Recently, I had the distinct honor to meet Suzie Krabacher, co-founder and president of Mercy & Sharing, an organization dedicated to Haitian children’s relief. Suzie is a relentless advocate for children, and was the recipient of the prestigious 2000 International Humanitarian Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Haitians in Washington, DC. Mercy & Sharing believes in equipping children with the tools and skills they need to become productive, responsible citizens.
Thank you Suzie for taking time to do this interview. Can you explain in detail all the work you are doing with Haiti’s children through your foundation, Mercy & Sharing?
The main focus of Mercy & Sharing is to rescue children who are not picked by any orphanage in Haiti. 99% of orphanages in Haiti do not accept children with disabilities. However, 50% of the babies with a handicap can become functional and completely normal [with] medical intervention. This is what we do. Then we raise these little Haitian heroes in their own country with the highest level of education in Haiti. [Students helped by] M&S [are] consistently in the 99-100% [range] of passing the State exams. The Haitian average is 22%. All of our children are introduced to leadership programs. Many will lead their country in the future. We do not avoid teaching values and all the children pray to our Heavenly Father for themselves and each other.
Do you have any short and long-term goals for Mercy & Sharing? If so, what are they?
I would like to see financial stability. I would like to have every program annually funded. We have challenges in keeping every program operational from year to year. This is always on my heart. I am always looking for faith-based partners who will join me in this great privilege of serving the poor and saving children’s lives.
How many times a year do you travel to Haiti? How are you able to remain safe?
I try to maintain a schedule of five weeks in the U.S. to raise funds and every sixth week in Haiti. Mercy & Sharing employs 212 local Haitians to run our 11 life-saving programs.
Let’s say someone wants to donate to Mercy & Sharing. What urgent, immediate needs do you have right now?
Any amount is a blessing. Keeping all the programs open is such a challenge. We serve 5,200 Haitians every single day. They get clean water, or their children get an education in our schools. We often provide the only meal they get per day. Our clinics offer care to entire villages. You can’t put a value on keeping people from suffering. But the best part is when they get hope from knowing about Jesus. We can ease the suffering but we get to spend eternity with them if they know him.
I understand all the proceeds from your book Angels of a Lower Flight go to Mercy & Sharing. Where can one can purchase a copy of your book?
The book can be purchased at Amazon or you can always order from your local bookstore. I would love to sign anyone’s copy and answer questions. I am now writing book two. Again, all names will be changed! If you would like to learn more about Mercy & Sharing and make a donation, please visit www.haitichildren.org
