Author: Mike Snider
In Haiti, thousands of children grow up in orphanages, often not because they’re true orphans, but because poverty forced their families to place them there. When they turn 18, many face a harsh reality: aging out with little preparation for independent life.
Transition programs step in at this critical moment. They provide housing support, cover education costs through high school or trade school, offer monthly stipends for food and basic needs, and teach practical life skills. The goal...
A Day in the Life
Written by Marie Joe – DirectorEach day presents an opportunity not merely to exist, but to grow, to contribute, and to move one step closer toward purpose. While a typical day in my life may appear ordinary at first glance, it is grounded in discipline, perseverance, and quiet determination.My day begins early, often before the world fully awakens. The stillness of the morning provides a valuable moment for reflection and preparation. It is during this time that I set my intentions,...
The BAM BAM Families: Control, Gangs, and the Crisis in Haiti
Haiti, a nation marked by resilience and rich cultural heritage, finds itself in a deepening crisis characterized by violence, political instability, and economic despair. At the heart of this turmoil are six powerful families, collectively referred to as the BAM BAM families: Brandt, Acra, Madsen, Bigio, Apaids, and Mevs. These families exert significant control over the country’s political and economic landscape and have been linked to the rampant gang violence that continues to devastate...
Transition Program Update
As I grow older, I find myself watching many children grow into adults—my own children are now parents! Recently, I saw a man from my church who I remember as a child celebrating becoming a grandfather.
When Bonnie and I moved to Haiti in 2010, the kids at the Children’s Home were very young. Many of them have grown up, and new little ones have arrived. It felt like the first group of children would always be with us, but now that several have turned 18, we realized we needed a plan for...
5th Annual Mama Bonnie Valentine Offering: Nourishing the Future of Cabaret Haiti
As February arrives, a time traditionally dedicated to love and compassion, we are excited to announce the 5th Annual Mama Bonnie Valentine Offering – a heartfelt initiative named in memory of Bonnie Snider (affectionately known as “Mama Bonnie”) for the love and compassion she shared in caring for the boys and girls she helped raise for many years as a missionary to Cabaret Haiti Mission, alongside her husband Mike Snider, our Executive Director. This year, we are...
From Crisis to Hope: Together We Can Rebuild
Today, November 30th, marks one month that we have been in our new location. We were presented with the opportunity to evacuate the children from their hideout in the mountains on October 26th, but we needed a place for them to go.I contacted my friend, Nathan, in Gonaives on October 27th to tell him our situation. Before I could even ask for his help, he said, “Send them here, we’ll take care of them.”Three days later, they were there! Coordinating pick up and drop off locations was...
Finally Some Good News!
It has been a long time since there has been any good news out of Haiti!
Even though for sure good things continue to happen, the news for the most part has been horrific.
There have been estimates of over 500,000 people being displaced, mostly from Port au Prince. Imagine that many people leaving your city. That many people leaving their homes just to try and feel safe.
The struggle continues; but the newly appointed Prime Minister, Garry Conille, has declared war on the gangs that...
A Glance Back at 2023
Merry Christmas!As another year comes to a close, I’m optimistic and hopeful. There have been many difficult times in Haiti, but 2023 has been one of the most challenging years ever. BUT GOD has continued to bless.
Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7th, 2021, the country has descended into chaos. Ariel Henry, the much-contested Prime Minister, has been largely ineffective against the violent gangs that are ruling much of the country.
In 2023 alone, nearly...
Join with us this Giving Tuesday
As the holiday season approaches, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the wonderful individuals who have supported Cabaret Haiti Mission. Your generosity and dedication have made a significant impact on the lives of the people in Cabaret, Haiti. You have truly allowed us to continue our work in Haiti in the midst of some of our most challenging times. We know you are being inundated with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday deals;...
Our Hope is in Christ
The assassination of President Moïse will bring more chaos in the days ahead. These have been some very difficult days in Haiti. The political unrest continues to escalate, with trouble coming from every direction it seems. Kidnappings and senseless violence are on the rise and continue to plague the people. Add to that the threat of COVID spreading in this island nation, and it can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to lose hope, if our hope is in anything but Christ. When we feel lost, we...
