The Be Like Brit Foundation, Inc

Haiti

Haiti boasts a rich and vibrant history, marked by resilience and a strong cultural heritage. As the first independent black republic in the world and the second nation in the Western Hemisphere to gain independence, Haiti's history is a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. The country declared its independence from French colonial rule on January 1, 1804, following a successful slave revolt led by Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines. This revolution not only ended slavery in Haiti but also had a profound impact on the global abolitionist movement. Haiti's cultural landscape is equally remarkable, with a unique blend of African, French, and indigenous Taíno influences evident in its language, art, music, and religious practices. The vibrant traditions of Vodou, the rhythms of Kompa music, and the colorful celebrations of Carnival all reflect the nation's rich cultural tapestry. Despite the numerous challenges Haiti has faced, its history remains a source of pride and inspiration for its people.

Haiti has faced significant challenges over the past decade. In addition to the 2010 earthquake that claimed the lives of approximately 220,000 to 300,000 people, the country has suffered from other major disasters. Later in 2010, Haiti was hit by a deadly Cholera outbreak. Then, in 2016, Hurricane Matthew, the most catastrophic Caribbean storm in nearly a decade, caused further devastation, leaving over a million Haitians in need of assistance. Despite ongoing struggles with poverty, political unrest, and violence, the Haitian people continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience.

Haiti is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis. According to the United Nations, over 5 million Haitians are experiencing acute hunger, highlighting the dire need for food security and humanitarian aid in the region. Additionally, the security situation in Haiti has deteriorated significantly, with gangs now controlling 90% of Port-au-Prince, the capital city. This widespread gang control has resulted in increased violence and danger for the local population, exacerbating the country's existing challenges and making daily life perilous for many Haitians. The combination of acute hunger and rampant gang violence underscores the urgent need for international assistance and intervention to stabilize and support Haiti during these trying times.

The Be Like Brit Foundation was established in memory of Britney Gengel, who tragically passed away in the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. The foundation was inspired by Britney's compassionate vision and her desire to help the children of Haiti, which she expressed just hours before her death. The Be Like Brit Foundation aims to build a brighter future for Haiti through a focus on education, leadership, and technology. By fostering a spirit of resiliency and hope, the foundation works to create opportunities and support for the younger generation, ensuring they have the resources and environment necessary to thrive and contribute positively to their community.

Raising the next Generation of Leaders in Haiti

Read more about our individual projects and the impact on Brit’s Kids, the community and those from around the world making it happen.

Brit's Academy

Brit’s Academy, originally founded in 2016 and expanded in 2019, now provides in-house, quality education to all of our children. Going beyond the rote memorization taught in most Haitian schools, Brit’s kids participate in daily active learning experiences that encourage critical thinking through our Agile Mindset pedagogy which focuses on empathy, problem-solving, social-emotional learning, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

With access to new technology, our kids and staff have access to a global curriculum including our speaker series “Connect, Engage, Learn.” Through this new series, speakers from all over the world can present to our eager students; building a bridge across the ocean from Haiti and resulting in phenomenal eye-opening education.

In addition to learning Creole, French, and English, enrichment courses in the arts, music, and chess are also integrated Brit’s Academy was established in 2016 and expanded in 2019 to provide high-quality, in-house education to all students. Our approach goes beyond the traditional memorization-based teaching methods used in most Haitian schools. At Brit’s Academy, we focus on daily active learning experiences to promote critical thinking, using our Agile Mindset pedagogy that emphasizes empathy, problem-solving, social-emotional learning, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

We have invested in new technology to give our students and staff access to a global curriculum, including our speaker series called “Connect, Engage, Learn.” This series brings speakers from all over the world to present to our eager students, bridging the gap between Haiti and the rest of the world, resulting in a phenomenal eye-opening education.

Our curriculum includes Creole, French, and English language learning, as well as enrichment courses in the arts, music, and chess. Our certified teachers equip our students with the necessary tools to pursue employment locally in Haiti or compete in the global arena.into the curriculum. It is with certified teachers that our children will have the tools necessary to focus on employability locally in Haiti and/or the ability to compete in a global arena.

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Sustainability

Brit's Home is always working to be more sustainable. Since 2014, we've had 100 solar panels that provide more than half of our electricity. These solar panels help power almost everything, including our lights, water pump, air conditioning, internet, computers, and kitchen. With the help of a backup generator, we can stay “off the grid” and rely less on Haiti’s often unreliable and expensive local resources.

