In 2003, Bill and Susette Manassero visited Haiti and were surprised by the large number of family-separated children they encountered. Their hearts were broken by what they witnessed, and they returned to Southern California determined to do something about it. The Manasseros took a leap of faith in 2004, sold all that they owned, moved to Port Au Prince, Haiti, and founded Child Hope International. They opened an orphanage to make sure children could be raised in a loving Christian home— free from want and fear— granting them the chance to “just be children.”
Since then, the ministry has shared the love of Christ with many vulnerable children and provided them physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional care at the orphanage known as Maison de Lumiere, “The Lighthouse.” At Child Hope International, we have also adapted our services to meet the needs that arise in the community. For instance, following the 7.0 earthquake in 2010, we opened a school and medical clinic, which were in dire need after many had been destroyed in the earthquake.
Over the years we saw waves of new orphanages, and instead of solving the orphan crisis, they were simply adding to it. We committed to finding “a more excellent way.”
Today, CHI is doing orphan care differently. We shifted our services to address issues like poverty and family separation which are at the root of the orphan crisis. We strive to build healthy relationships between children living in orphanages and their families, and whenever possible work towards reunification.
As we work toward reunification, we identify the specific needs of the family and provide the necessary support. We want to walk alongside families, empowering them to care for and nurture their children.
Our “Big Holy Audacious Goal” is to help all 32,000 “orphans” living in Haitian orphanages to become sons and daughters, thriving in a loving family.