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Highlighting the Realities Faced by Our Children

LATEST NEWS

This page provides a detailed timeline of events, communications, and media coverage related to the interactions between Mustard Seed (MS) and HaitiChildren (HC). It includes key moments such as news articles, official letters from both organizations, internal correspondence, and public statements.

The purpose of this timeline is to present a clear and factual account of what has transpired, ensuring transparency and accuracy. This compilation is intended to help media representatives and other stakeholders understand the sequence of events and the context surrounding the conflict between MS and HC.

We believe that sharing this comprehensive overview will support informed reporting and allow for an accurate representation of the situation.

Dr. Pyae Sone Phyo’s Observations:

"I was contacted to conduct a health assessment for some of your children. However, as a healthcare worker, I have observed the children's immediate environment, and I am very much concerned.

  • The compound is infested with flies; they are literally everywhere (on the children, in the dorms, and in the kitchen).
  • The garbage bins are overflowing and uncovered. The bins are too close to the dorms.
  • Food safety concerns: there were flies in the kitchen, the food pots and containers were uncovered, flies seen on them. The food for the children was in plates and was also uncovered. Poor hand hygiene practices and sanitation by staff, caregivers, and children.
  • Floor sanitation needs to adjust.
  • Thank you to the Miami Herald for covering the story of 59 of HaitiChildren's Orphans who needed rescue from Haiti from life-saving medical care.

These are just a few observations. However, if not addressed immediately, it will expose significant health risks for the children and the staff. It will take a collaborative effort to address these issues, but I am willing to assist in every way I can. My recommendation is to get the public health team involved as they will guide the process and make meaningful recommendations."

HaitiChildren’s Official Public Statement

September 7, 2024

Dear Supporters,

‍In these difficult times, our hearts are filled with both gratitude and concern as we navigate an increasingly complex and challenging situation. First and foremost, we want to extend our deepest thanks to each and every one of you—especially the Sentinel Foundation and an organization that wishes to remain anonymous—for your unwavering support. Together, we accomplished the monumental task of relocating our children from the violence-ravaged streets of Haiti to what we hoped would be the safety of Jamaica. Your generosity saved lives and brought hope where there was none. You’ll notice we are not naming the orphanage or organization who we speak of below as we recently received a rather threatening letter claiming they will sue for libel if we continue to openly speak of their involvement and our concerns.

HaitiChildren would like to give a thorough accounting of how your donations have been spent caring for the 59 orphans and their Haitian caregivers up until this report. Please click on the link to review a spreadsheet that breaks down costs incurred in Jamaica: https://docs.google.com/file/d/1S_cvSSsjYxRVYOpTS0CljDNbBAMY1OLM/edit?usp=docslist_api&filetype=msexcel

It is with a heavy heart that we must share the current state of affairs. The organization in Jamaica entrusted with our children has consistently failed to provide transparency and accountability. Despite sending $100,000 for the care of our children, this orphanage, funded in part by the Jamaican government, has refused to disclose how those funds were used. Instead, they’ve “suggested” an annual payment of $767,000—an amount we simply cannot justify without proper documentation of the actual expenses.The head of business development for this orphanage publicly stated in the Miami Herald that there would be "no charge for taking care of the children." After 14 long months of negotiations with the Haitian and Jamaican governments, we were able to get temporary “asylum” for 59 of our disabled orphans approved. Yet, today we find ourselves in a position where we are denied access to the children.

Adding to our distress, in conjunction with the government of Jamaica, this orphanage has in our opinion illegally deported 13 of HaitiChildren’s caregiving and medical staff who were given permission to travel and continue care for HC children while we sought a permanent home for them in Jamaica. After those precious staff members, who have been with our disabled children most of their lives, including our nurse, who was unjustly imprisoned for five days, those staff member are gone from Jamaica. The government of Jamaica, in connection with this Jamaican orphanage, has created an enormous deterrent for HaitiChildren to gain legal authorization to create a safe and medically capable facility for our children. Before the staff’s deportation, I was detained and beaten on my second attempt to visit Jamaica to access and to care for our children after receiving disturbing videos of them in different stages of malnutrition. Our doctor had advised referring the children for immediate hospitalization and specialized malnutrition care for those who could no longer eat on their own. One of the main reasons we had fought so hard to get those children to Jamaica from Haiti was that, due to the gang wars in Haiti, this specialized care was inaccessible. These actions raise grave concerns about the welfare of our children and the integrity of those who are supposed to care for them.

