The Rescue Center

Zach, Gretchen, Lori and Licia began taking children into there home in Jan of 1999. They started with a child that was severely burned on her stomach and leg. The dream of the Rescue Center was started and it has only grown from there. They cared for up to 10 children in there home before permanently moving to Cazale in May 2002. The Center has grown to care for an average of 50 to 60 children and 4 to 6 adults at any given time.

The Rescue Center has three main parts:

TOODLERS AND OLDER CHILDREN 
The children that are admitted into the Rescue Center are those that have come to the clinic and are severely malnourished, burned, or have a major medical problem that requires them to have sustained care. Those that are malnourished are put on a high protein diet and are feed 3 large meals and 2 snacks a day. They are loved and cared for by a wonderful staff of Haitian ladies 24 hours a day. Each child receives all of their care free of charge. The parents are welcome to come visit their child any time they would like and are expected to come every two weeks to visit with them. Many times the parents are amazed at the change that can happen in just a few weeks with good nutrition. After an average stay of 4 to 5 months, the child returns home with the family. They are given nutrition education, by a nurse, on the foods that will help the child to develop and grow. They return monthly for check-ups to monitor their progress and check to ensure they are continuing to gain weight.


THE BABIES
Of the 50 to 60 children that we have, around 16 to 17 (or 1/3) of those are babies. Many of the babies that are in the Rescue Center have lost there mothers during or shortly after birth. The fathers generally have other children to take care of and have a difficult time purchasing formula for the babies. Even if they can afford the formula, they often need to work to provide for the other children. We also have some babies that are severely malnourished before they are even a year old. The babies usually stay until they are off of baby formula, eating solid foods well, and walking. This is usually around 1 ½ to 2 years old. At this time they return home with their families and have monthly appointments in the clinic.




THE ADULTS Because of our limited space we can not keep many adults. We do keep those that are in crisis situations. Some stay only a night or two and others stay for several months. Some cases that we have had are severe burns, broken bones, AIDS patients, cancer patients, severe cuts and wounds, homeless families, and other major illnesses.