Jennifer Weitzel, MS, RN — Founder & Chair
Jennifer resides with her husband in Madison, Wisconsin, where she works for Public Health Madison & Dane County. “I’m deeply passionate about public health – locally and globally. My efforts in Haiti are based on a fundamental belief that every human being is entitled to a basic standard of living that includes clean water, adequate nutrition, education, housing, safety, and health. With the friendships and relationships I have developed in Haiti, I truly consider us to be brothers and sisters.”
Eddy Destine – Executive Director, Medical Clinic & Nursing School
Eddy is the Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation Bon Samaritan En Action (FBSA), which is a medical clinic and nursing school on the northern edge of Port-au-Prince in Croix-des- Bouquets. FBSA was recognized by the Haitian government as a foundation in 2001. Eddy has a degree in Business Administration and a persistent unwillingness to accept the inequalities and injustices that poor health care brings to the Haitian people. According to Eddy, “The government programs are not fulfilling the needs of the common Haitian people. If programs are available, political instabilities create other agendas, affecting the time it takes to get needs met. People are dying, especially the poor and marginalized. I think the greatest resource in Haiti is the intelligence, compassion and commitment of Haiti’s own young adults. The best way to tap this resource is to train young Haitian adults to become healthcare providers.”
Jeffery Lafferty, PhD – Epidemiologist
Jeffery is originally from Louisville, Kentucky but currently resides in Waunakee, Wisconsin and serves as an environmental epidemiologist for Public Health Madison & Dane County. He has been working with HMH in a data support role and volunteering in Haiti since 2011. “I am very fortunate to work with HMH; everyone involved are dedicated professionals that work extremely hard along with our Haitian partners to improve the communities that we serve. The Haitian people are our neighbors, our friends, and our family and I look forward to continuing serving in our global community.”
Allison Epker, RN, BSN – Sponsorship Coordinator, School of Nursing
Allison currently resides in Edgerton, WI and works at Maxim Healthcare Services as a Registered Nurse. Allison has been with HMH since January 2016 when she took her first trip to Haiti. She is eager to help work with the nursing school and clinic in Haiti. “My goal in working with HMH is to continue to help the clinic, and nursing school thrive in Haiti. In doing this, I want to create partnerships and provide education to help the people of Haiti receive education and healthcare. I am very excited to see what the future holds for HMH!”
Tim Weitzel – Special Events & Fundraising
Tim lives and works in Madison, Wisconsin. He is deeply passionate about continuing to help and develop relations with the many people he now considers friends and family in Haiti. He has been volunteering with HMH in an overall support role since 2012. “During my first trip to Haiti, I noticed how genuinely appreciative our Haitian partners were which has subsequently fueled my passion and commitment to HMH. Our work extends beyond our time in Haiti, as HMH is continually willing and trying to find ways to help.”
Mary Parry – Sponsorship Coordinator
An interior designer and the owner/operator of Designs by Mary Parry, Mary resides in Beloit, Wisconsin, with her family. “I am in awe of the resilience and graciousness of the people in Haiti. As it says in Matthew 25:40, ‘The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”’ That verse always comes to mind when I’m working on sponsorship activities.”
Haitian proverb:
Men anpil chay pa lou.
Many hands make the load lighter.