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!
Previous Stories
I was first attracted to this organization because it combines education and art. I continue to be attracted to ACFFC because of that and also because they are helping these young people to become contributing members of their community; they also do not keep any monies for overhead--unheard of in this day of non-profits. I have visited ACFFC in Jacmel several times; the children are eager learners and very respectful--something that is often rare in America. Being involved in education for 42 years, I find this to be a credible organization, both personally and professionally.
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.
Previous Stories
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.
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.
