My Story

Cheistie was just 2 years old when her father passed away, leaving her mother alone with four children and no way to provide for them. The family lived in a small, one-room house near Petit Goave, barely surviving. A security guard who works with Haiti ARISE learned of their desperate situation and shared it with our team. When we visited, her mother explained her story—she was originally from Saint Marc, but after the devastating cyclone in 2008 swept away everything she had, a neighbor brought her to Petit Goave. There, she started a family. But after her partner died, she was overwhelmed and unable to care for the children. She had already given two away, and was preparing to give away the remaining two, including Cheistie.

After careful evaluation, it was clear Cheistie needed immediate support and a stable home. In May 2023, she came to live at ARISE Children’s Village, where she is now safe, thriving, and surrounded by love in the care of the Saintil family.