider sponsoring one of these precious children for two weeks, a month or a year. For the price of a few runs through your favorite drive-thru, you can provide 2 meals per day for a child for an extended period of time.
$10 - 2 weeks of food for a child
$20 - 1 month of food for a child
$240 - 1 year of food for a child
$3500 - 1 month of food for all 185 children
Please contact The Red Thread Promise to make your pledge today. You can use our PayPal link on the home page to make a one-time gift. If you are interested in sponsoring a child for an extended period of time, please contact Kathy by email at kathy@redthreadpromise.org or call 817.320.6522.
Thank you!
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Traveler's Thoughts - Rebuilding Lives | February 2011
During our trip in February, we met too many fascinating people to list. One that comes to mind is The Rev. Canon Bill Squire, a retired Episcopal priest and former director of St. Vincent’s. His kind spirit emanated through Fr. Sadoni’s office as we spoke and he gave us the uncanny feeling that we were long-time friends. Canon Squire shared some brief historical information about St. Vincent’s while our group ventured outside the present facility’s walls and walked to the location of the former compound.
Traveler’s Thoughts – St. Vincent’s Clinic Observations and thoughts from a Critical Care House Physician
 At first glance, the clinic building itself impressed me. It is a very simple, versatile structure that could be adapted to many purposes as the needs of St. Vincent’s change over time. (I wonder how hard these buildings get used during normal years, but would suspect this facility should last as long or longer than most other temporary structures. I wonder how the room will fare during hurricane season. Tom, no doubt, would have a better understanding of this.)
It was refreshing to see that each clinic room had a window that opens into the hall and to the outside, allowing some natural light and a bit of ventilation. All rooms had electric lights and fans overhead as well as more electrical outlets than expected. In addition, there was a toilet and sink with running water at the end of the hall. Considering the destruction of the much of the city's infrastructure, this was an unexpected bonus.
Dear St. Paul's donors (in prayer, time and resources):
Video: St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children / Episcopal Diocese of Haiti
Check it out. Dianna is adorable. In her new All Terrain Wheelchair donated by TRTP with donations from St. Paul's, Dioceses of LA and Olympia, individuals, other denominational churches from US, Canada, England. Just goes to show that together we can and do make a difference.
 On this site if you scroll down to older posts you'll find still photos of Dianna in her chair.
THANK YOU everyone for your generous donations. My face glows when I see little ones like Dianna smiling and getting around.
We continue to collect donations for our next container of ATWs and medical supplies for the clinic at St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children. Please, if you want, share this video with others.
Again, thank you all.
Wishing you a blessed day,
Kathy Kathy Korge Albergate
President
Remembering Hati
The Times-Picayune, January 14, 2011
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Donation Update from St. Pauls
January 2011
Dear Church Women Across All Borders:
As we shared with you in fall 2010, the children of St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children school and medical facility lost their church, school, dormitory and medical facilities on January 12, 2010 when a 7.0 earthquake devastated their home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. In response to this catastrophe, the Episcopal Dioceses of Louisiana and Olympia (WA) and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church-Lakeview (LA) have partnered with The Red Thread Promise (TRTP), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, to help support the children who call St. Vincent’s home and rebuild the facility.
Our first goal was to provide All-Terrain Wheelchairs (ATWs) for those who lost limbs and their mobility in the earthquake. In October, The Red Thread Promise sent out emails and donor requests to Episcopal and Presbyterian churches in the US, Canada, Australia, England, Europe, New Zealand and South Africa requesting donations toward these specialized wheelchairs. The response was astounding!
 Thanks to your generous contributions, this appeal raised over $30,000 that funded a full shipping container of ATWs and medical supplies! The container, which is ready to leave the manufacturer and set sea toward Port-au-Prince in 2011, will include:
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110 All-Terrain Wheelchairs (see photo)
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110 tire pumps and 110 patch kits to maintain tires
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48 canes and 48 crutches (for those not requiring a wheelchair)
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1 each of 3 different styles of specialized wheelchairs (to test and evaluate the need in Haiti), including a trike, recliner and porter
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2 scales to be used at St. Vincent’s clinic
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approximately 100 tarps (to be used as tents for those who are still without shelter)
But our pledge to support St. Vincent’s has only just begun. Representatives from our team are going to Haiti in February where we will assess what is needed for the next shipment, the focus of which will be to support the school for the blind and clinic.
Our initial goal is to raise $80,000.
$30k will be used to purchase the basics for the school for the blind, which includes (but not limited to):
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large brailler & repair kit
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basic brailler & repair kit
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computer(s)
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software
And, $50k will be used to supply the clinic’s basic needs including (but not limited to):
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autoclave (high-heat medical instrument sanitizer)
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beds & privacy curtains
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benches & office furniture
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lighting
I am writing to ask you, your church, family and friends to prayerfully consider your continued support for St. Vincent’s through TRTP and the Episcopal Church. We invite you to join us in rebuilding an accessible, fully sustainable and safe facility for these exceptional children at St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children.
An article by The Chronicle of Philanthropy concluded that only 38% of the $1.4 billion pledged by Americans for Haitian relief efforts has been spent to provide recovery and rebuilding aid. The Red Thread promises to deploy the funds we raise through your generous donations quickly to fulfill specific needs, providing relief, supplies and medical attention for the children and the caregivers at St. Vincent’s. Your tax-deductible contributions will directly impact the lives of Haitian children. You can follow our progress on our FaceBook page and in more detail on our blog where we give full accounts of how your donations are used.
