Ascend by Lynne Metsker

This is our newest addition at the office.  I am pleased to support the efforts of VSA through their on-line art auctions.  VSA provides access to lifelong learning and creative expression for people with disabilities in Indiana.

For over 30 years, VSA Indiana (VSAI) has been the statewide leader in serving people with disabilities through the arts. The organization was founded as “Arts Unlimiting” and since 1986 has been the state affiliate for VSA, an international program of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Their name has changed through the years from Very Special Arts of Indiana, to VSA arts of Indiana, and in mid-2010 to VSA Indiana.  

VSA fulfills it’s mission through programs that take place in schools, community centers, hospitals, and on-site in our adaptive art studios. As a statewide nonprofit, VSAI partners with people and organizations around the state to provide local access to accessible arts. Ongoing partnerships are currently based in Columbus, Evansville, Lebanon, Marion, Muncie, South Bend, and Terre Haute. Collectively these programs serve more than 10,000 people annually.  Their primary focus is people with disabilities, however, we take an inclusive approach to implement programs and include a variety of people with and without disabilities.

For every 2 items donated, we will enter your name into a drawing for a free take-home whitening kit!  The more you donate, the better your chance of winning!

Recommended Items:

Beans (refried, lima, butter, pinto, red, black)……Cereal…..Beef Stew…..Chicken and Dumplings…..Spam…..Baking Mixes…..Tuna…..Pineapple…..Applesauce…..Oatmeal…..Canned Pasta…..Tomato Products…..Juice…..Condiments…..Toiletry Items…..Diapers

Thank you for supporting our community!!

Alix and his family

Alix has been the headmaster at our school since it’s beginning. But he is far more than a headmaster. He and his family are, well, family to Three Angels. Below is an interview he gave and it is in his own words:

Prior to 2005, I worked for a priest as an assistant headmaster at another school. After some time, I knew I wanted to provide our own school for our neighborhood and I worked with the ladies that were interested in making Three Angels. By June 2005 we had 80 kids. By August we had 125 kids! We had nothing to start. No boards or benches. We called people to help and just connected with people. By the next year, everyone knew we were here and we grew even more. Step by step, we looked for ways we could expand the rooms too. Every day we have more experience and learn things too. Now we’re doing really well and we’ve kept on going. We have about 300 students.

When the institution wants to help a country through education, it’s the best work that can be done. That’s what really fights poverty. With education, it teaches you what you can do. A lot of people can’t go to school. But to go here, uniforms and books are provided. It is a good way to send their kids to learn.

When I read in the news from Nelson Mendela, “The best cause you can use to change the world is education.” I can see that is true. The way I see some people survive is if they are educated, they can fight in the best way to have a better life. You can see on the street kids that are washing cars and cleaning. You can see it’s time for them to go to school. They could be an engineer or a nurse. But without education that is not possible.

I think the most important thing we teach at Three Angels is that we teach them the Word of God. Outside of that we teach them intellectual subjects that they can us in the fight for life: social subjects, Math, French, and verses from the Bible.

From my spirit, I work for Three Angels 24 hours a day. I think about it in my mind all the time, what I can do that’s best for the kids. I want to look after 5 years, after 10 years, what’s going to change with this generation. You are supposed to see some change. When you educate you’re supposed to change something! Its my passion that through our leadership at Three Angels, we can change the situation that is going on right now.

What’s special about Three Angels is the way we help the kids. We have a low price due to lots of scholarships (student sponsorships). Although government schools may promise many things, it is only Three Angels that has come through with their promises. When we tell the parents we’ll do something, it gets done. That is unique in Haiti.

 Drawing inspiration from nature, diverse cultures and universal symbols, Annie’s work focuses on the use of texture and color, often incorporating unusual media to achieve a desired result.  

Winner of last year’s People’s Choice Award at NUMA, a sample of her work is on display in our office.

One of our patients recently completed her Invisalign treatment and sent us a box of Cheryl’s Cookies and a  note saying,

“Thanks for all the wonderful care.  My teeth look great!”

You’re welcome Lori, and thanks for the cookies.

Items on sale in the office range from $5-$20 and include bracelets, earrings and necklaces up to 50″ long.  Every dollar goes to the Haitian person who made the item and helps them support their family.  Most orphans in Haiti are given up due to poverty rather than the death of a parent! 

To learn more, go to ApParentproject.org

Dr Poer and Dr Nonweiler

Dr. Jack Nonweiler visited our office today during a brief visit home from his missionary work in Haiti.  He and his wife, Marcia, live full-time at Three Angels Children’s Relief  just outside Port-au-Prince since 2009 (before the earthquake). 

They provide for the medical, educational and spiritual needs of the orphans and local Haitians.  He and Marcia are members at Centennial Bible Church where our family attends and they are supported by a coalition of U.S. and Canadian churches.  However, the effort to rebuild after the earthquake is great and requires significant money. 

 If you wish to support these efforts, go to Three Angels Children’s Relief to see what’s going on and how you can help.