In 2010 the country of Haiti lost an entire generation in one afternoon, as a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit the heart of Haiti. In the matter of an hour, infrastructure collapsed. Hospitals, schools and government buildings lay in ruins.

 

The world saw Haiti’s pain and came together to send rescue teams and resources, however, Haiti saw very little of the money and assistance promised to them. Rubble was never cleared, infrastructure never rebuilt, and rescue teams and help slowly began to dwindle as the world moved on. Approximately 250,000 Haitians died in the earthquake, and another 300,000 were injured. With no infrastructure to provide clean running water and sanitation, cholera broke out and ravaged the country.

 

Our family members were called forward to support in any way that they could.

As a doctor, my mother and her team treating and tending where she could.

Weaving comfort where comfort was needed. After spending time sitting with community she came back knowing that we could do more. We need to do more.

 

My family continued to gather with these communities. Gathering in a small community town of Feja we met Fred, his wife and their 10, soon to be 11 kids. This family graciously opened their home and invited my father in. It’s easy to say, we fell in love with this community, these people. We sat with their leaders, having conversations, asking them what they needed, and how we could be support. Allowing them to tell us what would best serve.

 

We have learned so much from them, our greatest teachers when it comes to tending to community and what matters most.

 

A Well. Access to clean water.

Our Children. Access to education.

Our Teachers. Receiving equitable teacher’s salary.

 

We knew it was time to do anything we could to support this community in receiving equitable rights to the best of our ability. Working alongside them to build systems and structures that had longevity and strength.

 

Together we set up a charitable effort to put the power back in the hands of the Haitian people. One that invites their voice forward, to have agency of their own.

To support their communities, children and schools.

 

Their local Feja school has 30 kids and each day includes meals and teaching.

 

How We Support?

 

The Iris Café donates a portion of every drink sale to pay teacher’s salaries.

And we do everything we can to make sure that never changes, to ensure they are getting paid adequate amount.

 

You are making a difference. Your drink is making a difference.

Every student counts, every mug counts. And for that we thank-you.