We also have a special system for collecting and using rainwater. Our terrace is designed to catch rainwater and channel it into our garden. Any extra water goes into an underground cistern, a big storage tank, which we use to water our plants on dry days. To make sure we have safe drinking water, we use a nanotechnology filtration unit that purifies the water inside the home.

Solar Panels

What They Do: Solar panels capture energy from the sun and turn it into electricity.
Why It’s Important: By using solar power, we reduce our electricity costs and help the environment by using clean energy.

Backup Generator

What It Does: The generator provides electricity when the solar panels can't, like on cloudy days or during the night.
Why It’s Important: It ensures we always have power, even if there's a problem with the local electricity supply.

Water Collection System

Terrace Design: The terrace is sloped to direct rainwater into the garden and the cistern.
Garden Watering: Rainwater helps our plants grow and keeps the garden green and healthy.
Cistern Use: The cistern stores extra rainwater, which we use during dry periods to keep the garden alive.

Nanotechnology Filtration Unit

What It Does: This unit cleans the water, making it safe for drinking by removing tiny particles and germs.
Why It’s Important: Clean water is essential for health, and this system ensures we have it.

Why These Efforts Matter

These sustainability efforts are not only about saving money but also about protecting the environment and ensuring that Brit's Home is a safe and healthy place to live. By using solar power and rainwater, we are reducing our impact on the environment and making sure we have reliable resources even when local systems fail.

Transition Program: Empowering the Next Generation

At Be Like Brit, our goal is to ensure the bright futures of Brit's kids. As our oldest children transition into adolescence and young adulthood, we recognize the importance of continuing our support and including them as cherished members of the Be Like Brit family.

The Transition Program is crafted with our teens in mind, aiming to fully support their successful journey into young adulthood. This program provides a robust support system built on seven key pillars:

Caring Pillar

Focuses on the care of self and others, emphasizing personal and physical health care, enrichment, adherence to house rules, and development of life skills.

Safety Pillar

Teaches individuals how to handle various types of emergencies and helps them become familiar with their neighborhood safely and independently.

Education Pillar

Prepares the children for life and success beyond Be Like Brit, including learning English as a second language, pursuing college and higher education, attending trade schools, and accessing scholarships.

Career Pillar

Helps individuals discover their career interests, learn financial literacy, manage their funds, read financial contracts, understand taxation systems, and participate in the entrepreneurial program.

Technology Pillar

Teaches individuals how to utilize and navigate technology, including phones, computers, and social media, safely and effectively.

Immersion Pillar

Integrates continued development of English, job skills, and life skills. This program supports individuals wherever they may travel to continue their education and careers.

Community Pillar

Encourages individuals, once settled into their adult lives, to give back to their communities and peers through projects that showcase the knowledge, skills, and talents they have cultivated.

Additional Key Components

Support Staff

Professional mentors and caregivers dedicated to guiding and supporting teens through their personal and educational development.

Continued Education

Providing ongoing learning opportunities, including high school, vocational training, and higher education to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Independent Living

Teaching essential life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and time management to prepare them for living on their own.

Self-Exploration

Encouraging teens to discover their interests, strengths, and passions through various activities and personal development programs.

Empowerment in the Workforce

Equipping teens with job readiness skills, internships, and employment opportunities to help them gain confidence and independence in the local workforce.

Community Involvement

Promoting active participation in community service and leadership roles to foster a sense of responsibility and connection to their community.

Health and Well-being

Ensuring access to healthcare, counseling, and support services to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Our Commitment to Their Future

Through the Transition Program, we continue to nurture our young adults, equipping them with the tools and confidence needed for adult life. Our mission is to raise and support the next generation of leaders who will make a positive impact in their communities.

Join us in supporting the transition of Brit’s kids into promising and fulfilling futures. Your involvement helps us keep Brit’s spirit alive, fostering a legacy of love, growth, and leadership.

Drone shot of our Transition Program Housing for our children 18 and over.

Brit's Clinic: A Lifeline for Hope and Healing

At Brit's Home, we are committed to the well-being of our children, staff, and their families. Our fully operational 1,150 square foot clinic is staffed with two dedicated nurses who provide essential medical care, ensuring that everyone in our community stays healthy and strong.

