The Children at Timkatec welcome food and water with Open Arms

The sun was blazing February 11, when a 20-ft, 10-ton truck pulled outside the gates of the Timkatec center for homeless and abandoned children in Petion-Ville, Haiti. A month since the earthquake struck, and when children would normally be making masks for Carnival, the towering truck was a welcome sight. In no time dozens of Timkatec children of all ages unloaded the items literally bursting from the truck's back doors.

An exhausted Fr Simon and CRS representative	Sheer joy

Thanks to the generous support of Friends of Timkatec in America, Catholic Relief Services provided an emergency relief delivery of vital food and water to Timkatec to support hundreds of children. CRS has supported Timkatec with food rations, and will expand support to meet the needs created by the earthquake.

Fr. Simon and the Timkatec children welcomed the following:

• 140 sacks of beans (50 lbs each sack)
• 50 cases of cooking oil
• 50 boxes of water (four 1 gallon jugs per box)
• 200 lbs of rice
• 100 lbs of dried milk
• 160 dry food kits each with 15 meals

Sheer relief	Happiness as students unload supplies

When the materials were piled high on the doorsteps the older children led the younger ones in a song and a cheer-a popular Kreyol saying that you can hear on the streets and in the camps:

"Nou bite men nou pap tonbe. We may stumble but we will not fall."

Indeed, with your support, few things have rung so true. Caroline Brennan CRS

Thank you,

Patrick

Dear Friends of Timkatec:

Father Simon and Sabine Manigat, unable to get an earlier flight to Santo Domingo leave Friday morning. Patrick Manigat, architect of Timkatec 1 and 3 (our reporter since the earthquake) will meet them for the drive back to Petion-Ville, arriving at Timkatec late evening. Father’s presence is essential. He is the leader, known by all authorities, NGO’s and officials, essential to getting information and supplies to put Timkatec back on its feet.

There is almost no information available about Petion-Ville and we still have very limited information about Timkatec staff and day students. Here is what we do know

• 43 resident students are safe and living in the street until a structural engineer examines Timkatec 1 to assure it safety. There was another 6.0 aftershock today
• We still have no information on 30 of the staff and over 400 students. We know that one teacher died, another’s daughter was a victim and three lost their homes. Timkatec 1’s cook has been at work all week feeding the boys
• Father will inventory the supplies send us a Situation Report as soon as Monday
• I provided some cash to Father and the Jasmine Foundation have advised their bank in Haiti to make some additional funds available.
• I will be contacting CRS in Petion-Ville to inform them of our fundraising and to ask for funds and supplies to be made available.
• Supporters in Canada, France and Belgium are also working hard on Timkatec’s behalf.

We must also assume the following:

1. The number of "street children" seeking help will multiply several fold
2. Father will have major staffing problems with employees and their families deceased, missing or homeless, making it difficult for the survivors to concentrate on Timkatec
3. The cost of all supplies has escalated sharply and is liable to stay high for some time.
4. Father’s own living quarters are seriously damaged-he has no phone links and his bank is closed for now.
5. We do not know what access he will have to student records to trace over 400 day students.
6. We must assume further student and staff casualties as many live in very sub-par situations

Getting reliable communications in Haiti and to inform Timkatec’s many overseas supporters, is a high priority. Father’s Situation Report will prioritize the needs and we will strive to respond to those priorities

Father Simon and the Manigat’s asked me to thank you so much for your support . Please continue your generous donations and monitor this site for timely information about Timkatec.

Father also asks that you all remember him, the kids and the Timkatec staff in your thoughts and prayers.

Patrick O’Shea

Patrick J. O'Shea FTS CTC
Founder
Friends of Timkatec in America
Ph: 407 323 3100
Cell: 407 221 5392
Email: pjposhea@aol.com
Site: www.timkatec.org

January 18, 2009 Update

I drove from Sanford to Miami on Sunday yesterday to meet with Father Simon and Sabine Manigat of Timkatec 1 and to provide him some cash. We are very concerned about the future difficulty of getting money there. They are tired but determined to serve their children and the many others they expect to come to them. They fly on Thursday to Santo Domingo and overland to Petion-Ville, a 12-15 hour journey (Father had his 80th birthday at our home in October). I also met Michael Voltaire, Professor of Psychology, of Nova Southeastern University, a former student of Father Simon in the late 1960s, and advisor to the Friends of Timkatec.

We still have little direct information regarding the overall situation in Petion-Ville but we are now getting direct information regarding the three Timkatec locations. Their situation is much better than the surrounding buildings and streets.

