About Us
OUR MISSION IS TO TRANSITION ORPHANED
YOUTH INTO INDEPENDENT LIVING IN HAITI
In Haiti, children who grow up in orphanages and child servanthood systems are often forgotten once they age out at age 18. When released, these youth often lack the education, life skills, and emotional maturity to live a functional life of independence. As a result, many orphaned youth are left to the streets and turn to crime or prostitution to alleviate their poverty. This leads to a higher society crime rate, breaks down the family system, and contributes further to the orphan crisis.
Our Vision
We want to see orphaned youth find restored hope and be empowered to create a more stable future for Haiti.
Our Values
We believe that orphaned Haitian youth can heal, grow, and thrive in christian familial settings. We believe these young people have the potential to create generational change in their communities.
Our Name
In Luke 24, two discouraged disciples walking to Emmaus met the risen Jesus. Though they didn't recognize Him at first, journeying together opened their eyes and fully restored their hope.
We chose the name Emmaus House because we want to journey alongside Haitian youth as they encounter Christ, overcome tragedy, and discover true, lasting hope. They are never alone.
What We Believe
We believe in one God, creator and sustainer, revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Holy Bible is our inspired authority for faith and life. Salvation comes through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, and we experience abundant life the Holy Spirit. All Emmaus House staff and board members uphold these beliefs and guide our youth in Godly living.
Our programs help orphaned youth heal from the past,
be equipped for today, and find empowerment for tomorrow.
Heal from the Past
Family Homes: We believe that valuable life lessons are learned at home with loving parents. Strong family ties impact independence, making our family home at Emmaus House the foundation of our program.
Discipleship: Orphaned youth in Haiti need hope beyond their circumstances. Our discipleship program shows Emmaus House youth their vital role in the world and how to share the hope they find in God.
Mental Health: The youth at Emmaus House face severe trauma, hindering their ability to trust and connect. We provide weekly counseling with Haitian therapists to help them build resilience and heal from their past.
Equipped for Today
Sports Program: Provides sports opportunities to the youth at Emmaus House as well as youth in the community. Both a basketball court and soccer field are currently on Emmaus House’s campus. Staff and local coaches host games, tournaments, and camps year-round. During vacation months, youth participate in a running club and take frequent trips to work out at a local beach.
Individualized Plans: Every six months, youth collaborate with our staff to set measurable objectives for achieving independence, with each goal representing a vital life skill learned.
Life Skills Training: Lacking essential life skills, youth face dire choices for survival. Emmaus House teaches them crucial skills, from cooking to budgeting, enabling them to lead independent lives in Haiti.
Education: We support each youth in reaching their educational goals tailored to their grade level and career aspirations. During their transition meetings, they outline their objectives, attending various forms of schooling like secondary school, trade school, or university as needed.
Empowered for Tomorrow
Job Placement: In Haiti, orphans lack job opportunities due to limited social connections. At Emmaus House, we leverage community ties to help youth secure sustainable.
Business Program: Our six-phase Business Program helps youth achieve financial independence through business education, internships, mentor support, and opportunities for small business investments.
Follow-Up Support: Graduates remain part of the Emmaus House family, celebrating milestones mentoring new participants. They share their knowledge, such as in computer and agriculture, to enhance our mission.