In January 2017, we reached a significant milestone. Be Like Brit became an approved pre-designated Landing Zone for the Haiti Air Ambulance. This vital partnership allows us to facilitate emergency air evacuations by helicopter, providing critical medical assistance in the most desperate situations. This capability is a lifeline for our children and the broader community, offering hope and rapid response during medical emergencies.

Our commitment to health care goes beyond immediate medical needs. We believe in providing comprehensive, preventative health care to all our children. This includes regular check-ups, vaccinations, and health education, ensuring that our children grow up healthy and informed about their well-being.

Embracing the Heart of Grand Goâve
A Collaborative Journey with Be Like Brit

From the very beginning, the people of Grand Goâve have been more than just neighbors to us—they have been essential partners in our mission. When we first envisioned Brit's Home, the local community supported us wholeheartedly, laying the groundwork for what would become a beacon of hope and opportunity. Today, Be Like Brit stands as the largest employer in the area, constantly engaging additional workers for special projects, further strengthening our community bonds.

A Community-Driven Approach

At Be Like Brit, we firmly believe in the power of community involvement. Our local staff, including social workers, caretakers, nurses, and teachers, play a crucial role in developing and implementing treatment plans and curricula for our children. We incorporate the insights and expertise of our community members at every step, ensuring a collaborative approach to problem-solving that respects and uplifts local traditions and knowledge.

Our commitment extends beyond our immediate vicinity. We actively offer our services and support to neighboring communities, collaborating with other schools, children’s homes, missions, and organizations. This interconnected approach allows us to share resources, knowledge, and care, creating a network of support that benefits all.

Clean Water: A Lifesaving Initiative

Since the opening of Brit's Home in 2013, we have prioritized providing clean, safe water to the local population. Every day, we distribute up to 1,000 gallons of purified water to families in need. This is a critical service in rural Haiti, where less than half of the population has access to clean water, leading to preventable illnesses and deaths from water-borne diseases.

Recognizing the ongoing need, in 2016, we expanded our wells and rainwater catchment systems. Our goal is to double our daily distribution to 2,000 gallons, potentially serving up to 75 families each day. With the average Haitian household comprising six members, this initiative impacts the lives of 450-500 individuals daily, providing a basic necessity that promotes health and dignity.

Looking Ahead: Rebuilding Our Health Services

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, our medical clinics offered vital health services to the community. Although these clinics are temporarily on hold, we remain deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this life-saving work. We eagerly anticipate resuming our medical outreach, continuing to provide essential care to those who need it most.

Ensuring the Future: Security at BLB

Since its inception, Be Like Brit has steadfastly prioritized the safety and security of our children and staff. In a country like Haiti, where the socio-political landscape is tumultuous, ensuring security is more crucial than ever. The challenges are immense—poverty, environmental degradation, political instability, and a tragic presidential assassination have all contributed to nationwide chaos.

Our Commitment to Safety

In response to these challenges, Be Like Brit is taking extraordinary measures to protect Brit's Home and secure a hopeful future for Haiti. We've significantly bolstered our security infrastructure, reflecting our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.

Our Enhanced Security Measures Include:

Expanded Security Team: Our regular security staff of twelve has been reinforced with five additional armed security guards, ensuring round-the-clock protection for our children and staff.
Advanced Communication Systems: We've installed a security satellite telephone system, providing a reliable communication link even in the most adverse conditions.
Surveillance Upgrades: The addition of state-of-the-art security cameras ensures constant monitoring and swift response to any potential threats.
Physical Barriers: A new retaining security wall has been constructed around our transition homes, adding an extra layer of protection.

#StepstoSecurity Campaign

These enhancements are part of our new #StepstoSecurity campaign, emphasizing our proactive approach to safety. By putting safety first, we are not only protecting our current residents but also ensuring that Brit's Home continues to be a sanctuary where children can grow and thrive.

Your Role in Our Mission

By donating to Be Like Brit, you become a vital part of our mission to provide a safe, nurturing environment for the next generation of Haitian leaders. Your support helps us maintain and further develop our security measures, ensuring that our children can focus on their education, personal growth, and future aspirations without fear.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Together, we can make a profound impact. Your generosity will directly contribute to the safety and security of our children, enabling them to build a brighter future for themselves and their country. Donate today and be a part of the solution. Help us keep Brit's Home a place of hope, love, and security.

GET IN TOUCH

(508) 886-4500

OPERATIONS CENTER

66 Pullman Street, Worcester, MA, 01606

Brit's Home

33 Brit's Way, Grand Goave, Haiti