We are fighting tirelessly with the assistance of a human rights attorney to challenge these illegal and inhumane deportations. As our legal representative, Malene Alleyne, stated: “What we are facing now is a rupture in the rule of law that is extremely serious. These Haitians were stigmatized and returned to Haiti without due process. We need accountability and answers to ensure such violations do not go unchecked."

Our mission in bringing the children to Jamaica was to provide them with emergency medical care that was unavailable in Haiti. Tragically, our efforts to ensure their well-being have been obstructed. The doctor’s recommendations for our severely malnourished children have been ignored, and while this orphanage showcases our younger, healthier children of the 59 who were given asylum in Jamaica, there is no mention of the 20 severely malnourished orphans who remain in dire condition.

We are devastated. The videos we’ve received of our most vulnerable children are heartbreaking and contradict this orphanage’s claims that our concerns are baseless. The videos are disturbing and are not shared here as some things cannot be unseen. They have been shared with our human rights attorney who has shared them with the UN Rights of Disabled Persons. Our own suspicions were tragically confirmed when Susie was beaten, jailed, and barred from visiting her children after voicing these concerns. The Jamaican orphanage’s response has been to block our access and deport our caregivers, leaving us powerless to ensure our children’s safety.

“Are the children better off in Jamaica?” That question haunts Susie, the founder of HaitiChildren, daily. She risked everything to bring them here, believing it was the best option to save their lives. Now, she fears that she may never see them again and that they might think she has abandoned them. The weight of that thought is unbearable.

In Haiti, our orphanage in Williamson continues to provide a secure and loving environment for the children there, thanks to a dedicated team supported by a renowned Christian athlete. Despite the turmoil, nearly all our children have passed their exams with commendable grades, and we recently celebrated with a small championship and a beach trip to lift their spirits.

We remain committed to our mission and the children we serve. We ask for your continued prayers and support as we navigate these painful and uncertain times. Your trust in us is something we hold sacred, and we will continue to fight for justice, transparency, and the well-being of these innocent lives.

Please remember, as the Bible teaches us: “The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked” (Psalm 146:9).

Thank you for standing with us in this mission.

Sincerely,
HaitiChildren

Read More

Haiti’s government must step up and rescue 62 disabled children from gang violence | Opinion

September 10, 2023

Dear Supporters,

Haiti’s gang violence has no shortage of victims: Women and girls who are raped, men and boys recruited into a life of crime, Christian missionaries taken hostage, in fact, an entire nation is under siege.

And what little government there is in the country has been unable protect its citizens from the chaos.

Now, gangs are targeting a new group of vulnerable people: 62 disabled children living in an orphanage called HaitiChildren, outside Port-au-Prince. This time, there are ways to protect these most helpless young ones. But Prime Minister Ariel Henry has yet to take charge of finding the best approach.

He’s been silent. He needs to step up and speak up, especially since he is a medical doctor.

Two years after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, the violence in Haiti, by all accounts, grows worse daily.

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden called on the U.N. Security Council to quickly pass a resolution that will authorize a multilateral force to deploy to Haiti as it battles armed gangs controlling much of its capital, Port-au-Prince, warning that time is running out to act.

There is also an urgency to addressing how best to protect the disabled kids in an orphanage. They matter, too.

Offer from Jamaica

A Sept. 10 article by Miami Herald Caribbean Correspondent Jacqueline Charles detailing the children’s plight has resonated in Miami and beyond.

The central question is how to rescue the children, whom the Haitian gang leaders have as much said should be killed because they are “defective”?

There was some good news. A charity run by a renowned Catholic priest in Jamaica had announced in June it would care for them until things improve in Haiti. The children just had to be flown ti their temporary home.

As of today, the fate of the targeted children continues to hang in the balance.

Unfortunately, Haiti has never been a place of easy or quick answers.

In this case, however, speed is of the essence. The effort to transfer the disabled Haitian children to safety in Jamaica after three died because gangs kept them from reaching medical care, appears to be off the table, according to the head of Haiti’s child welfare agency. She reprimanded the orphanage for not reporting the recent deaths.

Arielle Jeanty Villedrouin, the director of Haiti’s Institute of Social Welfare and Research, says that temporarily relocating the children to Jamaica would set a bad precedent.

In a note to the Miami Herald, Villedrouin said: “It is up to the Haitian state to determine the best approach to respond to this complex situation, taking into account the protection of children and respect for national and international laws.”

OK, Haiti wants an internal solution to this orphanage problem. Fine, find one, instead of putting up roadblocks.

Three have died

Because of gang harassment, three children in the orphanage died last month as they were being rushed to a hospital to see a specialist about their uncontrollable seizures. Gang members blocked the road and forced the vehicle to turn back.

