Who We Are
Today’s Promises is a 501(c)(3) Non-profit, charitable foundation that brings empowerment, education, food, shelter, love and hope to the impoverished and sick children of Caribbean.
BACKGROUND
BEFORE HAITI WAS HIT BY A DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE IN 2010, HAITI WAS ALREADY ONE OF THE POOREST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD!
In 2010, Haiti was hit by a devastating 7.0 Mw earthquake. Approximately 220,000-316,000 people are thought to have died, including 96 UN peacekeepers and 122 U.S citizens. Over 300,000 were injured, while another 300,000 were displaced from their homes. Even before the deadly earthquake, Haiti was one of the world’s poorest countries. The country was already awash in orphans, with 380,000 children living in orphanages or group homes.
A stretch of road with all buildings damaged in the earthquake. Port-au-Prince, Haiti, January 19, 2010.
Six-year-old Charles Kerby holds his 11-month-old sister Mikerlina Dragon inside the Ste Therese camp, set up for people displaced by the 2010 earthquake, in Petion-Ville, Haiti, Saturday, June 16, 2012. Kerby had to drop out of school after the 2010 earthquake to help his working mother care for his two brothers and sisters. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)
HOW WE BEGAN
Most of the children had lost their parents during the earthquake or were abandoned by their families or relatives who could not care for them after the earthquake. With the heart to continue the good works for the Caribbean children, the foundation extended the program to building an orphanage, providing the impoverished and helping the sick children get well.
Milestones
The children moved to Port-au-Prince orphanage to a better location.
Our mission focused on supporting the children of this orphanage who were living in a dilapidated building that lacked electricity and running water. Today’s Promises foundation launched an initiative to move the children to a better location. Located in the capital, Port-au-Prince, the children now live in a safe and secure home with electricity, running water, and sufficient resources to provide for their basic human needs.
In 2018, the foundation leased an 8,000 sq. ft. home that will soon become the Today’s Promises Academy of Haiti.
In partnership with established members of the Haitian community, the second phase of our mission brings exciting new plans and possibilities. The foundation leased an 8,000 sq. ft. home that will soon become the Today’s Promises Academy of Haiti — a residential facility where children live, learn, and flourish. More than your typical Haitian orphanage, Today’s Promises aims to nurture the whole child — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Today’s Promises Academy is located in a secure environment with clean running water and electricity. It will include a children’s dormitory, cafeteria, auditorium, educational and recreational areas, medical facility, and areas for the children to grow vegetables and rear chickens as a source of fresh food. Today’s Promises will proudly offer a Young Entrepreneur Program, teaching children essential life and vocational skills.
The first 21 children will move into Today’s Promises Academy in the summer of 2021.
Caring for the children on-site will be a live-in house mother, cook, cleaning and security staff, counselors, and educators. The foundation is currently working to prepare, furnish, and equip the facility so it is fully operational before the arrival of its new residents. It is our aim to grow the academy and raise healthy, happy, well-adjusted children with the knowledge and skills to ultimately reintegrate into the community as responsible, productive, self-sufficient adults. We are offering… Today’s Promises for a brighter future tomorrow.
KEY PEOPLE IN THE ORGANIZATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rick Langley, Chairman
Rick has traveled the globe throughout his accomplished career working with multiple industries and adapting to multiple cultures. His perseverance and determination lead to success in every project he undertakes. He never accepts “no” or “we can’t” as an answer because he is a firm believer that the sky is the limit and everyone must keep climbing to reach their dreams. As a dedicated philanthropist, he believes, “Life is a faucet. It flows through you and it’s your responsibility to pass it forward.” The children of Today’s Promises are fortunate to have him in their corner.
Sebastian is a business executive with more than 20 years of experience in manufacturing, financial services, entertainment, and pharmaceuticals. A philanthropist throughout his career, Sebastian has seasoned expertise in capital raising, sales, and global marketing to offer to the foundation. Today’s Promises is fortunate to secure his talents to further the benefit and well-being of our children.
ADVISORY BOARD
Moïse Estiverne, Operations Advisor
Moïse is an accomplished lawyer. He has dedicated his life to fighting for justice and equality for the underprivileged. He has been working with the group “Combat Social Injustice.” We are pleased to have him as an advisor for our operations in Haiti.
Vyvyan Campbell, Advisor
Vyvyan’s diverse career in television and film spans over 30 years and several continents. Vyvyan has achieved an outstanding reputation as a producer in lifestyle and reality television.
Lauren Charles, Youth Coordinator
As the Youth Coordinator, Lauren is passionate about touching the lives of children and providing them with the essentials needed to survive. She believes, “every child deserves to be happy and glad to be alive.” She is an enthusiastic member of our organization, striving to help children lead a better life.
Paula Hoisington, Communications Advisor
Ms. Hoisington is the spokesperson for Net Communications, a firm specializing in regulatory policy and analysis, public affairs, and advancing diversity. She is a liaison with CEOs and senior management of major communications. She develops regulatory strategies, coordinates public policy forums, and facilitates the establishment of corporate and community-based coalitions.
Lea Black, Advisor
Mother, wife, philanthropist, author, television personality, political activist, and entrepreneur are all titles that can be claimed by Lea Black. A Texas native, Lea moved to Miami in the late 1980s and quickly rose to the heights of Miami society. Her passion and experience are welcomed and appreciated at Today’s Promises.
Janet Wynn, Advisor
Dr. Janet Wynn believes, “The true value of education is not what it can do for you, but what it enables you to do for others.” Embracing this principle, Dr. Wynn has dedicated most of her career to creating quality educational opportunities for children and adults of all ages. She has traveled the U.S. teaching and consulting. She has been a strong advocate for disadvantaged and special needs children. Today’s Promises is fortunate to secure Dr. Wynn’s leadership, passion, and experience to benefit our children.
Stinphil Stenio, Legal Advisor
Born in 1949, Judge Stinphil Stenio is married and has two daughters. He earned his law degree in 1980 and later became a judge of the Court of the First instance of the Croix-des-Bouquests. He has worked on legislation and amendments to the Haiti Constitution. Judge Stenio advises our team on legal issues in Haiti.