My Nonprofit Reviews

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