Haiti (MNN/Bethany) — Bethany Global, a division of Bethany Christian Services–a global nonprofit organization committed to bringing and keeping families together, today announced its launch of social services in Haiti. Bethany is working side-by-side the Haitian government and in-country partners to serve vulnerable children in Haiti.
(Photo courtesy of Bethany Christian Services)
Working through a local church in Port-Au-Prince, Bethany is recruiting families to undergo its rigorous foster care training program, and anticipates serving 60 children by summer 2016.
“On the first day training, we hoped for 50 people to participate and received 85. On the second day, we received 120. On the third day, we had over 200 people show up and had to turn some away,” said Pastor Vijonet Demero, Country Director for Bethany Haiti.
In spring 2014, Bethany Global launched Operation Exodus to serve vulnerable families living in the tent cities around Port-Au-Prince. This project strengthens families through economic and psycho-social support. Relocation to safe housing is a priority, along with financial sustainability, skills training, and the health and well-being of the children in the families.
(Photo courtesy of Bethany Christian Services via Facebook)
“The concept of foster care and adoption outside of kinship was virtually unknown in Haiti,” said Kristi Gleason, senior director of Bethany Global. “We are working within cultural norms to train staff and families in the best practices we employ in the U.S.”
For more information about the Haiti program, click here.
For more information on Bethany Global, click here.
