Ministries & Outreach

West Tennessee Haiti Partnership

The West Tennessee Haiti Partnership began in 2005 as an initial commitment of the Rev. Joe Porter and Grace-St. Luke's, Memphis. During the 29th Annual Convention of the Diocese of West Tennessee (March 4-6, 2010), a presentation and resolution about the new relationship as companion dioceses was offered and unanimously approved for us to move together in ministry with our sisters and brothers in Haiti. Since then, it has grown into a Diocesan-wide effort, with commitment to help the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti expressed in five ways: education, food, healthcare, learning and water. Currently, our primary work is with the communities of St. Paul's Church and School in the village of Montrouis and St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children Port-au-Prince.

Our five ways of companionship

  • Education 
    Support the overall educational needs of St. Paul's School in Montrouis, St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children in Port-au-Prince, and possibly other places of learning by supplying academic supplies, scholarships, assistance with special renovation projects and more
  • Food 
    Offer balanced, quality food for less-fed children and adults, namely through our new diocesan relationship with Stop Hunger Now
  • Healthcare
    Provide primary medical care at St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children and the medical clinic in Montrouis and establish relationships with medical professionals and groups, such as Children's Medical Missions of Haiti
  • Learning
    Honor cultural differences by learning first-hand about each other's diocese, languages, customs, traditions and ways of engaging ministry through communication, visits and exchange programs
  • Water
    Develop self-sustaining water systems at designated areas in consultation with the Diocese of Haiti

On January 12, 2010, a catastrophic (magnitude 7.0) earthquake devastated the capital of Port-au-Prince, as well as the surrounding regions. This has made addressing the basic needs of Haitian people even more urgent. There were six fatalities at St. Vincent's, and many of the supplies that were sent, from a previous mission trip in 2009, were stolen.

The West Tennessee Haiti Partnership has launched a blog to update and inform supporters about ways to help this nation. Visit the West Tennessee Haiti Partnership blog for the latest information from our dedicated volunteers.

This short, but powerful, documentary takes a closer look at the important work our parishes and volunteers are undertaking. ©2007 EyeLine Films - Used with Permission. To learn more about EyeLine Films or see their latest work, visit www.eyelinefilms.tv.

Haiti Project from Grace-St. Lukes Episcopal Church on Vimeo.

Contacts

West Tennessee Haiti Partnership Companion Relationship Commission
The Rt. Rev. Don E. Johnson, Bishop
The Rev. Drew Woodruff, Coordinator
Ruthie Lentz, Finance
Dr. Susan Nelson, Healthcare
The Rev. Ollie Rencher, Chaplain & Communications

Diocesan Global Reconciliation
Evelyn Piety, Millenium Development Goals & Stop Hunger Now Even Coordinator

Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD)
Betty Johnson, Diocesan Coordinator

Financial Contributions
West Tennessee Haiti Partnership
5865 Ridgeway Center Parkway, Suite 200
Memphis, TN  38120
www.haiti-partnership.org