Transfer of FOCAS Haiti Health Organization and Programs to Food for the Hungry

After 11 years of very successful implementation of Child Survival and HIV/AIDS programs in Haiti, FOCAS has found it necessary to make a major strategy change and withdraw from these health-related activities.  The basic reasons are related to difficulty in funding the US based headquarters considered necessary to backstop and oversee direction of these activities and to pursue additional programs from the US.  The funding shortfall is exacerbated by the fact that our international work is restricted to only one country, Haiti, thus missing the ability of larger organizations to spread these costs.

With the strong objective of assuring that these very effective programs continue and in fact grow and improve in results, we explored the possibility of finding a larger PVO that would be interested in taking over the five grants/programs currently under way.  Based on compatibility of organizational mission and values, capability in development programs, particularly in the health discipline, and friendship with key leadership personnel, Food for the Hungry was approached.  It turned out that FH was already exploring the possibility of opening an office in Haiti and initiating programs there.  FH had its roots in Haiti, but no current program activity.  Discussions were quickly arranged, and went so well that we feel the hand of God was leading us.

So, a plan was developed and subsequently implemented to transfer the FOCAS Haiti Health and HIV/AIDS organization and programs to FH as of October 1, 2008.  Two of the programs were near completion and FOCAS will maintain responsibility for those, with FH acting as agent to lead the programs.

It is believed that this change will result in further improved performance on the current programs and an increased likelihood of acquiring additional funding for expanded programming.

FOCAS plans to continue its other activities in Haiti, including school sponsorship, evangelism programs, and missions trips from the US.

Gabrielle Vincent, who had served as the FOCAS HQ leader for these programs in Cincinnati, Ohio, has moved back to Haiti and is living with her husband and children in Cap Haitian.  She is serving through the end of 2008 as Transition Manager for FH in Haiti.  She can be contacted at gacent@gmail.com.

                                                                                                                           In Jesus, Lord of ALL,

                                                                                                                 Dick Taylor, FOCAS Executive Director