The Herald’s Charles told the Editorial Board she has asked Villedrouin, in a country lacking healthcare and specialists, where these especially vulnerable children should be taken or hidden. And what happens when the gangs occupy that territory, as they have done area by area?

Here’s another question: Where is Prime Minister Ariel Henry on this dire situation? Henry not only is Haiti’s current caretaker leader, he is also, of all things, one of Haiti’s top physicians and neurologists.

He is the very specialist these disabled children need to see in many cases.

As a doctor, Henry is acutely aware of what it means to have children so severely disabled sheltered in a caring, safe and nurturing environment.

Yet, there are no signs that Henry, who was advised of the children’s situation in June, is addressing it.

By acquiescing to the head of his child welfare agency, no matter how well-intentioned, Henry is derelict.

Recently, heavily armed warring gangs have set up near the orphanage and cut off the safe passage, kidnapped staff and invaded the facility, threatening to put the kids “out of their misery,” according to co-founder Susie Krabacher, an American who lives in Colorado. Such chilling words.

Haiti is a country on fire. Finding a solution for the lives of 62 disabled kids can easily fall under the radar, but that should not be the case.

How a nation cares for its most vulnerable has always been the most telling of its core values.

Read More

HaitiChildren’s Journey to Jamaica: A
Timeline of Key Events

This document provides a detailed timeline of events, communications, and media coverage related to the interactions between Mustard Seed (MS) and HaitiChildren (HC). It includes key moments such as news articles, official letters from both organizations, internal correspondence, and public statements.

The purpose of this timeline is to present a clear and factual account of what has transpired, ensuring transparency and accuracy. This compilation is intended to help media representatives and other stakeholders understand the sequence of events and the context surrounding the conflict between MS and HC.

We believe that sharing this comprehensive overview will support informed reporting and allow for an accurate representation of the situation.

The Crisisin HaitiI Spring2023

As gang violence and chaos escalated across Haiti, particularly around Port-au-Prince, the children at the HaitiChildren Village faced imminent danger. With the once-thriving village reduced to a ghost town, Susie Krabacher, founder of HaitiChildren, realized that the disabled children in their care were at even greater risk, Gangs had raided the village multiple times, looting their supplies and threatening the lives of the children, who were unable to flee due to their disabilities.Letters were drafted to the Prime Minister of Haiti and the President of the Dominican Republic, and forwarded to Father Gregory at Mustard Seed via WhatsApp (which was never responded to).

  • MESSAGE TO FR GREGORY

  • LETTER TO HAITI PM

  • LETTER TO DR PRESIDENT

HaitiChildren Reaches out for Support | Summer 2023 through January 2024

Susie solicited the help of Senators Bennet and Moreno over the summer months to help with visas for the children - sadly, to no avail - the hope was permission for the children who were most severely disabled to seek medical asylum in Jamaica.

On November 6, 2023 - Arielle Villedrouin of IBESR emailed permission for the disabled to leave HT. Due to delays receiving signed approval from the Prime Minister of Jamaica affecting evacuation plans, a young soul was lost and another child placed in medical care at Haiti medical facilities incapable and reluctant to care for them. On December 29, 2023, Susie sent her second plea for Arielle to keep her word in obtaining the signature as promised.

On January 3rd 2024, Susie wrote another plea to the MS sponsors Pascucci and Barnard, sharing with them her January 3rd plea again sent to Madam Villedrouin and her efforts working with Ambassador Luis Moreno seeking the Prime Minister's signed approval to accept the children of HaitiChildren into Jamaica.

The Evacuation Begins | March 2024

After relentless efforts, Susie was granted permission by the Haitian government to evacuate 59 children with special needs, along with 13 caretakers. In March 2024, these children embarked on a 36-hour boat ride, seeking refuge in Jamaica. The rescue operation was harrowing, with gangs attempting to stop the group and hold them hostage, but thanks to the support of organizations like the Sentinel Foundation, Tim Tebow Foundation, and security, the evacuation was successful.

[LINK to VIDEO & PHOTOS OF ARRIVAL IN JAMAICA]

Arrival in Jamaica |
March 25, 2024

Upon their arrival, the children-many of whom are non-mobile-were met with a safe haven provided by Mustard Seed Communities. Susie recalls the overwhelming emotion as the children who could walk ran toward her, while others crawled to her. This moment marked the beginning of a new chapter for the children, far from the violence that had ravaged their home in Haiti.

