Frantznel is amazing!

That is the only word to describe him and his contribution to the Denim Project. In the last 9 months, Frantznel has learned to make baskets and sailboat pillows. In November, He was trained in the role of manager over our Haiti operations and is doing a wonderful job. But I am getting ahead of myself, I will back up a moment and tell you his story.

Frantznel, his wife, and 18-month-old son live in Minoterie where they own a piece of land and a tent home. Frantznel was trained in the art of sewing with a machine at his mother's knee and had opened his own business with a loan from the Haitian Bank earlier in 2015. His business was just starting to get off the ground when a fire raized the entire city block including his merchandise and his sewing machine. Taking away his livelihood and ability to pay off the loan from the bank.

In Haiti there is no support network to come alongside someone when a tragedy of this nature strikes. No unemployment. No medicare. No insurance. Nothing. He and his family were at the mercy of the bank and the elements. 

His wife heard about the Starfish program at Tytoo Gardens and was entered into the program. The Starfish program assists women in dire need of help. During the intake process, information is gathered to determine how best to help the family. When Ali found out that Frantznel was a trained tailor, she immediately messaged me and asked if I would be bringing more treadle machines down during our March 2015 trip. 

I was taking two treadle machines down and upon my arrival in Haiti, I met with Frantznel and his wife and asked if he would simply like a microloan to get a sewing machine to continue his business or if he would also like to contract work with The Denim Project. He willingly signed on as one of our artisans and was able to sew anything I asked of him with little oversight or direction needed. What a blessing.  

Because many of the people who come to Starfish program have little education or professional skills, the process in incorporating a new artisan into the Denim Project often takes months of basic education and skill training. Frantznel's ability to jumb right in and work made him a valuable addition to the Denim Project team and quickly propelled him to manager status. 

At the Denim Project, we strive to keep families together through job creation, education, and orphan prevention. Under orphan prevention, a huge part of that is providing a permanent home for our artisans that provides safety from the elements, security from those who would do them harm, and stability in always having a place to call home.

In 2016 we would like to build a concrete home for Frantznel and his family. For $2500, an 11'x17' concrete home with porch and outhouse can be built. We have already raised $1000 towards Frantznel's home and are only in need $1500.

Can you help this family have a permanent home?  

Donate today @ http://denimproject.org/collections/donations/products/your-donation-a-home-of-their-own

Thank you in advance for your donation! 

Watch future posts for Frantznel's video detailing his story. 

Have a great day

Lori

The Denim Project is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Your donation is completely tax deductible.