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A Plan for Haiti’s Schools
New York Times - Editorial
August 16, 2010
A plan to build a new education system in Haiti is one of the most encouraging things to emerge from the rubble of the Jan. 12 earthquake.
Visitation Clinic Mourns Death of Staff Member
The Visitation Clinic lost one of its well-loved staff members, Tasilia Vengelus, fondly known as "TAZI," who died last week after an unexpected illness.
Fr. William Bevington Breakfast Raises over $17,000 for VHF
A breakfast to honor former Board president and long-time supporter, Rev. William Bevington of Hendersonville, TN was a huge success, and donations amounted to over $17,000 for VHF.
Those who gathered for the breakfast included the Most Rev. David Choby, Bishop of the Diocese of Nashville; State Senator Douglas Henry; femaile vocalists Katrina Ray and guests from throughout the Nashville Diocese. Presentations were made by Theresa Patterson, Founder of VHF; Edward Johnston, former Board member; Fran Rajotte, Director of Development and Communications; Art Judy, Executive Director of VHF; Tom Negri, General Manager of Loew's Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel; and Fr. Wil Steinbacher, who offered the closing prayer. Fr. Bevington offered his thanks and was presented with an enlarged framed photo of him riding a donkey in Haiti. The mat around the photo was signed by guests during the breakfast.
"We are so grateful to Fr. Bevington for all he has done for us," said Rajotte. "Not only has he allowed us to honor him with this breakfast and raise a significant amount of funds for VHF, but several years, at his retirement, Fr. Bevington requested that in lieu of gifts that donations be made to VHF in his name. He is a great priest and a great friend."
Since the earthquake hit Haiti on January 12, 2010, life in Haiti has changed everywhere. Hundreds of thousands have left Port-au-Prince for rural areas. But the rural towns and villages are often ill equpped to receive them. In some ways, our nearby town, Petite Riviere de Nippes, is typical. Mayor Patrick tells us that over 1,100 homes have been damaged by the quake. At the same time, over 6,000 refugees have arrived "destitute, homeless, and without clothes." This leaves many sleeping outdoors under tarps or tents as the rainy season begins, with its mud, flooded roads and malaria carrying mosquitos. 
Our only car caught on fire and our clinic administrator is now using a motorcycle to drive to Miragoane and Port-au-Prince to pick up food, water, and supplies. We are in desperate need of two trucks to carrry people and supplies. The cost of one vehicle is roughly $32,000, since in Haiti, we need heavy duty trucks to withstand travel on difficult roads. If you think you can help with a gift to cover the cost of a truck, please call us at 615-673-3501.