Gratitude and Financial Transparency
(April through 2024)

HaitiChildren expresses deep gratitude for the support that made it possible to relocate 59 children from the dangerous streets of Haiti to Jamaica, with a letter of special thanks to the Sentinel Foundation and another anonymous donor. A financial report detailing the costs incurred in Jamaica is available here.

Despite initial promises of free care from the Jamaican orphanage, HaitiChildren sent $100,000 to support the children. However, the orphanage has refused to provide financial documentation and requested an unjustifiable annual payment of $767,000 in August 2024. These developments have raised serious concerns about the transparency and integrity of the care the children are receiving.

The Rift with Mustard Seed

However, after initially settling in, tensions arose due to the corruption within Mustard Seed Communities. Their mismanagement and ethical breaches led to a rift between the organizations, prompting HaitiChildren to seek a more suitable and stable environment for the children. Despite the challenges, HaitiChildren remains committed to the well-being of the children and continues to provide high-quality care as we explore new opportunities for a permanent home in Jamaica or elsewhere.

Pictures / Videos of Children Being Mistreated by Mustard SeedMay 12, 2024 - Bed-bound child beaten with belt by Mustard Seed qualified caregiver

June 8, 2024 - Unsupervised and neglected child suffering after drinking bleach Small child in mud trying wash Child in bed covered by flies due to filthy living conditions at Mustard Seed (video) Piles of trash at the Mustard Seed-maintained facility

HAITI CHILDREN LETTER TO MUSTARD SEED ON AUGUST 13, 2024
MUSTARD SEED RESPONSE TO HAITI CHILDREN ON AUGUST 18, 2024

Susie Krabacher Denied Entry To Visit Orphans, Leading To Overnight Detainment and Mistreatment

On Susie's second visit to Jamaica on May 8, 2024, she had spent 3 days traveling before being unlawfully detained after receiving videos showing children in advanced stages of malnutrition. A doctor had recommended immediate hospitalization for these children and one had been scheduled for surgery on May 9, 2024, but the orphanage did not act on the recommendation. Instead, the healthier children were showcased publicly, while the 20 most severely malnourished children were kept out of view.

While detained, Susie was subjected to mistreatment after being falsely accused of intoxication, despite airline charges proving no alcohol had been purchased on her flight. They also denied Susie's offer to do a breathalyzer. Susie was manhandled, thrown in a cell, and denied medical care after notifying them of the damage they had done to her wrist.

Her husband had contacted their attorney, Chrishna James, who came to the airport after midnight but was not allowed to see Susie. Mustard Seed had been informed via letter on a Zoom call prior that Susie was coming to Haiti.

Deportation of
Innocent Caregivers

In collaboration with the Jamaican government, the orphanage deported 13 of HaitiChildren's caregiving and medical staff, despite prior permission for them to stay. Among the deported was a nurse unjustly imprisoned for five days. These actions have hindered HaitiChildren's efforts to establish a safe facility in Jamaica and obstructed medical care for the children. We are collaborating with International Human Rights Attorney, Malene Alleyne to have our staff reinstated. Alleyne, stated: "What we are facing now is a rupture in the rule of law that is extremely serious. These Haitians were stigmatized and returned to Haiti without due process. We need accountability and answers to ensure such violations do not go unchecked.

Continuing Our Mission

Even with the challenges posed by Mustard Seed and the ongoing situation in Haiti, HaitiChildren continues to be one of the leading organizations serving abandoned and disabled Haitian children. Our facility in Haiti remains fully operational, and we are determined to continue offering essential services like education, rehabilitation, and care for the children left behind. Our efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of every child under our care are unwavering.

Ongoing Efforts

While the immediate rescue was a success, 34 children and caretakers remained in Haiti due to their non-medical status, Susie and her team continue to work tirelessly to bring them to safety, ensuring that all children under HaitiChildren's care receive the protection and support they deserve.

Quote From Our Supporters

"HaitiChildren's dedication and transparency are evident in their tireless efforts to care for the most vulnerable. The false narratives being pushed by some Jamaican publications are a blatant attempt to undermine their vital work. We stand firmly with HaitiChildren in their mission to protect and support these children."
– Emily Watson, Human Rights Advocate
"It is clear to anyone who examines the facts that the accusations against HaitiChildren are unfounded. The courage and resilience shown by Susie Krabacher and her team in the face of such adversity is truly inspiring. The truth will prevail, and we will continue to support HaitiChildren every step of the way."
– David Martinez, Long-time Haitian Rights Supporter

We ask you to join us in this fight by continuing to support and believe in our mission. Together, we can protect our children and ensure their stories are heard.