HCP Haitian Coalition of Philadelphia
Transcription
HCP Haitian Coalition of Philadelphia
HCP Haitian Coalition of Philadelphia 2005 in Pictures HCP is a successor organization to HCCDA (Haitian Community Culture/Development Abroad) ©HCP Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 1 Haitian Coalition of Philadelphia 2005 Final Report While HCCDA was gaining recognition everywhere around United States and the Caribbean, many new ideas from new members started to surface. This increasing number of projects made it very hard for the organization to focus on its original goal. The Board members thought that it would be extremely important to regroup to make sure that the focus was on the important and necessary goals for the development of the Haitian community. Our main objective remains still the same: “Upgrade the quality of life and education of the Haitian so that he could become more productive and a true contributor without feelings of alienation and hopelessness.” Dr. Clery Fn’Piere (HCP Advisory Board Member) In order to accomplish this goal, HCCDA should help and work together with all organizations that are trying to improve the Haitian Community in Philadelphia and its surroundings and also trying to improve relations among the Haitian community and other communities. We must then focus and carefully execute our tasks one step at a time. The Board of Directors of HCCDA (Haitian Community Cultural/Development Abroad) at the beginning of the year 2005 found it very important to change the name of the Organization to a more appropriate one, HCP (Haitian Coalition of Philadelphia). The Coalition will mostly focus on: 1. Developing a strong community where the kids will feel safe and proud. 2. Developing a safer and more advance community 3. Improving the social and quality of life of the Haitian in the community 4. Reducing social and economic problems in the Haitian community. 5. Promoting the Haitian Community and culture through various programs and events in the greater Philadelphia area and abroad. 6. Relations between Haiti and the Philadelphia area With the help of already established Haitian organizations in the area, friends of Haiti and the City of Philadelphia we will be able to: a) Facilitate family access to health and social services, with special focus on women, children and the youth; b) Promote economic development in the Haitian community; c) Advocate on issues of concern to the Haitian community; d) Educate the media and broader public on Haitian cultures and experiences. e) Work together with all the Philadelphia-based Haitian organizations or Philadelphia-based nonHaitian organizations promoting Haitian welfare toward a better community, then as a result a better Philadelphia. Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 2 HCP will proactively seek and develop partnerships with non-profit, public, private, educational and Haitian American institutions in the greater Philadelphia area to achieve its mission. The graph below shows the structure that the coalition has designed to reach its goal. HCP (1) Organizational Chart Overseers (3) Advisory Board (5) Board of Directors (2) Executive Officers (4) Board (6) Committees Organizational Members (7) Friends of HCP (8) Figure-1: Organizational Chart (see Legend on the next page) Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 3 Any group and individual from or outside the Haitian community in Philadelphia and its surroundings can participate and help toward realizing this vision. Each organizational member will keep their structure and will continue to operate independently from the other organizations. These organizational members will continue to do what they do best. HCP will only facilitate and help each Organizational Group reaching its goal surely and quickly. If every one of them does realize its dream, we will then have a safer, more advanced and self-sufficient Haitian Community. Legend 1) The Haitian Coalition of Philadelphia (HCP) is incorporated as a non-profit organization under Pennsylvania law. Its purpose as an umbrella-type entity is to: a) promote the quality of life of the greater Philadelphia Haitian Community and b) assist in promoting the quality of life of the citizens of the Republic of Haiti. It is qualified as a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization under the applicable rules and regulations of the Internal Revenue Service. The predecessor of HCP is the Haitian Community Culture/Development Abroad (HCCDA). 