Timkatec 2 - Main Entrance

Timkatec 1 has heavy damage and Father Simon has indicated that he cannot allow 43 residents to return until its safely is checked. They sleep in the street. We have no news regarding the other 32 staff members or over 400 day students-we does know that the 3 senior staffers had the homes totally destroyed and that Father's residence is now uninhabitable. Timkatec 2 has severe damage to one of the buildings but the workshops appear OK, as does the brand new Timkatec 3 building. These were both build recently to higher standards and we see the benefit.

Timkatec 1 - Main Classroom

Timkatec 3 - Lightly Damaged

He tells me that his load will dramatically increase on his return, and may have to use Timkatec 3 building for both classrooms and temporary dormatories for the Timkatec 1 street children. Timkatec was founded to rescue street children and that is known throughout the community. The number of homeless has dramatically increased now, as has their need for serve them. He is deeply concerned about his excellent and dedicated team of staff, who he needs for this task, but some of whom are now homeless themselves.

Father Simon in Timkatec 1	The children of Timkatec

Please continue your generous donations and monitor this site for timely information about Timkatec. Father also asks that you all remember him and the kids in your thoughts and prayers.

Patrick

Patrick J. O'Shea FTS CTC
Founder
Friends of Timkatec in America
Ph: 407 323 3100
Cell: 407 221 5392
Email: pjposhea@aol.com
Site: www.timkatec.org

January 16, 2009 Update

The earthquake in Haiti is of historic proportions. One third of the 8-9 million people are affected, an estimated 100,000 casualties and many more buried under buildings. There were virtually no First Responder services, trucks, heavy rescue equipment, or even clear roads and bridges to get them, limited medical services and few supplies. The USA, France and Canada and others are pouring aid in with 15,000 international troops, mostly US expected by Monday. It is if the USA had 33% (100 million people) affected with 1% dead (3 Million). A huge medical crisis, limited food supplies, no clean water, no shops, no banks and no money, and little communication.

The USA now operates the airport and stopped commercial flights. Many long haul incoming flights had no fuel to leave. Priority is to clear the airport, then the main streets so that aid can reach the people. The port is destroyed.

Timkatec and Petion-Ville. The city is heavily damaged and has seen few reporters or aid workers. The Salesian Church and School are "seriously damaged" but we have almost no real information, with the road from Port au Prince closed, there is no phone/cell phone service, just a few isolated Sat phone messages. CRS in Petion-Ville sleep in tents and our kids in the street.

Patrick Manigat reported Friday evening that:

• Timkatec 1 has cracked walls, Timkatec 2 has one wall collapsed but Timkatec 3 appears little damaged
• The children at Timkatec 1, the boarding school, are all accounted for, sleeping in the street.
• The Heads of Timkatec 1 and 2 and Father's Assistant escaped but their houses are completely destroyed.
• We are trying to get information on the 450 or so day students and 30 staff who live outside the schools.
• Father is unsure what supplies are left. There is generally a good food supply but without leadership it is uncertain what remains.

Let me share some extracts received in a letter from Father Simon last night:

I am feeling very tired after one year and half without taking even one day of rest as the head of the 3 Timkatecs and in the midst of the 435 poverty stricken young people.

One of my friends who could reach me reported to me that a child asked him to tell me "that nothing much can be done. He will now leave Timkatec and go back to the streets, because currently, in fact, the streets do not kill, but the houses do. Vive the streets!" They have humor, these kids.

I should return to Petion-Ville. I know that people will be banging on our doors from 6 AM onwards all day seeking food and help. I escaped hearing those desperate cries as I was here for a report on my eye surgery. But I know there will be worse to come. But what can I do?"

I will try hard to stay in contact with you, but without electricity, telephone, gasoline, fuel for cooking, I do not know how we will stay in close contact. I think so much always of the children, but also I cannot prevent myself from also thinking of my 32 employees. Did they record deaths among their close relations? Can they be as dedicated when they do not know what happens with their families and I am not there to help. Well, we shall see."

He ends in Union of Prayer.

We know that Father Simon and CRS are the best stewards of your support to Haiti. They plan to return as soon as possible.

We thank you for your help,

Patrick

Patrick J. O'Shea FTS CTC
Founder
Friends of Timkatec in America
Ph: 407 323 3100
Cell: 407 221 5392
Email: pjposhea@aol.com
Site: www.timkatec.org

EMERGENCY MESSAGE TO FRIENDS OF TIMKATEC, HAITI

Dear Friends of Timkatec:

The earthquake in Haiti is an event of immense proportions. One third of the population is affected, over 3 Million people. While immediate casualties are huge, the additional casualties that we must expect in the next week or two will probably double that number as many are buried under buildings. There are no First responder services, trucks, heavy equipment, or even roads and bridges to get them there. There are almost no medical services and few supplies.

