Healing Art Missions

Healing Art Missions was founded by good friends whom i had known for several years. I helped with the annual Haitian art sale fund-raiser, send receipts to contributors, and contributed funds myself. In 2003 I went to the clinic in Dumay with the visiting team. Two images from that trip remain as vivid today as they were 18 years ago: The first is of a man lying huddled together on the clinic porch as we approached one morning. I learned later that he had prostate problems and required catherization. Such a simple thing and so easy to ease the suffering - if the help is there. The second is of a Haitian women and her daughter walking to church one Sunday morning - immaculate white dresses and a dignity unmatched anywhere. How can they manage that in the conditions under which they live? I have not been back to Haiti since. The clinic does much beyond the simpler things and needs those with medical expertise, of which i have little. But i hope those images may suggest to you why the major part of my financial giving goes to the people of Haiti.

Now, why do i choose to give it through Healing Art Missions. First, of course, i know those involved and trust them to use the funds well. But there is a more significant reason. Another image for you. Perhaps 30 years ago now, i was sitting in a college hall watching a video designed to recruit volunteers to a well-known charitable organization. Partway through, i realized that the video, i hope not intentionally, depicted a white, privileged young man coming, in his wisdom and goodness, to help a benighted, third world community - to tell them what they needed, a footbridge in this case, to improve their lives. I have been impressed over the years with the work and accomplishments of Healing Art Missions. But i have been more impressed by how it is being done. The intent has been to listen to those living in the communities Healing Art Missions serves to understand their needs and how to meet them - and to make the organization as much indigenous to Haiti and Haitians as possible. I know of no better proof of this than the strong support these communities have given to Healing Art Missions in an increasingly difficult political and social environment.

Russell Potter

I learned about Healing Art Missions while in the early stages of starting a small nonprofit in rural Nicaragua over five years ago. HAM's effective model of partnering with marginalized communities to tackle and survive unexpected challenges has been invaluable as our new organization learns to navigate during a time of increasing climate change and political unrest. Ham's focus on connecting rural Haitians with fundamental rights of water, healthcare, education and healthcare provides concrete inspiration and a powerful example of what becomes possible when an organization like HAM earns trust of partners who believe in community transformation. HAM knows it takes all of us to make a positive impact in the world. HAM is successful, sustainable, replicable and it provides hope, not only in Haiti, but also in other parts of the world as new organizations learn from HAM about best practices for supporting projects that end cycles of poverty. I'm very grateful to HAM for the model they share and the ongoing work they do. Sincerely, Judith Nichols

Healing Art Missions (HAM) has done so much, not only providing vitally needed medical care to the Haitian community, but investing in that community, providing clean water, dignified and well compensated employment opportunities, locally based medical staff, and generally ensuring that the clinic has not only a vital present but a bright future. I love to give to HAM, because I know how efficient the organization is and that I will get full value for each dollar donated. Bravo, HAM!

Having worked in the international humanitarian aid field I can say from first-hand experience that the most difficult and challenging work situations, by far, involve having an ongoing and effective presence in a developing country. The greater the lack of resources, the worse the condition of structural poverty, Haiti being a prime example. Healing Art Missions (HAM) has been a consistent presence on the ground in Haiti since 1998, working directly with the communities they serve to provide access to basic resources, such as healthcare, education, employment, and clean drinking water. I first encountered HAM in 2008, in Haiti where I was doing disaster relief work with a different nonprofit. I was deeply impressed by the HAM’s commitment to working in partnership with the community, their hiring Haitians, and the
vision and values of their leadership. Soon after I began volunteering full time with HAM and joined their board of directors. I continue to be passionately involved and committed to our mission, vision and values. I cannot think of another nonprofit more worthy of the investment of my time or money than HAM.

Paul B. Hammond

As an independent grant writer, I have reviewed the data and impact results from many nonprofits over my 20 year career. HAM stands head and shoulders above the rest. They are working in one of the harshest environments imaginable . . . and in the face of that, they offer both hope and hand-on solutions. They work in such a collaborative way with the community they serve, and they demand complete transparency across their programs. It's an honor to contribute, even in a small way, to this work.