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About Us

At CHM, our Christ-centered children’s home, schools, and churches work together to share the good news of Jesus with the people of Haiti.

Our Story

We are a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has been serving the same communities in Haiti for nearly twenty years.

Through locally-led programs and strategic partnerships with other organizations, we are able to provide health care, education for children and adults, employment, orphan care, and share the hope of a life in Christ. 

We believe that God has called CHM to be a lighthouse in the Cabaret region of Haiti. While it is true that Haiti is the “poorest country in the Western Hemisphere,” it is also a place of exquisite beauty, rich history, and deep national pride.

Despite decades of suffering and deprivation, the Haitian people are resilient and courageous and we are honored to know them, serve them, and partner with them.

Schools

We have over seven hundred students in our two schools offering kindergarten thru senior year of high school to the surrounding communities. The teachers and administrators are all local leaders, many of whom grew up in our ministry.

Adult Education

As part of our outreach into the community we have adult education classes. They started out many years ago as basic literacy but have since expanded into more advanced classes, including mathematics.

Churches

Our two churches are the heart of the communities we serve. Local leadership reaching local people! We have a food and clothing outreach into the community for those in need of help.

Medical Clinic

We have a full time nurse on staff for the residents of the children’s home, staff, and community.

CHM Values

  • ADAPTABILITY: At Cabaret Haiti Missions, adaptability is ingrained in our approach to serving the Haitian community. We understand that the landscape of Haiti, both physical and social, can be unpredictable. That is why we remain flexible and responsive, adjusting our strategies to effectively address the evolving needs of the people we serve. Whether it is navigating through challenging terrain or embracing cultural differences, our commitment to adaptability ensures we can make a meaningful impact where it is needed most.

  • COMMUNITY: Our organization is built upon the foundation of community. From our dedicated volunteers to the resilient people of Haiti, we belive in the power of coming together to create a positive change. Cabaret Haiti Missions serves as a hub where individuals from all walks of life can unite in service and solidarity. Through collaboration, compassion, and mutual support, we foster a sense of belonging and empowerment within the communities we serve. 

  • FAITH: Faith is at the heart of everything we do at Cabaret Haiti Missions. We believe in a higher purpose that guides our actions and inspires us to serve with love and compassion. Our faith strengthens our resolve, sustains us through challenges, and fuels our unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Whether it is through prayer, service, or reflection, we trust in the transformative power of faith to bring hope and healing to those in need. 

  • GRACE: Grace is the cornerstone of our interactions and relationships at Cabaret Haiti Missions. It is about extending kindness, understanding, and forgiveness to ourselves and others, even in the face of adversity. In our work, we strive to embody grace by approaching every situation with empathy and humility. Whether it is offering a helping hand, lending a listening eary, or offering words of encouragement, we believe that grace has the power to heal wounds, bridge divides, and foster a spirit of unity and compassion. 

Statement of Faith

  • 1. We believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired, inerrant and infallible word of God. It is the final authority for our faith and practice.

  • 2. We believe there is only one true God, manifested in the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

  • 3. We believe in the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth and in His sinless life. He died on the cross for our sins, rose again, ascended back to heaven, and will return again in power and glory. Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life.

  • 4. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person equal with God the Father and God the Son. He seals and indwells believers, and empowers, comforts, and equips Christians to understand spiritual truths, to serve Jesus Christ, and to strive towards righteous living.

  • 5. We believe that all people are by nature separated from God and responsible for their own sin, but that salvation, redemption, and forgiveness are freely offered to all by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

  • 6. We believe that the church consists of all who believe in Jesus Christ as savior, and that Jesus Christ is the Head of the church.

  • 7. We believe that the Holy Bible is clear in its teaching to care for orphans, and to help the poor and disadvantaged.

  • Our beliefs align with The 2000 Baptist Faith & Message

Stateside Staff

Mike Snider, Executive Director

Mike Snider has been serving as the Executive Director of Cabaret Haiti Mission since January 2010, bringing over a decade of transformative leadership to the organization. Under his guidance, the mission has flourished, providing critical education, healthcare, and spiritual support to communities in Haiti. His dedication to creating sustainable change is evident in the programs that empower individuals and strengthen local economies.

Driven by a passion for service and a deep commitment to the people of Haiti, Mike has been instrumental in expanding the mission’s outreach and fostering meaningful partnerships. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast focus on the mission’s goals.

Beyond his professional and nonprofit work, Mike is a dedicated advocate for fostering hope and opportunity in underserved communities. His vision and unwavering commitment continue to inspire both his team and the communities he serves, ensuring the ongoing success of Cabaret Haiti Mission’s impactful initiatives.

Kenzie Allen, Ministry Assistant

Kenzie has served as our Ministry Assistant since 2014 when CHM incorporated. She first visited Haiti in 2011, which sparked her love of the Haitian people and her passion for CHM. She had the privilege of returning to Haiti several more times between 2011 and 2017, leading teams from her church, First Baptist Church of Orange Park, where she has served as the Director of Missions since 2011. Kenzie’s perspective has been forever changed by her experiences in Haiti; and she wishes that everyone could have the opportunity to serve on a mission trip, especially in a place of great need. She is married to her husband, Ryan, and they have three beautiful children. 