It is as if the USA had 100 million people affected with several million dead and an equal number expected to die. The aftermath is a huge medical crisis.

We have just heard about Timkatec from Patrick Manigat, husband of Sabine of Timkatec 1 and Marie Manigat's son. He managed with great difficulty to get into Petion-Ville and reports as follows:

1. Father Simon and Sabine are OK as both were in Miami for medical treatment. I spoke to Father tonight. He is badly shaken but resolute. I have committed all of our resources to assist him
2. Timkatec 1 is heavily damaged but the 45 resident students are all accounted for, sleeping in the streets
3. Timkatec 2 appears to have limited damage as does Timkatec 3
4. We have no news of the 370 day students of Timkatec 1, 2 and 3, or of the staff-we are praying for them
5. Marie believes there are a few days of food supplies-resupply will be critical
6. It is too early to know whether Timkatec 1 is repairable-it is possible that the kids can sleep in Timkatec 3 in the near term once it is declared safe of after shocks

We implore you to donate anything that you can to assist in the massive emergency. We know that Father Simon is the best steward of your funds in Haiti and will be returning as soon as possible.

Thank you for all your help.

Patrick J. O'Shea
Founder
Friends of Timkatec in America
135 River Oaks Circle
Sanford, FL 32773
(407) 323-3100
pjposhea@aol.com
www.timkatec.org

Timkatec France

Timkatec France is a group formed by Sophie Beaupère, in Paris. Sophie has worked in Haiti at an orphanage and also at Timkatec, and on her return to France continues to raise funds for Father Simon.

Mme. Beaupère's welcome message:

« Bienvenue sur le site de Timkatec. Mon nom est Sophie Beaupère. J'ai travaillé en Haiti dans un orphelinat de 600 enfants (qui avait des moyens) et pour le Père Simon (qui n'en avait pas) ce qui m'a donné envie de l'aider. Pour en savoir plus sur la mission de l'organisation et comment participer à son fonctionnement, merci de vous reporter à la page en français. »

July, 2009 Newsletter

Often during the last several years, I had to start the Timkatec Newsletter with negative news, often followed by more negative events. While conditions in Haiti continue to remain dire, with your continued aid, Timkatec 1 and 2 have managed to make a small dent in that national stream of bad news.

Timkatec 2, Graduating Class of 2009.	Patrick Addressing the Graduates

On June 28, 2009, I was honored to address the 2009 Graduation of students at Timkatec 2, Petion-Ville, Haiti. In 2008, 15 had graduated,but in 2009 we had 57 graduates; 24 as plumber/electricians, 14 as cobblers, 11 as masons and 9 as tailors. Bill Canny, Head of CRS-Haiti and I, also had the honor of presenting these youngsters with their State Endorsed Certificates as fully trained tradesmen.

There is no guarantee that these lads will find immediate employment, but their chances are enormously improved by having this training in a nation where unemployment approaches 50% and every day remains a challenge. Their profound thanks go to all of you for your continuous support that made this possible.

Bill Canny CRS and Patrick O'Shea present certificates	Charles Dieubon just 15 and now a trained tailor

I am asked by many of you why, at almost 70, I feel the need to continue the challenge of finding funding for this enterprise? Well, Father Simon is almost 80 and his efforts never flag-I'm a youngster by comparison. Two of our strongest supporters, Mike Spinelli and Tom Moran are my seniors and their support continues unabated. We are all inspired as we see such improved results each year.

As I visit Timkatec and meet with Father Simon and his staff, I feel a tremendous need to act on his and their behalf. Their efforts work. Young boys are rescued from the streets and receive a Primary education, medical care, regular meals and spiritual formation from Father and the dedicated staff. These lives are irrevocably changed for the better. Many of these kids continue on to Timkatec 2 and will eventually support a family. How often in life are we given such an opportunity to truly change the lives of others.

Patrick O'Shea with boys at Timkatec 1	Father Simon on top of Timkatec 3

Timkatec 1 has 100 places including 50 residential and Timkatec 2 has 200. Timkatec 3, the third facility will provide 70 girls with a similar opportunity starting in October . Later, that facility will also offer overnight shelter to additional street children who do not yet have a place at Timkatec.

