A Message of Hope

2020 and 2021 have brought many challenges to the NPH family. Miguel Venegas, who was raised at NPH Mexico and is now Executive Director of NPH International, sends a message of hope.

Miguel Venegas
Executive Director, NPH International
April 27, 2021
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As we celebrated Easter, we remembered when Fr. Wasson forgave the child who stole from the church donations box in Cuernavaca, Mexico in 1954. This moment is the origin and essence of NPH: serving and protecting the most vulnerable, those without love and hope. Today, we continue Fr. Wasson’s legacy of caring for children whose rights have been infringed while helping to strengthen their families and communities. NPH is providing them with hope to survive and thrive.

The whole world has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 2020 will be mostly remembered for this disease, but in addition, other situations confronted the NPH family during that year which continue into 2021. Globally, almost 2,750,000 people had died from COVID-19-related illnesses by late March 2021. Here at NPH, many family members of children, staff, fundraisers and donors have been affected by it across the countries where we serve. These impacts have been direct, due to illness or death, or indirect, consequences of the lockdowns and the recession, with their effects on education, social life and economic situations.

We do remain hopeful, knowing that COVID-19 vaccines are on the way. While not yet distributed widely in the countries where we are located, we hope to vaccinate our populations in the coming months.

Another major challenge were the severe tropical storms that hit Central America in late 2020, causing vast destruction to many communities and families in the region. NPH homes have responded to this with strength, valor and generosity.

A further difficulty has been the political unrest and insecurity in Haiti. We are an apolitical organization and our programs are designed to support the vulnerable, while also helping to break the cycle of poverty. Unfortunately, the current perilous situation has forced us to temporarily close some of our services at St. Damien Pediatric Hospital and in our community school programs, impacting 2,557 vulnerable children and youths. NPH International and the entire NPH family sends our love and prayers to all of its staff and children, whether in our residential facilities or in the communities. We also pray for our brothers and sisters in Haiti so that they can find compassion, mercy and love.

Gena Heraty, Director of NPH Haiti’s Special Needs Programs, writes:

“These are difficult days in Haiti. Violence and insecurity have taken over the streets of Port-Au-Prince and its surroundings. They have also invaded our thoughts, as day after day we hear of horrific crimes and day after day our staff have to risk their lives coming and going to work. Day after day, parents and families have to decide if they can risk bringing their children/adults for therapy.

“Now more than ever, we need to stay positive, we need to work harder to be witnesses to all that we can do to make a difference. We need to be strong and focused. We need to keep doing what we are doing and keep doing it with great love. These pictures speak very clearly to me! You can see how the children thrive in our beautiful Kay Christine family. Thank you for helping us transform lives!”

During these moments of challenges and despair, we are grateful for all the sponsors, godparents, donors and friends who graciously support our programs that continue to have a vital impact in the countries that we serve.

Please make a donation to Support Our Children and Programs.

Related Information:
• NPH Haiti
• St. Damien Pediatric Hospital Fund
• How Your Help Makes an Impact at NPH

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