2) The policy-making body of HCP shall be its Board of Directors consisting of nine persons, serving three-year terms. The terms of this office shall be staggered so that three members are elected by the membership each year. No person shall serve more than two successive three-year terms. The representatives of the Organizational Members and Friends of HCP elect the members of the Board of Directors. 3) The Overseers are permanent members. They are original incorporators or former members of the Board of Directors. The Overseers are persons who understand very well the concepts and the structure of the HCP. These persons have the mandate to keep the original vision alive and make sure HCP follows the right path. The Board of Directors elects the Overseers for life and shall not exceed more than seven in number. The Overseers shall not have right to vote. 4) The Officers of the Board (Executive Officers) shall implement the policy decisions of the Board of Directors. The Executive Officers shall be a President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. The Officers shall be elected among the members of the Board of Directors and shall serve one-year term. 5) The Board of Directors shall select the Members of the Advisory Board. A Member of the Advisory Board shall not have the right to vote. The Advisory Board members shall consist of persons who have the backgrounds and/or positions that can assist the Board of Directors in its objectives and they shall serve at the will of the Board of Directors. The Advisory Board shall not consist of more than seven persons. 6) The Board of Directors shall establish, from time to time, Committees and appoint no less than three persons to each committee; one person shall serve as Committee chair, and each committee should have at least a member from the Board of Directors. Committee members shall serve at the will of the Board of Directors. Illustrative committees are Finance, Public Relations, Membership, Fund Raising, By-Laws, Personnel, Programs, Education, Archives and Building/Site. Committee members need not be members of the Board of Directors except; at least, one shall be a member of the Board of Directors. 7) Any (a) Philadelphia-based Haitian organization or (b) Philadelphia-based non-Haitian organization promoting Haitian welfare, consisting of at least ten members, may become an Organizational Member of HCP upon application to and approval by the HCP Board of Directors. Each Organizational Member shall appoint (in writing) one person to represent it at meetings of the HCP membership. The Organizational Member should present to HCP proof of Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 4 the number of its members. An Organizational Member with less than 50, 50 – 99, 100 – 249 and above 250 members shall have 1, 2, 3 and 4 votes respectively. The delegate (the person that represents the Organizational Member) cannot be a member of Friends of HCP (hereafter sometimes referred to as “Friends”). To become a member of Friends, that person must resign from his or her delegate position. If the delegate is elected to be a Member of the Board of Directors, that person should resign as a delegate of the organization he or she was representing. A letter should then be sent to HCP from the Organizational member announcing its new delegate. An Organizational Member shall be required to pay a yearly membership fee, the amount of which shall be set by the Board of Directors from time to time. An Organizational Member shall be able to carry on its own activities as allowed under its governing instrument as long as it does so under its own name and not that of HCP. 8) A person interested in joining HCP and in assisting HCP to meet its objectives may become a Member of Friends of HCP upon application to and approval by the HCP’s Board of Directors. Friends of HCP shall be required to pay a yearly membership fee, the amount of which shall be set by the Board of Directors from time to time. Friends shall have the same right to vote, based on the amount of its individual members, as does Organizational member. HCP, in 2005, did not participate in any fundraising, but did take part in various programs and events designed to promote the Haitian culture and increase communities’ and countries’ knowledge about Haiti. HCP has also placed few important services in the community to facilitate its development. The next few pages show what HCP has accomplished in year 2005. Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 5 Haitian Night 2005 at the Wachovia Center On the back Mr & Mrs Albert Momjian, Mr. Samuel Dalembert, Dr. Michel Francois In front Mr. Giordani Jean Baptiste with Haitian youngster Devin Fondrose posing before the game. Once again, on Wednesday April 6th, 2005 the 76ers Organization and HCP teamed up to bring smiles to the faces of the Haitian youngsters in Philadelphia. Ms. Bree Jones (Community Relation Manager of the Sixers Organization) with the Haitian Honorary Consul Albert Momjian (HCP Advisory Board Member) worked out a beautiful plan that allowed approximately 60 youngsters from the Haitian Community accompanied with their parents to come to the Wachovia Center for the “Haitian Kids’ Night”. Miss Bree Jones with Mr. Samuel Dalembert signing basketballs and pictures for Haitian kids. Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 6 Mr. Samuel Dalembert among his compatriots A total of 80 tickets were donated to HCP for the event. Mr. Samuel Dalembert spoiled the kids by giving to them lunch boxes. He also played, talked, joked and took pictures with them. It was an exciting night and definitely very uplifting watching these kids enjoying every single minute of this precious time with their 76ers Haitian Superstar. Mr. Dalembert in an interview with a member of HCP said that his main focus was on kids; he added later on: “Kids could change and follow the right path if they are taught to do so, but our elders are not flexible. I want the best for our kids since they are the future of Haiti”. Many in the Coalition share the vision of Dalembert, as Dr. Ronel Perrault (HCP Board member) always mentioned, “The future of Haiti lies in the education of the kids”. Dr. Perrault proposed then to HCP to invest in the education of the children. Mr. Dalembert enjoying every moment of this exciting night before the game that the Sixers won. Maybe inspired by this, Mr. Dalembert was the most valuable player of the game that night scoring 22 points with 17 rebounds. The Wachovia 76ers Haitian Night is organized to promote the Haitian culture and help toward the kids’ education. We would like to thank the 76ers Organization for sponsoring this annual event (Haitian Night) at the Wachovia Center for the Haitian Kids in the Philadelphia area.. Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 7 The Delaware Valley Chapter of The Links, Inc. Symposium. On Saturday, April 9, 2005, the Delaware Valley Chapter of The Links, Inc. organized a symposium at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. The theme was “Preserving Haitian Heritage In The Midst Of The Storm”. Members of HCP and other Haitian community leaders were invited as guest speakers. The panel consisted of Mrs. Lissa Lamothe McNeil, Dr. Frantz latour, Mr. Picard Lozier Esq., and Dr. Michel Francois Haiti in 2004 was the highlight around the world for two reasons. First Haiti was celebrating its 200 years of freedom and at the same time opposition leaders overthrew the government. Highlights around the world were brutal; real Haitians succumbed in disbelief; young Haitians denied their country by telling their friends that they were from Jamaica, Martinique and even the Dominican Republic, instead of Haiti. How can a country that contributed so much to the world in terms of human rights, abolition of slavery and allowing the new world to become so powerful, be so negatively viewed? The world Press was showing it as a jungle where everything was allowed. Was it true? Was Haiti that bad? Are Haitians still Members of the Delaware Valley of the Links. good people but the press was showing the opposite? These were the questions being asked in 2005 and they needed answers. Dr. Pamela has selected a group of Haitians to tell, show and talk about the real Haiti because she deeply believes that Haiti was not what they were showing in the news around the world. The panel was composed of Mrs. Lissa Lamothe McNeil, Dr. Frantz Latour, Mr. Picard Lozier Esq. and Dr. Michel Francois. Dr. Pamela Hadley introducing the panel Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 8 Mrs. Lissa Lamothe McNeil, the first panelist, giving a general view of Haiti. Dr. Frantz Latour telling his views of the current situation in Haiti and how the country has made a turn toward the worst. Mrs. Lissa Lamothe McNeil, after the introduction, gave an elaborate description about Haiti: its location, surface area, population, life expectancy, type of government etc… Dr. Latour talked about the current deterioration of Haiti. Through a wide variety of pictures, he tried to show the unsanitary conditions and the insecurity that exists now in Haiti, and the urgent need for change. He then asked those in the attendance to put pressure on their congressmen in the US to bring democracy back to Haiti. Later on, a well-known Haitian lawyer in Philadelphia, Mr. Picard Lozier, talked about the importance of our Victory over the French and how it benefited US territorial expansion with the Louisiana Purchase. Haiti became a targeted nation, he said later on, and the powerful countries made sure that Haiti would not succeed. Then, as a consequence, our nation became dependent on foreign aid. They are still keeping Haiti under their paws. He also emphasized that pressure should be put on the US to bring back democracy to Haiti. Mr. Picard Lozier, Esq. explaining to the organizational members the importance of our victory over the French army in the development of the United States. Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 9 Dr. Michel Francois went over the importance of the Haitian Independence in the world. These heroes, he said, are heroes of the world, the pioneers of the Human Rights Movement since they were the first to say “no” to human suffering. Haitians, he added later on, are good people. We are the children of Capois Lamort (brave and determined), of Henry Christophe (proud and patriot), of Toussaint Louverture (smart and brilliant), of Jean Jacques Dessalines (courageous and energetic), of Alexandre Petion (wise and respectful). All Haiti needs is political security, and some investments from a few big companies. He also emphasized to put pressure on our congressmen to help stabilize Haiti politically and encourage investors to open few branches, manufacturers in Haiti. We helped the world, he said, to become a better place. What is then so difficult for them to do? Labor in Haiti is lower then in China. Haiti is situated very close to the US. Why cannot the companies send part of the jobs from China to Haiti? Dr. Francois concluded by affirming to those in the attendance that Haiti is poor but the Haitian people prefer being poor rather than slaves. Haiti will bounce back in the very near future. Judge Frederica Massiah Jackson concluded the symposium by reminding people that Girard Bank, one of the first banks in United States that became later on Mellon Bank and then Citizen bank, was started in Philadelphia by Girard who was a very close friend of Toussaint Louverture. Toussaint gave his money to Girard before being captured by the French for his two sons’ education and Girard had used that money to open Girard bank in Philadelphia. Dr. Michel Francois explaining to the attendees that the images of Haiti portrayed in the media overshadow the beauty of Haiti. Judge Frederica Massiah-Jakson closing the evening Panelist with Links Delaware Valley Pennsylvania Chapter Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 10 Passport Service in Philadelphia In the middle of year 2005, with the price of gas going up at an alarming rate, the members of HCP thought that it was very important to bring different services to the community that would allow it to minimize its spending. Among these services, they thought that opening a passport service in the Philadelphia area would allow the Haitians in the community not only to save money by not going to New York or Washington DC to renew or apply for new passports but also by preventing them from losing a full day of work. Mr. Felix Augustin (General Consul of Haiti in NY), Dr. Michel Francois (President of HCP), Rev. Constant Laventure, Mr. Yves Pernier (Vice-Consul of Haiti in NY), Mr. Wendel Claude (Haitian Consul in Brazil), Mr. Luther Claude, Mr. Meriless Joseph (President of MBC), Mr. Albert Momjian (Honorary Consul of Haiti in Philadelphia) and Mr. Antoine Rock (Rock Services) during a relaxing time at the meeting. HCP members together with agents from the Haitian Philadelphia Consular office contacted Mr. Felix Augustin, General Consul of Haiti in New York, about the subject. The General Consul of Haiti in New York and his entire staff came down to Philadelphia under our invitation to discuss the idea. The meeting went extremely well. The level of professionalism and intellectualism of both parties impressed both sides. The Honorable General Consul of New York, Mr. Felix Augustin, a brilliant well-educated person saw no issue on establishing this service in our community. After a period of brief training, the Haitian Consular office in Philadelphia was given permission to handle passport and mandate applications. Members from both groups discussed their points in a friendly and joyful atmosphere. Mr. Jocelyn Jean Baptiste (Meli-Melo Radio show), interviewing the General Consul of Haiti Mr. Felix Augustin. The cost of the office space, mailing of the documents and clerical works is absorbed by the Schnader Law firm at no cost to the Haitian Consulate