In the heart of Poonah, Trinidad, a ray of hope shines anew. On February 27, we will celebrate the ribbon-cutting and grand re-opening of Operation Smile Children’s Home, a sanctuary that has stood as a pillar of love and care for over two decades. This momentous occasion marks not just a physical refurbishment, but a rejuvenation of the spirit and mission of this incredible home.
Operation Smile Children’s Home began its journey over 20 years ago with a humble but passionate vision. From its inception with a single cottage housing a handful of children, it grew into a vibrant community of five cottages nurturing thirty children. This growth was a testament to the dedication and love poured into every brick and beam of the home. However, as time passed, the wear of years began to show, and the facilities cried out for rejuvenation.
Enter the heroes of our story – Men and Women of Action from Team South Carolina, led by the Patton Butts. They took on an ambitious challenge: raising $50,000 in supplies and one week on the grounds of an extreme make-over to breathe new life into these cottages. Their dedication and hard work ignited a spark of hope, rallying support from across communities and borders.
Haven of Hope International, ever committed to nurturing hope and transforming lives, stepped in at a crucial juncture. With the support of a generous donor, we were able to cover the critical costs of shipping. This collaboration was a beautiful synergy of vision, action, and compassion, culminating in the comprehensive remodeling of five cottages. Today, these cottages stand not just as structures, but as homes ready to embrace children with warmth, safety, and love.
With the construction complete, Haven of Hope International is now embarking on a new phase of this project: providing training and support for the staff at Operation Smile Children’s Home. Our commitment extends beyond the physical reconstruction of the facility; we aim to empower the caregivers with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide the best care for these children.
Additionally, there is a need for ongoing support to ensure the sustainability of this vital refuge. We are actively seeking monthly sponsors to help this facility thrive. The continued generosity and support of our Family of Hope will play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for the children at Operation Smile.
The re-opening of Operation Smile Children’s Home is more than an event; it is a celebration of resilience, community, and the unyielding power of hope. We are thrilled to reopen the doors to this great ministry, ready to continue our mission of providing a nurturing environment for children in need. See the recent update from OSCH Manager Sandy-Joy!
As we look forward, we are filled with excitement and optimism. The rejuvenated Operation Smile Children’s Home stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when hearts and hands come together for a noble cause. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a part in this remarkable journey. Together, we have rekindled a flame of hope in Poonah, and we are eager to see the bright futures that will be shaped within the walls of these cottages.
Together, we smile, for today marks not just a reopening, but a renewed commitment to hope, care, and love.