Art Creation Foundation For Children

This is a wonderful group - they take good care of the educational and cultural needs of the member children under very difficult circumstances in Haiti. And every dollar you donate goes to the children.

I visited the Art Creation Foundation For Children's center in Jacmel on a visit to the city. I was immensely impressed by their art program, their educational instruction and their feeding program, which was engaging many children there.

Only nonprofit that I trust in Haiti! Honest and effective programming that has a great track record.

Been following this since it’s inception. So exciting to see how the children have flourished!

I am a founder. From start to now, the organization makes a huge difference for children and their families in the difficult reality which is Haiti.

I have worked with ACFFC for nine years. I've been to Haiti numerous times. If you want to know that every single penny is used on the ground and not for administration, this is the organization that delivers! If you want to have a life-changing experience, go spend some time at ACFFC! You will be a better person when you leave than when you went! Make a difference!

ACFFC is an inspirational organization. They raise money to help Haitian children attend school, and provide free after school enrichment programs to children. They also work to provide food, clean water and medical supplies to the children. Besides the material goods they given these children in need, they provide kindness and inspiration to the children they work with.

This organization makes the ordinary extraordinary. They raise money in a fun and creative way to help all walks of life. E4K and GISHWHES are some of the most rewarding events I have had the pleasure of participating in. Doing good while having fun, who can beat that?

There are few causes more worthy of support than those invested in the welfare and future of children. Which is why organizations like this are so exceptionally important. This program in paticular seems to do an excellent job at what they set out to do.

The ACFFC is such a great organization. It provides wonderful educational opportunities for both children and young adults in need and is making a real difference. The skills the children learn here will remain with them for the rest of their lives and I hope to one day be able to visit the ACFFC in person to volunteer and meet some of the incredible people involved.

There are few causes out there I can genuinely say are making the greatest impact that is in their capacity to do. The ACFFC is one of them. I've seen their work on the ground, and I've seen the way it is changing the lives of children and young adults in Jacmel. Every mosaic wall they've decorated throughout the city stands as a shining testament to the good they've done, and continue to do. In terms of butterfly effects, the ripples of this organization are tenfold. The tenacity of spirit and perseverance of everyone involved in this organization is an example to us all.

Long live the ACFFC!

The ACFFC is chock full of some of the most hardworking young adults I've ever had the privilege to meet! The artwork they create shows great talent, unique styles, and creativity extending beyond all expectations. The foundation gives these kids access to meals and an education which they may not otherwise have, and that in and of itself is invaluable. Add to that the artistry and life skills learned within the foundation itself, and the ACFFC becomes a truly outstanding program. I can't wait until my next visit!

The ACFFC's cause is one that I greatly believe in and the children they help put out the most remarkable artwork. What they do in Haiti should not go unrecognized. I have several products from them on my mantle, and am in the process of saving to sponsor one of their children. The work that goes in to this group is remarkable, and their volunteers are among the best. Anything I have ever done with them, any question I have ever had I have always received swift service and answers.

I volunteered a year ago and it was an amazing experience. I saw first hand the good works of the ACFFC. I would assist them again in a heartbeat. I wish continue success to a wonderful organization helping some awesome kids.

The art created is truly unique, benefiting not only the children/students, but the recipient as well. Young people learn a trade, while devloping as an individual and an artist.

I found ACFFC in 2007, and my life has never been the same! I have been involved in many service learning fundraisers with college students for this group. I have made many trips to Haiti to work at the foundation. I am impressed for many reasons: ALL donations go straight to ACFFC, none kept for "administrative" crap! The foundation is a wonderful combination of art and education; they are helping to teach these young people how to become self-sustaining adults and contributing members of their community. One of my students once said, "You may not change the world, but you changed the world for one person.!" That's what it's all about- changing the world, one person at a time, and the amazing thing is that as much as it changes them, it changes me more!

Haiti has monuments of aid which failed to aid, buildings without staff to help people(a uninversity, etc). ACFFC is the opposite, an organization that invest in Haiti's people, educating and encouraging it's children. I often doubt independent aid organizations, but a Haitian native I respect told me how much difference this organization makes, and how it keeps families together.

I visited Haiti twice. It's a great, cheap Caribbean vacation. But in it's markets I'd occasionally see a face which would haunt me, children and women who I just knew weren't eating regularly or were really struggling to survive. So I'm grateful to an organization which gives me hope for people who deserve it.
I've donated to a lot of causes, but i feel especially great about supporting ACFFC.