Again, I thank each and every church for its financial support and prayers.
Wishing you a Blessed New Year,
Kathy
Kathy Korge Albergate
President, The Red Thread Promise
ECW, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church-Lakeview
4027 Dauphine Street
New Orleans, LA 70117
January 8, 2011
This February, Kathy Korge Albergate, wife of the Rev. Dr. Scott P. Albergate*, will lead a team of volunteers to St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children School and Clinic in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The children lost their church, school, dormitory and medical facilities on January 12, 2010 when a 7.0 earthquake devastated their home at St. Vincent’s.
Kathy is president of The Red Thread Promise, a non-profit organization that brings critical medical care to orphaned and needy children. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church – Lakeview and Dioceses of Louisiana and Olympia (WA) have partnered with The Red Thread Promise to help rebuild St. Vincent’s and support the center’s exceptional students.
The team, composed of doctors, interior architects, photographers and volunteers, will be visiting the center to work with more than 200 children with disabilities. With the main goal of assessing the short- and long-term needs of the students and how the partnership can best fill those needs, the team will be:
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working with Fr. Sadoni Leon, St. Vincent’s director, to understand details of the center’s scheduling of medical, volunteer and building teams, inventory systems (for medical equipment and day-to-day pharmaceutical supplies) and other critical information to ensure coordinated care for patients
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meeting with on-site doctor(s) to determine how future medical teams, including orthopedists, audiologists, ophthalmologists, optometrists, dentists and other specialists can be of service to the children
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getting to know the children personally as well as their individual physical challenges, with special emphasis on those attending the school for the blind in order to jump-start its rebuilding efforts
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bringing various supplies as requested by the director
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determining translation needs for the medical records currently available
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discussing options for the donation of an autoclave (medical instrument sanitizer)
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developing a plan ensuring an ongoing supply of pharmaceutical supplies and medicines
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possibly holding clinic hours for check-ups and vitamin supplements for the children
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hopefully be delivering a cargo container (already in port) full of wheelchairs and other supplies (as of the writing of this article, the container has not yet been released from port)
If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution toward this trip or would like to donate supplies that will be hand-carried to St. Vincent’s, please contact Kathy through The Red Thread Promise email (Kathy@redthreadpromise.org) or phone 817-320-6522.
For additional information about St. Vincent’ or the upcoming trip, please visit redthreadpromise.org or follow the group’s progress on their FaceBook page. They will be posting daily during their time in Haiti.
*The Rev. Dr. Scott P. Albergate is rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church-Lakeview, New Orleans, LA,
Dear St. Paul’s- Lakeview and Episcopal Diocese of LA:
Together we can and do make a difference.
St. Paul’s-Lakeview and the Episcopal Diocese of LA have teamed with The Red Thread Promise, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded by Kathy Korge Albergate, wife of Scott P. Albergate, Rector of St. Paul’s, to help rebuild St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children School and Clinic in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Churches and parishioners from AR, AZ, CA, HI, LA, MA, MD, NJ, OR, PA, RI, SC, TX, the UK, UT, VA, VT and WI have donated funds in excess of $33,000 to help send All Terrain Wheelchairs, canes, crutches, tarps and medical equipment to St. Vincent’s Center, in the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti.
In addition to the donations mentioned above some of the same churches and parishioners have donated to The Red Thread Promise to help in China at Swallow’s Nest, helping special needs orphans receive spina bifida surgery. Donations have also been received to go to Rivers of Hope Orphanage in Haiti, to assure the children have food, clean water and the medical attention they so need.
So yes give yourselves a pat on the back and a huge hug from all of us at The Red Thread Promise. But please continue to keep us and St. Vincent’s in your prayers and thoughts. We have only just begun. There is so much to do.
We continue to raise funds and awareness for St. Vincent’s for wheelchairs, equipment ($20,000) for the blind children at St. Vincent's Center and much needed medical equipment for the clinic, along with clean water and food.
Thank you.
Wishing you a blessed day,
Kathy Korge Albergate
President
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 Haiti Relief
A little update on St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children School and Clinic:
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St. Vincent's Center has had no cases of cholera
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St. Vincent's Center had a party this past Friday: International Day for People with Disabilities - with a mass, inaugurated the new clinic facility, little party
St. Vincent's Center is low on food for the children because they are having to use funding for clean water.
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 The Red Thread Promise along with others hope to travel to St. Vincent's Center in January to be there for the one year anniversary of the devastating earthquake, to find out first had their short, medium and long term needs and goals.
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We are finalizing the contents of a container heading to St. Vincent's Center . The majority of funds for this container were donated by St. Paul's, Episcopal churches in our diocese and across the US. Some of the much needed contents are:
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All terrain wheelchairs for children and adults (photo below)
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seat belts for the children's wheelchairs
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canes
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crutches
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scales (2) for the clinic
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3 sample wheelchairs: to see if there is a need for the designs in other Haitian clinics
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tarps: requested by Fr. Sadoni for the teachers and care givers
All Terrain Wheelchair Scale Sample
Three wheel armed Sample
Trauma / triage recliner Sample
Run around porter
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Mobility International and The Red Thread
Promise need your help to ship # all-terrainwheelchairs to Mountain Top Ministries (MTM) in Haiti. MTM is a well established
institution, providing a school, clinic and
surgery center to impoverished mountain people of Haiti. One of their chief priorities
is to help their fellow Haitians take ownership of their nation and work to defeat generational
poverty, village-by-village.
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