Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Hoping Hearts Powerpoint Presentation
This is a Powerpoint presentation that summarizes the situation of HIV & AIDS in the Dominican Republic and some of the main objectives of Hoping Hearts. This presentation also shows some pictures of loved ones affected by the epidemic.
Monday, December 17, 2007
A Need in the Dominican Republic
Dear friends,
My name is Evelia Yajaira Cadet and I am from the Dominican Republic. Currently, I am an international graduate student at the University of Evansville. I'd like to take just a few moments of your time to share with you about an exciting project we are starting in the Dominican Republic. Did you know that, the Caribbean is the region second most-affected by AIDS in the world, after the sub-Saharan Africa? Not only this but, the island of Hispaniola, home to Haiti and the Dominican Republic makes up about 80 percent of all HIV cases in the Caribbean. Approximately, 100,000 people are living with HIV in the Dominican Republic; making it one of the worst epidemics the nation has seen.
A generation of young adults is dying, leaving behind nearly 58,000 children age 0 to 17. The psychological wounds AIDS orphans experience from growing up without parental love and care are devastating. In addition, these children live in communities where anyone connected to HIV/AIDS is ridiculed, rejected, and feared. However, that's not all, most AIDS orphans in the Dominican Republic live in extreme poverty, since grandparents who don't have income are raising them.
In light of this issue, the consequences are huge for these children, their families and the Dominican society. These children are the future generation of workers for the Dominican Republic and if they're not raised with education, love and nurturing, then the whole society will pay a price.
Let me tell you why I'm so concerned about this issue. In 2002, one of my best friends from the Dominican Republic and her husband died of AIDS, leaving their child to be raised by his grandmother. In 2005, I had the opportunity to visit an AIDS orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico. During these mission trips, I was able to see part of what AIDS orphans have to go through. It was a touching experience to witness the need for love and physical touch these children had. The most personal experience happened in 2006 when my family found out that my younger brother and his pregnant wife were HIV positive. Few months later his wife died, leaving her two children with my mother.
As I was trying to help my family, I realized the seriousness of this problem in my own city, surrounding cities and the entire country, as well as, the immediate need the HIV population has for help. Here is where Hoping Hearts of Dominican Republic begins. It's my desire as one of God's ambassador to reach these people to show them God's care and concern for them. The mission of Hoping Hearts is to improve the quality of life of AIDS orphans and the HIV population in the Dominican Republic, by providing them with basic human needs and educational opportunities. My ultimate vision is to offer hope for this community and to show them the love of Jesus Christ in a practical way.
One of my goals is to provide the children basic necessities and school supplies, such us clothes, shoes, vitamins, diapers, formula, baby food, notebooks, pencils, pen, backpacks, school uniforms, etc. I also want to give the adults vitamins and supplements. Another goal is to prepare food baskets and distribute them by families. In addition, I'll work with churches in the Dominican Republic, to educate the Christian community about HIV and AIDS; and how the church should respond to reach the HIV population. Hoping Hearts is working in conjunction with New Beginnings Christian Church (Evansville, IN) and T.R.E.K. Missions, to receive tax-deductible donations and make periodical mission trips to these communities.
Today, I humbly ask you to join with me in this cause by sending your most generous financial support to T.R.E.K. Mission Programs, PO Box 1268, Newburgh IN 47629. In return, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you are making an immediate difference in the lives of AIDS orphans and HIV positive children and adults. You may not know all of their names, but they'll carry thanks in their hearts for your kindness and generosity. I hope I can count on you to help. I believe together we can show them they are not alone!
With grateful appreciation,
Evelia Yajaira Cadet
Hoping Hearts Founder
P.S. I can't stress enough how much your support will mean to us! Remember that your gift is tax deductible. Let's show the AIDS orphans and the HIV population that someone cares about their situation. Thank you in advance for you kind support!
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