A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

From Grand Vision to True Family

​

Kay Angel began as an idea in 2006 and was founded in 2007 by the Schmitt family and a few friends. The original plan was ambitious - a grand village for 200 abandoned children in Haiti. At the time, we didn't yet understand that large dormitories and traditional orphanage models came at a price to children's mental health and wellbeing.

​

We set up our first house in 2007 as a pilot home with a specific mission: to serve children with medical vulnerabilities, especially those from HIV-affected families. At that time, fear and stigma meant many organizations turned away children from HIV-positive homes. We opened our doors to the children others wouldn't accept.

​

A Different Vision

When Lia van de Donk joined us as our in-country director and first house mother, she challenged us to think differently. Instead of a grand institution, why not focus on quality of life? Why not scale down and invest more deeply in each child's social and educational development?

We followed her lead. Rather than building dormitories, we created a family. Though we had to function legally as an orphanage (foster homes weren't yet recognized in Haiti), we raised our children as brothers and sisters. Today, when people ask our kids if they grew up in an orphanage, they quickly correct them: "No, we're not orphans. We have a family. We have each other."

​

Keeping the Family Together

​

When Lia tragically passed away in 2012, I (Gala) stepped in to honor her vision and keep this family together. Over the years, that commitment has been tested again and again. We've fought through political upheaval, land wars, natural disasters, medical crises, and people who doubted our vision. Through it all, we've stayed together as a family - and that's something Kay Angel takes tremendous pride in.

​

Rooted in Community

​

None of this work happens in isolation. It took years to earn the trust of our Jacmel community and to be seen as more than just another temporary foreigner. After nearly 15 years working in Haiti, I've gained the respect of the community we serve - and they, in turn, have supported our family.

Local farmers sell us vegetables knowing we have a big family to feed. Neighborhood kids come to us for band-aids or help with their sick puppies because they know "the dog lady" will help. During times of food scarcity, we've worked to make food affordable and accessible to our neighbors. Community keeps us safe, sane, and connected to Haitian culture - the culture I've had to learn in order to raise my children with the well-rounded education they deserve.

​

The Next Chapter

​

These years of community connection inspired our evolution. We began sponsoring medical treatments, school fees, and extracurricular activities for young people with potential who are working toward brighter futures. This organic growth led us to our next phase: expanded community-based programming.

And now, we're coming full circle. One of our oldest daughters is in her third year studying social work and education - a double major. She's joined our Haitian board of representatives and will help design and implement our future community projects, not just as a board member but as a professional social worker. We couldn't be prouder.

​

From residential home to flourishing family to community resource - this is Kay Angel's journey. The lessons we learned raising our children together now shape how we serve the broader Jacmel community, always with the same commitment to dignity, quality care, and the power of family.

From myself and the entire Kay Angel family, we thank you for your continued support and generosity. Without you, none of our dreams would have come true, and our futures would be far less bright than they are today.

​​

​

With gratitude,

​

Gala Calisto

President & Executive Director