Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks again with Bruce Blumer about his Sioux Falls support for Haiti.

from AI

**Haiti Alive** is a nonprofit organization based in Tea, South Dakota, that operates on the island of LaGonave, Haiti.  Its mission is to bring hope, health, and happiness to the local community by conveying the message of Christ through education, healthcare, and support for women, children, and the elderly. The organization emphasizes a philosophy of gradual, sustained improvement, symbolized by the Haitian proverb, "Little by little the bird builds its nest." You can visit their official website at [haitialive.org](https://haitialive.org/) to learn more about their ministries and donation opportunities.

Haiti Alive, based in Tea, South Dakota, is a nonprofit ministry serving the island of LaGonave, Haiti, with a mission to bring hope, health, and happiness through Christian outreach.  The organization focuses on three core areas:

1. Education

Haiti Alive supports students through school scholarships, covering tuition, uniforms, and supplies.  They have helped students progress from elementary school to professional careers, including nurses and lawyers. Their Back to School program provides uniforms and supplies to hundreds of children annually, ensuring access to education. 

2. Healthcare

The organization funds mobile medical clinics and supports medical teams providing care on LaGonave.  They assist in training Haitian medical professionals, such as Dr. William Hyppolite, who is completing medical school in the Dominican Republic with their sponsorship. 

3. Support for Vulnerable Populations

Haiti Alive aids women, children, and the elderly through various initiatives:

• Haiti Children Christmas: Delivers meals and toys to 850–1,000 children each year. 

• Elderly Food Giveaway: Provides food twice a month to over 50 elderly individuals. 

• Support for orphanages and women’s groups that protect and nurture families. 

Founded in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Haiti Alive grew from a relief effort into a sustained ministry rooted in the belief that "little by little, the bird builds its nest." The organization relies on donations and partner churches to continue its work.