So much goes into operating Cabaret Haiti Mission. As many know, our organization not only consists of a children’s home (with over 30 children), but we also operate two different schools out of Haiti. While there are only two U.S. employees, most of the organization is run from Haiti by local Haitians. We are proud to say we no longer have any U.S. employees running things in Haiti, though that was once the case. Over the years, we have been able to train up Haitians...
From Orphanage to Independence: Supporting Young People Transitioning to Adulthood in Haiti
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...
What Cabaret Haiti Missions Means to Me
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40
There are certain moments in life that quietly, yet permanently, reshape your heart. For me, December 2014 was one of those moments. It was my first—and, so far, only—mission trip to Cabaret Haiti Mission. My husband and I boarded that plane with open hands, ready to serve, unaware of just how deeply we would be changed. Like many who go on a mission trip, we...
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,...
Help Us Finish Strong with a $70k Year-End Goal
As we look back on 2025, one word rises above all others: faithfulness.In a year marked by unrest and danger in Haiti, Cabaret Haiti Mission has stood firm in providing safety, shelter, and love for our children. That commitment has come with increased costs, stretching our budget further than ever before. To finish the year strong and continue meeting the ongoing needs of our children, we are seeking to raise $70,000.We know it’s a significant goal — but together, it’s possible.
A Year...
The Blessing of Giving: Stories from Continuous Donors
At Cabaret Haiti Mission (CHM), continuous donors are the heartbeat of our ministry. Their steady gifts—month after month, year after year—sustain daily meals, education, and care for children and families in Haiti. Yet what many discover along the way is that the blessings of giving flow both ways.In this month’s donor spotlight, several longtime contributors shared what inspires them to stay connected to CHM and how consistent generosity has transformed their own lives.
Why They...
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...
Join Us for CHM’s 5th Annual Golf Tournament
Written by: Brad Davis, CHM Board MemberAbout six years ago, Mike Snider approached my dear friend John Turner and I at church with the idea of a golf tournament to raise funds for Cabaret Haiti Mission (CHM). Although our families’ hearts are for CHM (we have visited multiple times and support several children), the human side of me said I am just too busy for one more thing. So, before I could even filter my words, I said out loud, ‘Mike, I am not a golfer, and I have never even...
Lessons from Haiti: What the Children Have Taught Us
When people think about mission work, they often imagine what we bring—supplies, support, and skills. At its core, mission work is about going out into the world to spread the Gospel by being the hands and feet of Christ—serving others with compassion, humility, and love. But as only Christ can orchestrate, the ones sent to serve are often the ones most deeply transformed.Those of us who have had the privilege of visiting the children in Haiti know this to be true. Every smile, every...
Join Us in Changing Lives—Be Part of the Mission!
WRITTEN BY BOARD MEMBER, CHERYL MERRITTAt CHM, we believe in the power of community—a community that prays, gives, shares, and advocates for the vulnerable children we serve. Every child deserves a future filled with hope, and with your help, we can make that future possible. There are so many behind-the-scenes ways to get involved, and every action—big or small—makes a meaningful impact.
1. Pray With UsPrayer is powerful. We invite you to pray for the children, families, and communities...
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...
Sensing Hope in Haiti: How You Can Change a Child’s Life at Cabaret
Written by Board Member Cheryl Smyth
Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. It is constantly experiencing economic and political upheaval. The need is overwhelming, and although millions of dollars have been poured into the country, few positive and lasting changes have occurred. Many organizations have attempted and failed to establish a long-term ministry presence in Haiti.
In 1998, the Jacksonville Baptist Association established the Cabaret Baptist Children’s Home...
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...
Hope in Crisis
The dawn of 2025 invites us to reflect on our mission at Cabaret Haiti Mission (CHM) and renew our commitment to bringing hope to Haiti during challenging times. Our mission to share the good news of Jesus through Christ-centered homes, schools, and churches anchors us in this transformative work.
Crisis in Haiti
Haiti has faced many struggles—natural disasters, economic challenges, and political unrest. Yet, amidst these challenges, CHM has remained steadfast in its calling to bring...
Finding Hope
It is common at this time of year to reflect on the closing of a year and seek out lessons or reminders. For all of us, I think we can agree that 2024 was a year in which we were reminded of God’s unwavering faithfulness, especially in the middle of extraordinary challenges. This past year was unprecedented, one we could not have predicted or planned. Yet, in every moment, we were reminded of God’s faithfulness, were front-row witnesses to His grace, and through it all, we have been...
