When faced with scenes of and death and destruction, trauma can negatively impact a child's life with devastating health consequences like poverty, violence, and illness.
We work to change that. Will you?
PLAYMAKERS IN HAITI
In 2010, after a devastating earthquake struck Haiti, nearly half the population was under the age of 18 – leaving children disproportionately impacted, with many becoming instantly homeless while suffering the loss of family.
So when the Playmakers were invited to Haiti to partner with a local organization to aid in disaster relief, they aimed to make a longer-lasting impact on the local community.
Led by Chief Playmaker Steve Gross, the Boston-based Playmakers identified and trained a core group of Haitian childcare providers to help kids heal from trauma by restoring their playfulness, joy, and optimism.
These passionately dedicated caregivers are known as Gerye Jwa (Creole for "Joy Warriors"). Their undeniable resilience and inner light of warmth and joy shine from within to help find, nurture, and spread that light every day to kids who need it most.
Facing dangerous conditions every day in addition to poverty, Gerye Jwa trainers are an inspiration to their communities by helping sick, hungry, and thirsty children – surrounded by physical signs of devastation and traumatized by loss — to engage, connect, and explore.
Since 2010, Gerye Jwa has partnered with 200 organizations and trained over 4,000 Playmakers who serve over 90,000 kids. And in 2020, they trained 900 new Playmakers.
And with your help, Gerye Jwa can continue its work to help bring positivity and healing to thousands of children.
