Mission
FHM’s mission translates into a vision of healthy families and healthy communities in Haiti.
Haiti has taught us that life is about relationships. FHM started in 1993 by developing cross-cultural friendships. By spending time together, we developed insights into local community needs, hopes and desires. As a result, our joint efforts address the goals of local communities, and are implemented by people who are motivated to see their own lives improve. Implementing plans in Haiti is frequently more challenging than we anticipate, and we have learned that those struggles often cement our resolve.
There is something in the Haitian spirit that Americans are drawn to. Haitians face unimaginable adversity with hope, love and a capacity to be loved. Our founder described his initial experience as something like a deathbed experience when he was young enough to do something about it. Haitians helped him refocus his life priorities in a way that helped him become a better husband, father, physician and friend when he returned home. Similar experiences have been described by many Americans. We would love to have you join us on this transformational journey.
2024 update
We are presently unable to travel to Haiti because of unpredictable gang violence and traveling puts our friends at risk. However, the advantage of supporting Haitians in their efforts is that their efforts are not dependent on our presence. Our women’s health center in Tom Gato has now delivered over 400 babies and our community garden in Leogane is putting nutritious food into the community. We have faced adversity together many times over the last 30+ years and we know that with time, things will change. We look forward to being back on the front porch together but until then they need our support more than ever. Please continue to support FHM financially. Michael, FHM’s in country director, goes back and forth running the gauntlet of gangs so the Haitian communities know that we are still here and we know what is going on there.
Guiding Principles
- Community-directed: Our priorities come from those we serve.
- Outcome-focused: We measure results and adjust our approach.
- Partnership-oriented: We work together to provide critical resources.
- Relationship-driven: Our lives are profoundly changed when we step into the lives of others.
Measures of Success
- Healthy families and healthy communities.
- Long-term supportive relationships with Haitian friends.
- Donors, partners and volunteers sharing and promoting FHM’s mission.
- Sufficient funds, staff and facilities to help community leaders implement their goals.
- An independent, self-sustaining Haitian-run infrastructure.