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...
The Beauty of Cabaret Haiti Mission
Guest blogger: Mark Seagle
There is something freeing about being a part of Cabaret Haiti Mission. There is an abundance of beauty and wonder; hope and possibility; sorrow and brokenness; hunger and hardship; and love and joy. This multi-faceted hue of the mission resonates of the grace and goodness of God in the most destitute, yet abundant of places. As I consider CHM, my heart runs to the songs of the children in the dawn of each morning; the joy and laughter each afternoon on the...
We learned a lot at Te Nwa School
Guest blogger: Mike Smyth
My name is Mike Smyth, and I have had the joy of visiting Cabaret 13 times, traveling with the group from Mount Hermon in Danville, VA.
There are so many stories that I can share, but today I want to focus on my experience at Te Nwa, leading vacation bible school. Teaching VBS is difficult enough in America, but imagine preparing the bible lessons, crafts, games, and snacks for the journey up the mountain to Te Nwa School.
For context,...
Sponsor Testimony: The Smyths
“My name is Mike Smyth, and I first visited the Cabaret children’s home in 2012. We had seen poverty on other mission trips, but not poverty to this extent. There were sights and smells that I had never experienced, as we traveled from the airport to Bercy. Oh, plus the heat.
Once at the orphanage, interacting with the kids was a joy. They jumped up in the truck and helped us unload our luggage. Some were very outgoing, while others...
My Time in Haiti – Part 2
As previously mentioned, my job role significantly shifted when a tiny baby arrived that needed one-on-one attention. Mama Bonnie insisted that every infant live with a primary caregiver for one year prior to transitioning into a group bedroom. I volunteered and suddently became a temporary “haitian mama” over night. She was perfect in every way. With lots of siblings back home, this role felt very natural and special. I continued to make lasting connections with both the new...
My Time in Haiti – Part 1
Hi! My name is Cynthia and I live in Jacksonville, FL, and serve on our Board of Directors for Cabaret Haiti Mission. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and work at a local hospital. I wanted to write and share about my experience serving in Haiti almost five years ago. This was such an influential time in my life and I reflect back with such gratitude.
Taking it back to 2013, I was invited to join another local church on their mission trip. Our project was digging a sewage system...
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...
Standing in Solidarity
As a resident of Florida, I often jest about our state’s seasons, from Snowbird Season to Hurricane Season. Yet, amidst the occasional inconveniences, we’re far from crisis. However, just 700 miles away lies Haiti, a nation grappling with a political crisis.Haiti, aptly named “the land of mountains,” is not only geologically prone to earthquakes but also burdened by systemic poverty, making it one of the world’s poorest countries. Presently, it faces a dire...
7 Ways to Help for Little to No Money
Like, Comment, and Share our posts on Facebook and Instagram. If you follow us on social media, this is a super easy way to help us increase our reach and engagement so that more people see our posts, which hopefully turns into more awareness and support for our mission. Word of mouth is one of the most effective ways to help us grow. Make it personal, and share why you choose to support CHM!Sign up for AmazonSmile. I think just about everyone uses Amazon to shop. Amazon has a program where...
A Journey of Faithful Support
Written by Anna Guy, CHM Board Member
In 1998, Dr. Ron Rowe, Director of Missions for the Jacksonville Baptist Association (JBA) at the time, led a fact-finding trip to the city of Cabaret in Haiti. Pastor Pierre Prinvil and his wife, Marie, born and raised in Haiti but then serving in Jacksonville, had a heart for the work there. The city of Cabaret donated a piece of property to the JBA to build an orphanage. A team of 22 ministry leaders from various churches in Jacksonville was on...
Beyond the Green: 2025 Golf Tournament Recap
On August 29th, we kicked off Labor Day weekend with our 5th annual charity golf tournament at The Yards in Ponte Vedra. It’s hard to believe we have been doing this for five years! This year started off a bit wetter than we would have liked, but it did bring some nice temps. We are so thankful for everyone who contributed and participated to make this another successful tournament, from our sponsors to our volunteers to those who prayed and supplied items from our Amazon list. It takes...



