Sustainable Therapy Welcomes you

"Piti piti, sazo fe nich li"

Little by little the bird builds its nest

HOME: Welcome

OUR URGENT PLEA

Dear Friends,

Ednige, Frantzo, and Julie are all making exceptional progress in their programs, and Ednige and Frantzo are expected to graduate at the end of this year. Despite COVID restrictions and a hostile political climate for them in the Dominican Republic, they are persevering.

Unfortunately, since the assassination of President Moise, Haiti, especially Port Au Prince, has become ruled by gang violence. It is more important than ever for Haitians living in the more rural parts of the country, such as Deschapelles, to have available medical services. As Physical Therapists, Ednige and Frantzo can make a difference.

The pandemic of the last two years has limited our fundraising, and Sustainable Therapy will not have the funds to continue our support for the students without your help.. We know that you also have been persevering with your support for our students. We thank you for your support and enthusiasm for our students

We are reaching out to you because we need help today.

Donations made to Sustainable Therapy by selecting the "DONATE" section at the top right of the site OR Checks can be sent to

Sustainable Therapy
c/o Mary Christman
6014 Kingsbury Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63112

HOME: Text

CONCERT FUNDRAISER

Sunday, June 5 1-4pm

ACOUSTIK ELEMENT

(acoustikelement.com)

A Latin-inspired instrumental group, will be performing outdoors at:

Joe's Café

6014 Kingsbury Avenue

St Louis 63112

Bring a picnic lunch and BYOB; Ted Drewes dessert will be provided.

$30 Per Person. Donations at the door can be made via Cash or Credit Card.

All proceeds will be donated to Sustainable Therapy.

HOME: Earthquake in Haiti

OUR STORY

Healthcare services in Haiti are sorely lacking with a severe shortage of rehabilitation professionals especially in the rural areas. A group of physical therapists who have volunteered for several years, teaching a Rehabilitation Technician training program and providing therapy services in Haiti established Sustainable Therapy Haiti in 2010. After successfully graduating several classes of technicians at Hopital Albert Schweitzer, in Dechappelles, some of our graduates expressed their desire to continue their education.

Our experiences exposed the great need for expanded rehabilitation services in order for individuals to return to productive work to support families. We strongly embrace the concept that a Haitian workforce is essential for a sense of dignity and independence for the Haitian people. Freedom for dependence on outside visiting therapists is essential. We are encouraged that the Haitian Physiotherapy Association, the professional physical therapist organization has developed and been accepted into the World Confederation for Physical Therapy.

The mission of Sustainable Therapy Haiti is to educate and financially support Haitian physical and occupational therapy students, increasing the number of Haitian rehabilitation professionals in the country. Ameroline Belizare, our first student has graduated from Pontificia Universidad Catholica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), a physical therapy program in the Dominican Republic and is working in the Artibonite Valley in Haiti. Currently there are three students attending school, two in the PUCMM physical therapy program and one enrolled in occupational therapy, at the Universidad Catolica Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic. These are dedicated young people, leaving home and family, attending school in Spanish, rather than their native French or Kreyol. Their goals are to better themselves, assist their families and their communities back in Haiti.

HOME: Text

HOME: Services

OUR STUDENTS

All of the students supported by Sustainable Therapy are from the Artibonitte Valley in north central Haiti. This is the most fertile area in Haiti, a primary source of food production for the country, where a majority of the population are farmers. Ameroline, Frantzo and Ednidge all completed the Rehabilitation Technician Training Program at the Hopital Albert Schweitzer and then worked in the Physical Therapy department. Currently, our students attend university programs in the Dominican Republic where the programs are well established.

Ednidge

Physical Therapy Student at Pontifica Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra - Expected Graduation 2022. As rehab techinician at HAS, Ednidge would always have a great smile, and was outstanding at motivating patients.

Frantzo

Physical Therapy Student at Pontifica Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra - Expected Graduation 2022. Frantzo is a “family man” and is always seeking ways to help others.

Julie

Occupational Therapy Student at Universidad Catolica Santo Domingo - Expected Graduation 2022. Julie is a very mature student and is finding her way in the Occupational Therapy Program.

Ameroline

Physical Therapy Graduate (2016) of Pontifica Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra, was our “pioneer”. She helped pave the way for our current students. After graduation she worked in a PT Practice in Port a Prince. Returning home to Deschappelles, as a new mom, she is starting an outpatient clinic.

HOME: Text

STUDENT STORIES

HOME: Team

EDNIDGE

EDNIDGE PIERRE VAMEUS

Ednidge is a third year physical therapy student. She is married and very active in her church. Before attending physical therapy school, she worked as a rehabilitation technician at Hopital Albert Schweitzer.

A video message from Frantzo and Ednidge

HOME: Text

HOME: Video

GALA FUNDRAISERS

Beginning in 2012 we have held our Fall Fundraiser at Joe’s Café (thank you Bill Christman!). A wonderful evening, tasting Haitian food, learning about our mission, shopping at the Marche’ , a silent auction and enjoying music in the garden. The Marche’(market) and silent auction provided a variety of Haitian folk art and crafts. For the last three years, the food has been catered by Chef Myriame Robinson of the Manjé Kreyol Grill, a native Haitian living here in St. Louis. Supporters raved about her “jon-jon rice” and other delicacies,

and listened intently to her stories about the needs of her fellow Haitians.

Last year we were excited to be featured in the Ladue News! In addition to the Board,

the event was assisted by volunteers from family members,

and students from the Maryville University PT Program.

The Fall Gala has been our major fundraiser to support our students. This year with the COVID-19 pandemic canceling our event we facing an emergency of not being able to continue supporting our students. We need your help today.