None of this could happen without Father Simon's steely resolve and his selection and leadership of a dedicated team of teachers and staff. All we Friends need to do is to provide the funding so that this dedicated team can do their jobs of saving and changing lives. The cost to support each student is about $250 per annum, an impossible sum for a Haitian family that must feeds an average family of 7 on about $500 a year. Yet for most of us, this is a manageable amount to change lives forever. Note the 50 year old machines, still used daily. Teachers who earn only $200 per month and volunteers who also help.

The last year has been tough for everyone, my family included. We are begging each of you who have provided such sterling support in the past to try to find a way to continue this marvelous effort and to add more of your friends and family to the Friends. Father Simon waited 10 years to be able to get Timkatec 2 built and it has become a well-known institution in Haiti. He has struggled for 15 years to be able to complete Timkatec 3. He inspires us and will inspire others who learn of the Timkatec story. I ask you to continue your support of his daily battle to provide opportunity for the poorest of the poor.

A Singer machine is 50 years old but works when the electricity fails	The graduates and families

As always a picture is worth a thousand words-please note the Graduation pictures and my visit with the younger boys.

Thanks and best regards

Newsletters are archived on the Newsletter page.

"Our experience shows us that these young children are normal children endowed with normal qualities and failings. Let us give them a chance and the means to cultivate these natural gifts while we endeavor to cure some of their failings." Father Joseph Simon of Timkatec

The Friends of Timkatec

Father Simon with a picture of St Jean Bosco in the background. Both men have dedicated their lives to helping poor children.

"It is difficult to refuse a child who comes at night, in the rain, asking for a small place to sleep. In those instances, children sleep on the floor, sometimes with only a blanket, sometimes without even that." Father Joseph Simon of Timkatec

I learned of Timkatec through an Orlando Sentinel article in March 2004 stressing the Haiti problems and chaos following the departure of former President Aristide. The anguished comments made by Father Joseph Simon regarding the problems he was facing, and his unique mission to feed, clothe, house and educate and train the abandoned street children of Haiti, deeply touched me and I had to learn more.

After some difficulties I contacted Father Joseph and shortly afterwards received photographs, blueprints, and other documents describing his charges, his mission at Timkatec 1, plan for the trade training concept for Timkatec 2, his bona fides and, most importantly, his vision for the future for his "children". That vision is to take children (some as young as 7 years old) who have been abandoned to the streets of Port au Prince, and not only to feed and shelter them, but ultimately to educate and train them in a trade so that they can become self-sustaining proud citizens. (See The Mission and History)

Patrick O'Shea at Timkatec 1. The 300 Square foot dormitory is shared by 18—just bunk beds and shelves for clothes. But safe and dry, with food daily, an education and firm direction by Father Simon and the staff.

It was clearly a worthy undertaking. One fraught with seemingly impossible problems... yet one that has been sustained by his faith and drive for over a decade. My daughter, Tara, designed this website which she maintains and we started our efforts which are covered inside in the various News items. In this effort, we have been most blessed with the unstinting support of special Friends Mike Spinelli, Ernie Reyes and Tom Moran and families and many others, CRS-Baltimore and the CRS Haiti staff, and my parish of All Souls, Sanford. That support has to date reached over $150,000, sent to Haiti through CRS with 100% delivered to Timkatec. We have a new 5000 Square foot school, Timkatec 2 with a team of dedicated teachers instruction in 5 trades over 200 students. PLUS, an expansion at Timkatec 1 from 34 dormitory places to almost 50. It is rare to see so much impact on so many lives for such a relatively small investment. And shortly, Timkatec 3 for girls will offer similar facilities.

In the following pages, you will find more information regarding Timkatec 1 2 and 3, and its founder Father Joseph Simon, a dedicated (supposedly retired) Salesian priest. I urge you to read more about him and his mission and I am sure that you, like our families will be as deeply touched by his dedication and faith and impressed by his focus on, and the success of, hisleadership of a dedicated staff. You will find on the donation page how you also can assistthat effort with a tax deductible donation for this worthy cause. 100% of our donations to be forwarded to Father Simon through our partner, Catholic Relief Service, who also cover our Timkatec effort through their website. Please feel free to contact me directly at any time for further information.

Thank you,

Patrick O'Shea
Founder
Friends of Timkatec in America

"It is fundamental to show children that one loves them and really wants to help them. The rest goes automatically. It is also a work of justice towards these children whose physical, intellectual and moral development is jeopardized by a life without affection, without guidance, without constraint, without obligation. The street cannot educate in any way." Father Joseph Simon of Timkatec.