and the Haitian community in Philadelphia. HCP members and friends of HCP have volunteered their time to help their fellow Haitians. No one from HCP takes any money from either party for this service. The Consular staff from New York posing with Rev. Constant Laventure, Mr. Wendel Claude, Mr. Giordani Jean Baptiste, Mr. Albert Momjian, and Mr. Luther Claude Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 11 Part of the Philadelphia consular’ staff enjoying a good moment with the New York Consular’ staff after the completion of the brief training. From left to right Mrs. Jeanne Vitagliano, Mrs. Barbara Nield, Dr. Michel Francois, Mr. Yves Pernier, Ms Youdelka Jean, Mrs Guerda Nadhere, Mr. Albert Momjian and Mr. Roland Lafalaise. Presently, these applications are being handled on Thursdays from 11:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. at the offices of Haitian Consul, 3200 floor, 1600 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For those who want information with respect to passport and mandate applications, calls can be made to the consulate office number (215) 751-2519. Mrs. Nield and Mrs. Vitagliano and few Friends of HCP (Mrs. Germina Polche, Mrs. Ilda Nere and Mrs. Garcia Claude Bouchereau) have been instrumental toward the success of this program. The recipients of the first two passports in Philadelphia Ms Marie Gracia Viljean and Mrs. Mona Norzeus posing with Mrs Jeanne Vitagliano, Dr. Michel Francois, Mr. Giordani Jean Baptiste and Mrs. Barbara Nield. Dr. Michel Francois giving the third passport made in that office to Mr. Carlo Rodney accompanied with his mother Mrs. Rodney Mr. Albert Momjian said the program has been a huge success and well received by those Haitians in the Philadelphia area who require passports and/or mandates. He stated, “I am happy to be involved in these projects which benefit the Haitian Philadelphia community and appreciate very much all of the encouragement and support I receive from the Haitian Community here in Philadelphia”. Dr. Michel M. A. Francois said that our job is to put in the missing parts of the engine that will start moving our community forward. When all the pieces are plugged in, nothing will stop this community from becoming better and more advanced. Obviously the passport service was one of the missing parts. We are now getting closer toward the completion of the engine that will get us moving forward. Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 12 United Nations Day Celebration at the National Constitutional Center The United Nations Association of Greater Philadelphia (UNA-GP) celebrated the 60th birthday of the United Nations on Monday, October 24th 2005 at the National Constitutional center. A special day was crafting featuring cultural celebrations from various nations. Welcome and acknowledgement of contributors: Mrs Norma Van Dyke, President, UNA-USA-Greater Philadelphia chapter. Welcome Remarks: Dr. Teta Banks, President, Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia. Consuls, representatives, city and state government officials, the public, students and the media joined the celebration. Dr. Michel Francois and Mr. Giordani Jean Baptiste were present to represent the Haitian community of Philadelphia. The Consuls or representatives (Dr. Michel M.A. Francois, HCP, second from left) joining the President of UNA-USA-GP Norma Van Dyke (center) in cutting of UN Birthday Cake contributed by Le Bec Fin, #1 restaurant in Philadelphia. Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 13 The participation of most of the consuls and representatives included the following: Mr. Giordani Jean Baptist (one of the representatives of HCP) seating among 500 visitors from Philadelphia and around the world that were welcomed by the National Constitutional Center that day. • A birthday cake on behalf of their Nation, made from a traditional recipe and/or adorned with their nation’s national symbol. • Representatives attending country in national dress. • Symbols representing their nation’s culture. • Pamphlets and brochures about their country’s involvement in United Nation’s programs from their Consuls and representatives stand behind their country’s cake to cut the first piece. Mrs. Linda Cherelus baked the Haitian Consulate Birthday Cake. The cake was a piece of art. She beautifully shaped the cake in the form of the Republic and placed it on the Haitian flag. The cake did not only looked good but also tasted good The Consuls of Mexico and Jamaica stand behind their country’s cake. Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 14 Adrianna Poindexter and Stephanie Padgett performing in “El Solar de Monimbo” dance folklore of Nicaragua. Bandura Soloist, Alla Kutsevych from Ukraine. Cutting of Consulate Birthday Cakes along the hallway of the National Constitutional Center during the cultural events. Representatives of different countries (Liberia, Canada, Switzerland, Romania, Ukraine, Nicaragua, Panama, El Salvador and others) in their national dress. Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 15 First Haitian Coalition’s meeting HCP organized on October 26, 2005 the first Coalition Meeting at the Haitian Consulate located at 1600 Market Street, Philadelphia PA. HCP invited the organizational members and all the Haitian organizations in the Philadelphia area to a general meeting to galvanize the Haitian community in the Philadelphia area and its surroundings. The organizations that were attended the meeting organized by HCP were the following: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Alliance of Haitian Clergy of Philadelphia Association of Haitian professional of Philadelphia Coalition of Young Christians of Philadelphia Eglise Evangelique Baptiste Haitienne First Haitian Church of God GPHAA Groupe Fraternité Haitian Catholic Group Haitian Community Center of Philadelphia HYCP Lascangnite Orphelinat La Plaine Orphelinat Meli Melo Northeastern Haitian Caucus of Christian Church Project Compassion The Haitian Clergy of Philadelphia Uncle Cid Foundation Une famille pour tous les enfants de Dieu Mr. Paul Ricot Roland (HCP Board member) and Dr. Ronel Perrault (HCP Board Member) at the reception before the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to explain and show the vision of HCP that is mainly to help and provide support to build a strong, more advanced and self-sufficient community. The agenda for the meeting was the following: Opening Prayer Welcome and Introduction of Participants Purpose of Haitian Coalition of Philadelphia (HCP) Non-Profit Corporation and 501(c)(3) status Organization of HCP (Structure & By-laws of Organization) Questions/Answers Remarks by Haitian Honorary Consul in Philadelphia Adjournment Rev. Billy Beaufils (President of The Haitian Clergy of Philadelphia) exchanging ideas with Mr. Paul Ricot Roland (HCP Board Member) Mrs. Germina Polche (HCP Member) in front of the buffet table contributed by Consulate of Haiti in Philadelphia Mr. Albert Momjian (Honorary Consul of Haiti and HCP Advisory Board Member), Mrs. Gisele Renault (HCP Treasurer) and Mr. Karl Cid Valentine (President of Uncle Cid Foundation) Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 16 The newly formed organization is intended to bring together all the Haitian organizations in the Philadelphia area and work collectively to improve the lifestyle of Haitians who reside in Philadelphia and for the purpose of doing philanthropic and other mission work in the Republic of Haiti to benefit the lives of the citizens who reside in the homeland. Mr. Giordani Jean Baptiste welcoming the guests. After the social gathering, the meeting opened with a prayer given by Rev. Billy Beaufils, president of The Haitian Clergy of Philadelphia. Mr. Giordani Jean Baptiste, Vice president of HCP welcomed the guests and gave a brief overview and a quick explanation about the purpose of the organization. Dr. Ronel Perrault, HCP board member explained later on the importance for this organization to work together not only with groups in the Haitian community but also with other community groups such as the Latino, the African and others. Members of different organizations in Philadelphia Dr. Ronel Perrault explaining the importance of forming alliances and bridging the gap with other communities in the Philadelphia area. Dr. Michel Francois showing the organizational structure of the Coalition. Dr. Michel M. A. Francois later on went over the structure and the By-Laws of the organization He placed strong emphasis on the idea that each organization will continue to work independently from the others and from HCP. The role of HCP is to raise funds and allocate that money in such ways to help the already established companies succeed, promote the Haitian culture, help Haiti and develop the community. Mr. Albert Momjian, Honorary Consul of Haiti later on concluded: “In my opinion, he said, the formation of the coalition will help unify the Haitian community in Philadelphia. The formative meeting of the organization was hosted in my Philadelphia office at which time the purpose of the organization was explained to those in attendance and the By-Laws of the organization were also explained and questions were answered. I remain confident that if the Haitian community is united and works together, all Haitians will benefit. As the old adage goes, ”United we stand and Divided we fall”. He also used, as example, the success brought by the unification of the Armenian community in Philadelphia. Mr. Albert Momjian telling the importance of building the coalition by using the Armenian community of which he is part of as an example. Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 17 After the meeting, Mr. Paul Ricot Roland said: “The meeting has been a tremendous success in many aspects. It was well organized, very informative and had substantial turnaround. The venue was very appropriate to introduce our organization to the Haitian community in Philadelphia. The audience consisted of a cross-section highly representative of the Haitian landscape in this area. The content was clear and all the goals and objectives were to the point. The participants were keenly interested in our enterprise and it transpired through their hot debate and probing of the substance of our program. All this bode well for our organization. We need to maintain the momentum and follow through with an activity that will cement the hopes we have generated in that meeting. Mr. Parthen Yves Anty also made the following remark: “November 13, 2005, under the umbrella of the Haitian coalition, different members of different groups from our community met at the office of the Honorable Mr. Albert Momjian, Honorable Haitian Consul in Philadelphia”. This meeting was one of the most productive that I ever participated in. The objectives were nobles and not impossible. Dr. Michel M. A. Francois and Mr. Giordani Jean Baptiste going over the By-Laws of the organization. Mr. Ernst Borgella (President of HYCP), Bishop Rev. Jean H. Vincent and Rev . Marie Y. Vincent (First Haitian Church of God) and Mr. Javis Henry paying attention to the details of the process. Mr. Anty later added, “The objectives will be easier to achieve because the people present represented part of the best that the Haitian community in Philadelphia has to offer. The Haitian coalition would like to be that one voice that the Haitian community is looking and has a great need for. As long as the other members of our community understand the need to have one voice in City Hall or where ever in Philadelphia the Haitian community needs help, the coalition should succeed in all the goals presented to us during that November meeting. Members from different organizational groups (Organization Chretienne/Haitienne de Philadelpie, Lascangnite Orphelinat, La Plaine Orphelinat, Project Compassion, GPHAA and haitian Community Center of Philadelphia) listening carefully Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 18 Mrs. Roxanne Wright (Project Compassion), Mr. Ali Jean Louis (Project Compassion), Dr. Frantz Latour (Haitian Community Center of Philadelphia), Mr. Mario Aleus (GPHAA) and Ms. Marise Jean Pierre (Haitian Community Center of Philadelphia) asking her question Mr. Meriless Joseph (President of MBC) asking his question At the end of the meeting, the invited members of the other organizations asked questions and gave their point of view. The majority of them thought that it was a great idea and decided to join. Those that are not part of an organization would like to join as individual members forming then the Friends of HCP group. It was a momentous occasion because it allowed all the representatives to ask questions, to deliberate in a large group format to address any concerns or doubts of the structure and goals of the coalition which are: Unity, Strength and Growth. Rev. Pastor Cesar (Organization Chretienne/Haitienne de Philadelpie), Mrs. Alourde Telemaque (Lascangnite Orphelina ) and Mr. Dieuseul Dalturis (La Plaine Orphelinat) asking his question. Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 19 Mrs. Marise Jean Pierre (Community Center of Philadelphia), Mr. Albert Momjian (Honorary Consul of Haiti) and Dr. Michel Francois (President of HCP) enjoying a good moment after the meeting Group picture of the Members from the different community groups that attended the first general meeting of the Haitian Coalition of Philadelphia. Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 20 2005 Annual Final Report Activity Date UN Celebration 10/24/05 Haitian Night (Wachovia) 04/06/05 Passport service: 11/03/05 – 12/31/05 1. Office Space, Postage, letterheads 2. 