Maison Fortune is a faith based Christian orphanage following the Catholic beliefs, sacraments, and social teachings in caring for the children of Haiti. The orphanage was established with the long term goal to continue to grow and provide for the less fortunate children of Haiti, but as you can imagine, the expenses involved with running an orphanage can be enormous. The children need food, shelter, clothing and medical care. There are the expenses for the various supplies that are needed, such as school supplies, personal hygiene items, gardening supplies, and many other miscellaneous items required for the day-to-day operation of the orphanage.

Much has been accomplished in the past few years including the construction of additional living quarters for the boys, guest quarters for visitors and volunteers, opening of the girls campus and dorm, opening the on-site clinic, hiring of additional staff and more. While much has been accomplished, the orphanage still must contend with many day to day obstacles and immediate needs. We must maintain an ample supply of food, clean water, clothing, personal hygiene items, school supplies and more. Some of the goals will take time to achieve, but they are all achievable. To continue providing the children with the care they need and deserve we need your help.While it is hoped that the orphanage can one day be a self-supporting entity, it is not currently able to do so and must still rely almost entirely on the generosity of others to continue its mission. For this reason Jean-Louis and others are continuously searching for additional support from individuals and groups alike. Below are some of the needs Maison Fortune Orphanage constantly faces.

* There are of course the costs involved for the repairs and the expansion of the facilities and though it is only a meager wage, the staff must also be paid so that they may care for their own families.

* With more than 125 children from the orphanage and nearly 150 additional children from the village of Hinche attending classes at the orphanage school,
items like text books (in French), pens, pencils, composition books, art paints, compasses and protractors for geometry, rulers, and other school supplies for the students always seem to be in short supply. Sometimes there just is not enough to go around. We are also always in need of many teachers materials (in French language).

* Common medicines are always greatly needed. Things that many in other parts of the world often take for granted like aspirin, cold medicines, antibiotic creams and bandages can be hard to come by in Haiti. With such a large number of children there is always a cut or scrape that needs tending. Even the more common over the counter medications when available at the local clinic are often well beyond their posted shelf life.

* Shoes (especially mens sizes 6-10) and sandals are another item that is often needed. I am sure that anyone with children can appreciate what it must be like trying to keep this many growing children in footwear! If they are not growing out of them, they simply wear them out.

* Along with shoes there is of course always a need for basic clothing such as pants, shirts, underwear, etc. Trying to keep over one-hundred growing children in clothing is a major task in itself and clothing always seems to be in short supply. While we sometimes have offers from afar to donate some of these items, getting them to the orphanage presents a whole new issue.

* The girls dorm is now open and this has added the need for girls clothing items as well as items to stock and furnish their dorm.

* Some computer equipment had been donated in the past allowing computer training to be added to the classes at the orphanage school. Many of these systems are extremely slow and outdated so we are hoping to acquire additional and more up to date computer equipment as well as (french language) software. Power filters and UPS systems are also needed for the computer lab to help prevent damage to the systems during the frequent power outages and surges.

* There are also the more obvious needs. Things that many may take for granted are often a precious commodity in Haiti and often in very short supply at the orphanage. Things like toilet paper and other personal hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste and shampoo. There is also always a need for brooms, mops, buckets and other cleaning supplies.

Because of the orphanages remote location the logistics and cost of shipping the items will in most cases exceed the value of the items being sent. Though we are of course happy to accept the donated items we may often recommend that those wanting to help instead make a monetary donation to the orphanage operating fund. This allows Jean-Louis to purchase such items locally which not only provides more for the same cost, but also helps others in the area by providing business for the local merchants. Of course there are also cases where certain types of items may not be available locally or may be quite expensive in Haiti. In these cases we of course have to ask for the item to be sent to the orphanage and will provide any information needed to help find the least expensive shipping method.

Jean-Louis and the children have been blessed with many donations and offerings of help. From the individuals, families, parishes and groups who have made donations, to those who have volunteered their time helping their local group or parish with a fundraiser and in some cases even traveled to help out at the orphanage. Jean-Louis and all of the children at Maison Fortune Orphanage are extremely greatful to each and every one of you. Without all of your help and generosity we could not continue to provide for the children and could never have accomplished so much.

" Men anpil, chay pa lou "

While we have made great progress, there is still much to be done and there are many ways in which one can help.

Donations By Mail

If you would like to make a donation by mail, please print out and complete the following
donation form. Send this form along with your check or money order made payable to 'Maison Fortune Orphanage Foundation' may be sent to

Maison Fortune Orphanage
c/o Catholic Church of St Mark
1505 Kempsville Road
Virginia Beach VA 23464

** Please Do Not send cash by mail **

Other ways you can help...

Would you like to show your support for the children, but are unable to make a personal financial contribution? There are plenty of other ways which you can help!

Supplies for the children
The orphanage is always in need of many items. Everything from clothing, blankets, medications to school supplies, books and even toys are always in great demand. While it is possible for donors to ship items to the orphanage, it is generally recommended and more economical to purchase supplies locally in Haiti avoiding high shipping and customs fees. If you feel you or someone you know may be able to help, please contact us.

Help us get the word out!
It is said that "with many hands, the load is not heavy".
So please be sure to tell your family members, friends and even your co-workers about Maison Fortune Orphanage and the issues facing the children and all of Haiti. The more people we are able to make aware, the greater the support we can provide.

Please pray for the children
Of course we ask that you please offer a prayer for the children and all of Haiti and that others may come to share their prosperity with the children of Maison Fortune Orphanage.

If you or your group are interested in becoming involved with, or just learning more about Maison Fortuné Orphanage, please feel free to contact us. Please be sure to watch the NEWS section to learn about some of the more immediate needs at the orphanage.

Maison Fortune Orphanage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Organization