I discovered ACFFC during my first visit to Haiti one year ago. I was so impressed with the program, the staff and the children in the program that I am now involved as a volunteer on a regular basis. What I have come to learn over the past year is that the program is truly amazing. ACFFC has been able; on a very tight budget to continue to grow their program. The approach is truly unique, striving to not only provide for the children’s daily educational, food and medical needs but also within a creative environment enable the children to grow into adults equipped to utilize their talents and skills toward a goal of economic self-sufficiency. They are a family, a community all working together toward a common goal.

I've been fortunate enough to help ACFFC out since 2011. It's been wonderful to see the progress the kids have made, be able to see them grow up and have them be so involved in the creative side of life. I adore all of them and adore what Judy, George, Jen, Guy and everyone has done to help them along the way.

My husband & I became aware of this foundation through the efforts of Judy Hoffman, who is dedicated beyond words to help these children through their struggles with art and creativity. This nurtures the soul and ignites the spirit to move beyond the day to day and to keep moving forward through the lens of seeing hope and possibility through art. This organization provides the instruction, the foundation, and the inspiration for these children and they are surrounded by dedicated people every day. They all do such great work, and the children are amazing! The mosaic wall is my favorite! My husband & his company have donated tons of tile to them and we couldn't be happier when we see the pictures.
Dennis & Sara McLennand

I am so very moved by the great work ....continuing great work...that this organization does. The mindful nature of the organization's mission is at the core of all the projects they do as they involve and teach the kids and young adults to take their place in the community as leaders. The shift that the kids experience is beyond amazing.

I've worked with the ACFFC thanks to the fellow Nonprofit organisation, Random Acts. Each visit I've made has had a bigger and deeper impact upon my life. The dedication of the staff and volunteers to the school is reflected back in the joy and skills instilled in their students. It truly is the perfect example of 'what you put in is what you get out.' The staff and volunteers put in so much love and effort into the ACFFC and the evidence speaks for itself as the school continues to thrive and grow and achieve greatness for all involved.

As a working flight attendant with easy access to Haiti, I have had to pleasure of visiting ACFFC in Jacmel, and seeing first hand the benefits that the children gain in their "adopted" home. By teaching the children a skilled trade through art and crafts, the countless smiles I saw tell the real story of how the children are empowered to better their futures and by extentsion, also their immediate families. As an example, the kids have been directly responsible for changing the "face" of Jacmel by learning and participating in the mosaic resurfacing of several prominent locations throughout the community, thus incorporating many aspects of forward thinking: i.e. recycling, beautifying, tourism...etc. ACFFC is a fantastic organization committed to children's health, welfare, and the future of Haiti.

I visited the ACFFC in Jacmel Haiti to train 12 families to use ethanol cookstoves. The ACFFC was very well organized, the mothers using the stoves were very enthusiastic, and the ACFFC staff and older children helping with the pilot project were very professional. ACFFC is a combination orphanage, day care center, k-12, and vocational school whic definitely makes a life changing difference for 100 children in Jacmel. ACFFC is also playong a key role in introducing a cookstove alternative which eliminates deforestation resulting from cooking food as well as health problems from indoor air pollution. Clean, compact cooking inside the home is now a reality. Ethanol is made in Haiti.

My family has been involved with charity in Haiti for over a century; And, I have been involved with street children for some forty years. During this time I have come across some pretty dedicated souls – Nuns, priests, foreign missionaries and philanthropists each exhibiting a particular quality about them.
What is remarkable about Judy Hofmann, the founder of ACFFC are the many different qualities that she has been blessed with that make her a rare and unique gem.
Her vision, and unparallel dynamism and efficiency in making things happen coupled with that famous “no bull” attitude about her. Her tender simplicity and humbleness.
The ability to radiate and consistently transmit without verbalization to her children “you are special”, “you are gifted”, and most importantly “I love you”.
There are many in this world that complain about the darkness; Judy falls in the category of those who light the candles. Personally, I am grateful to her for making me understand that it is not enough to have compassion and do good – it must be done appropriately.

Jean-Emmanuel El Saieh

El Saieh Gallery, Port au Prince, Haiti

This organization empowers children to take charge of their future. Not only does it feed them and send them to school, but they are also taught a skill, so they will be able to support themselves in the future.

The Art Creation Foundation for Children is an outstanding organization serving children in Haiti and helping them build skills to improve their lives. It is exceptionally well run and a dynamic member of the Jacmel community. My organization works with ACFFC in a pilot project for ethanol cookstoves, to help improve the lives of the families served by the organization.