Board Members

Dr. Renee’ Pleasant, Chairman

Dr. Renee’ Pleasant is a dedicated advocate for positive change. Her commitment to serving others resonates deeply with her role as a Board Member at Cabaret Haiti Mission.  Although her last visit to Haiti was in December 2014, Dr. Renee’s unwavering support for the mission continues to shine through her work. Drawing inspiration from Matthew 25:40 (NIV), a biblical verse close to her heart: “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” This verse encapsulates her belief in the power of serving others as a means to serve a higher purpose.

Sarah Parnell, Treasurer

Sarah Parnell became a believer in Jesus and was baptized at the age of 7.   She is a retired public school teacher of 40 years.  At this point, she teaches two ESL classes with students in China via Zoom, one group of college students and the other young children. 

Sarah first went to Cabaret Haiti Mission about 20 years ago.  She has a heart for children and hopes that one day Haiti will be open for more trips to work with the children.

Cynthia Cannon (LCSW), Board Member


Cynthia Cannon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida. She has a passion for Cabaret and served on-site for 18 months during her college years. Her experience living in Haiti guided the trajectory of her career and faith in God. Cynthia loves the verse: “Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.” Ephesians 4:32.

Brad Davis, Board Member

Brad Davis is a dedicated leader, civil engineer, and servant of Christ with over 24 years of professional experience.  He is a Jacksonville native and graduate of the University of Central Florida, Brad’s life is deeply rooted in faith and service. His involvement with Cabaret Haiti Mission stems from a heartfelt connection to its work with children and the community, a commitment he shares with his family. Beyond Haiti, Brad’s mission work includes building a clinic for an indigenous community in Guatemala and supporting local outreach initiatives in Florida.

Brad also serves on the board of the International Learning Center, which equips refugees with language and life skills using faith-based education. Through his professional and personal life, Brad’s greatest aspiration is to glorify God and use his blessings to empower others, spreading hope and making a lasting impact both locally and globally.

Anna Guy, Asst. Treasurer

Anna is happy to return to the Cabaret Haiti Mission Board. She developed a love for Haiti when she was privileged to be part of the first scouting trip with the Jacksonville Baptist Association in 1998.  Blessed to make more than 25 mission trips to Haiti, she assisted with the founding of the school, church and orphanage. She “adopted” and financially supported Marie Joe “PanPan” Remy, throughout her schooling who is now the Orphanage Director. Anna is retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, after 37 years of service in Information Technology. She is the Mission Director at Lake Shore Baptist Church in Jacksonville with a history of mission trips to Haiti, Australia, North Carolina and Florida.

Kirsten Montenari, Board Member

Kirsten and a team of missionaries from Fort Caroline Baptist Church first visited Cabaret Haiti Mission (known back then as Cabaret Baptist Children’s Home) in 2011. She immediately fell in love with the kids, people & amazing missionaries, Poppa Mike & Momma Bonnie. She has been a part of the CHM family ever since. She has been blessed to travel to Haiti about 10 times, including Christmas trips, and desires to continue to serve the Lord and this ministry as He leads. “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” James‬ 1‬:27‬ ESV  ‬‬Kirsten is currently serving her 2nd term as a CHM board member.

Autumn Martinage, Board Member

Autumn is a mom of three girls who always seem to find ways to fill her schedule.  When she’s not chasing her daughters down, she is passionate about helping to bring her community back to life through her career in real estate development.  A member of Mandarin Baptist Church since 2005, she has been involved with the Cabaret Haiti Mission for many years.  Her first trip to Haiti occurred in 2015 and she fell in love with not only the country but the people.  Autumn has served as member of the Cabaret Haiti Mission board since 2022 and looks forward to the day when she will be able to return to Haiti.



Cheryl Smyth, Board Member

Cheryl’s passion for children has led to her career in early childhood development. She has been the Director of Wee Care Preschool – NMBC for the last 26 years. Since her first visit to Haiti in 2012, Cheryl has been an avid supporter of the children of CHM. She and her husband Mike have led 12 teams from Mount Hermon Baptist Church in Danville, VA to do VBS at Cabaret and Te Nwa school in the mountains. Cheryl is always eager to talk about Haiti and how those trips strengthened her faith and changed her outlook on life! She looks forward to the day when she will be able to return to Haiti and hug those sweet children. 

Cheryl Merritt, Board Member

Cheryl Merritt is a dedicated woman of faith, alongside her husband Rusty, who has spent her life serving others. Jacksonville natives and high school sweethearts Cheryl and Rusty embarked on a lifelong journey of faith and service that led them to the mission field in Haiti. There, they nurtured and cared for over 40 children in the CHM orphanage while also overseeing the church, school, and other ministries of CHM. Cheryl’s passion for mentoring young women, especially those with difficult pasts, stems from her experiences as a foster and adoptive mother in the US and Haiti. She is eager to share her life experience and faith while serving on the ChIM board.


Rafael Mejia, Board Member

I was born in the Dominican Republic and a lifelong Florida resident. I have been blessed with 26 years of marriage to my beautiful wife, Carolina, and am the proud father of a daughter attending the University of Florida (Gooooo Gators!).  I am a retired leader from Publix Supermarket, I transitioned into the car industry, where I have spent the last 14.5 years in various leadership roles.

As a born-again Christian for 16 years, I have dedicated my life to serving the Lord. Over the past decade, I have participated in missionary work across Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador. I have also served in multiple ministry roles, including board member, finance team, life group leader, usher, and deacon – all for the glory of God.