Friends of Montfort Celebrate 30 Years of Inspiring Support for Haiti's Institut Montfort

Standing (L-R): Sr. Mona Haig, DW, Colette Baron, Sr. Marie Josee Seide, DW, Sr. Bernadette Sassone, DW, Pianist Suki Guerrier, Sr. Maria Jesus Pinedo, DW, and Associate of Wisdom Maryse Haig. Seated (L-R): Sr. Evelyn Lamoureux, Sr. Mary Stiefvater, DW, Sr. Marilyn Soeder, DW and Sr. Ann Scahill, DW.

In Haiti, the Santo campus of the Institut Montfort School for the Deaf faced severe challenges when it was overwhelmed by theft and vandalism amid a socio-political crisis and armed gang violence. In response, the Friends of Montfort provided immediate financial support to the school's director, Sr. Lamercie Estinfort, DW, and her staff, who were suddenly tasked with finding safety and a new location for the school's 150 deaf students.

On August 3, 2024, they were forced to evacuate their campus, just three years after the completion of new dormitories and a trade school. This followed the reconstruction of the school in 2015, which had been built after an earthquake devastated the original structure in 2010. The sudden relocation devastated the staff and students, as they once again lost their school.

Fortunately, they ultimately found a new home at the Institution Sacre Coeur in Turgeau, where many students now reside in the school's dormitories.

Celebrating its 30th year, the Friends of Montfort annual fundraiser sponsors the education of over 270 students. Additionally, the organization donates $5,000 yearly to the Gift of Life program, which provides essential cardiac interventions for pediatric patients in critical need. While these patients are undergoing treatment, board members take an active role in hosting families from Haiti in New York and coordinating care, transportation, and translation services. This year's honorees were Cindy Messineo Kudler, Executive Program Director for the Gift of Life, Inc., and St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center Ambassador Program.

Friends of Montfort Founder and Associate of Wisdom Maryse Haig, who still serves on the Board, said, "This year's fundraiser drew over 200 guests who were very happy to continue supporting a great cause and enjoyed this wonderful event."