I am an artist and art teacher at a public middle school in Maryland. About 4 years ago, I wanted to start a program in my school where art students could earn student service learning hours by creating artwork that would somehow benefit other kids their age. I discovered that a good friend was on the Board of Directors for ACFFC. I had made some prototypes of small ceramic hearts as a vehicle for fundraising. He said, "We'll put them at the register and call them Hearts for Haiti." His shop is inside the Visionary Arts Museum in Baltimore- a high exposure venue. Things moved quickly: I met Judy Hoffman by phone, my school approved it and my kids jumped in with excitement. We have learned so much about Haiti, Jacmel, the school, the students, their lives and accomplishments. My kids are blown away by the art the students in Jacmel make, and in awe of what they've had to overcome. Most impressive, every single dollar of ALL fundraising goes 100% to the kids with NO expenses taken out. I know of no other non profit that does this with such consistency. The effect this school has on these kids who would otherwise live and die on the streets is literally life changing. I wish I were a better writer so that you could feel the joy I do when I think of the miracle that ACFFC is. I LOVE being a part of this family, and whenever anyone donates, purchases art, or passes the word, they become a part of this family too.

My wife and I have been involved in supporting ACFFC since the January 2010 earthquake. We learned of the foundation through its president and founder, Judy Hoffman. We have donated money and supplies to help the foundation continue its outstanding work with the beautiful children of Jacmel, Haiti. In addition, I have had the honour & privilege of traveling to Jacmel on two separate occasions to work with the students served by the foundation. The children are smart, beautiful, artistically talented, polite, and have served as a major source of inspiration for me. My only frustration is that I don't feel I have given them nearly as much as they have given me. Finally, I am so impressed with the executive director of the foundation, Georges. He is a brilliant and compassionate man who works so hard for the kids and is universally respected in the city of Jacmel. ACFFC will be apart of our lives for the rest of our years on this planet. Kevin Plough & Marna Bonde

I have had the great priviledge to have met Judy Hoffman, President and founder of ACFFC a few weeks after the major earthquake. I had experience in doing business in Haiti for over 25 years, and immediately offered to assist ACFFC after doing my research and meeting twice with Judy. She is an amazing person, and her and her staff with over 100 children does so much with so little. My business assoicaiate both in the U.S. and Haiti have also assisted in transportation, and storage moving supplies, clothing etc to Jacmel. The foundations investment in to the children will develop future leaders in many fields and help set Haiti in the right direction. We wish only the best for Judy, her children and staff of ACFFC.

This is a wonderful organization that directly helps the ones who need it most in Haiti: the children. I have had very good experience with the director and know her to be an outstanding, caring, generous and sincere person, who gives her all to the cause.I highly recommend ACFFC to all my clients and any person who wants to give money to the tragedy that is Haiti.This is a country and a people who have incredible needs, and we will continue to try to help by being supportive of ACFFC.
Sincerely,
Laurie Ahner, Galerie Bonheur

I have volunteered with ACFFC since June of 2010, working with ACFFC youth to create a very large mosaic mural in Jacmel. Working with ACFFC has been a joy. It is a wonderful organization and offers the children it serves so many opportunities.

The kids I worked with were open and creative and empowered and were able to apply the skills they have already honed in teh ACFFC program to a totally new medium, becoming experts in mosaic public art very quickly. They value a team approach and were very motivated to learn and try new things.

The kids feel like a family and the ACFFC headquarters provides a stable, loving and growthful environment for these kids.

As producer/host of the Mosaic of Art, I've interviewed several people associated with the foundation. Judy Hoffman explained the founding of the organization and its mission just a couple of weeks after the earthquake. Subsequently, a friend and colleague, Laurel True organized a mosaic mural project in Jacmel, Haiti, coordinated with Judy Hoffman and local director Georges Metellus. The children were given both design and technical education and have created an extraordinary feature for the city.
From conversations with various participants, including artist volunteers from other organizations, I am convinced of the organization's vital contribution to the children, their families and the community.

What sets this organization apart, for me, is that every dollar I give goes directly to the children; there are no mailings or donor "gifts" diverting the money from those who need it most. The knowledge that I can directly help real people who are struggling in a very poor community is comforting in some way. Kudos to this team for providing that! And as an artist myself, I appreciate that one of life's greatest pleasures is made available to children who otherwise would have very bleak lives.

As a donor who works in the nonprofit sector, I have been so impressed by this organization's efficient, low-overhead, non-bureaucratic business practice that I have asked friends and professional associates to join me in supporting it. Success is measured in human-survival metrics: kids taught, meals eaten, art supplies contributed and distributed. Philanthrocapitalism on a very small, very manageable scale.