3. Telephone (Collect calls, Long Distance) Haitian Volunteers Two legal assistants Miscellaneous: 1. Final Report 2. Conferences + Meetings 3. Lunches 4. Ads Net Total Gain/Loss Details Contributed $ 100.00 $ 75.00 $ 75.00 - $ 250.00 (Participation fee + cake) Mr. Albert Momjian Dr. Michel Francois Mr. Giordani J. Baptiste + $ 2,080 - $ 2,080 Cost of 80 tickets Donated by the 76Sixers organization for Haitian kids HCP gave the tickets to the kids - $ 8,333.32 Donation from Schnader Law Firm - $ 3,175.00 - $ 8,333.20 HCP Members Donation from Schnader Law Firm - $ 600.00 - $ 325.00 - $ 2500.00 + $ 650.00 HCP (for Printing + Editing) HCP Members Donated by Schnader Law Firm Collected to Print Brochure Entire 2005 $ -22,866.52 As you can see, the Schnader Law Firm picked up $ 19,166.52 of the lost. This donation reduces the HCP operating lost to only – ($3,700.00) for the year 2005. We want to thank the Schnader Law Firm for helping the Haitian Community in Philadelphia. As you likely know, most Honorary Consuls do not charge for their services to the country they serve except, in some instances, Honorary Consults do charge fees for certain actions they may take and which fees generate income to the Consular office. Mr. Albert Momjian Honorary Consul of Haiti and a partner of the Schnader Law firm never charged for the time he spent on Consular affairs. As many Honorary Consuls in the Philadelphia area are resigning their posts because they don’t have the financial capacity to carry on the work without getting reimbursement and compensation to some extent, Mr. Momjian and the Schnader Law firm have never required a penny of reimbursement for any of their expenses, direct or indirect. HCP would like to thank them on behalf of the community. PROJECTS FOR 2006: There are many projects that HCP would like to start in 2006 and for each one of them; HCP would like to create a board of committees. The board of committees will be composed of members from different organizational members, Friends of HCP Group and at least one member from the HCP Board of Directors. HCP would like more people in the community to become active members of the organization. If we have more active members the easier the work will be and the quicker we will reach our goal that is to change our community into a more advanced and safer one. The following committees should be formed in 2006: 1. Haitian Night at the Wachovia Committee 7. Election Committee 2. Fundraising Committee 8. Health and Social Service Committee 3. Person of the Year Committee 9. Business Person of the year Committee 4. Student of the year Committee 10. Publicity Committee 5. Membership Committee 6. Culture Media Committee (Haitian National days celebration, Carnival, etc.) Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 21 Officers (2004 - 2005): Dr. Michel M. A. François Giordani Jean-Baptiste Gisèle Renaud Mallory Théodore President Vice-President Treasurer Secretary Board Members (2004 – 2005): Dr. Michel M. A. François Dr. Ronel Perrault Mr. Mallory Théodore Mr. Patrick Bouchereau Mr. Ernst Borgella Mr. Giordani Jean-Baptiste Mrs. Gisèle Renaud Mrs. Garcia Claude Bouchereau Mr. Paul Baptiste Advisory Board Members (2004 – 2005): Mr. Roger C.W. François Dr. Cléry Fn’Piere, Esq. Mr. Albert Momjian, Esq. Mr. Renel Théodore Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 22 Community Ads DLCMCDC Daniel Laurent Christian Ministries Community Development Corporation Inc Daniel Laurent Christian Ministries Community Development Corporation Inc. DLCMCDC is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt worldwide corporation. The primary purpose of DLCMCDC is to develop families, help the needy and carry the Gospel in communities throughout the world. Please visit www.dlcm.net for more information about how to become couple of the year, parent of the year and youth of the year, and how to participate in our Family Retreat, Family Counseling session. Read this book "Amoureux pour toujours" to have a wonderful family life. Please support DLCMCDC outreach ministry; actually, we are working in the community of Meyer Jacmel, Haiti. Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 23 Annual Check up, CNA, CDL, Athletic & Insurance Physicals Phone: (732) 614-3811 Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois 24 6922 Bustleton Ave Philadelphia, PA 19149 L’unique, le vrai, le seul salon d’internet 100% Haitian Bus. (215) 331-9900 Open 7 days a week 11:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M. gjj@philaboyo.com Phone: (215) 457-3271 DJ BONBAGAY Music Ent. Playing Kompas, Zouk, Reggae, Soca, Hip-Hop & R&B Music for all occasions Phone: (516) 233-6020 djbonbagay@yahoo.com Phone: (215) 715-4825 Strong People with common interest + Togetherness = Strong Community + Bright Future M. Francois