Okipe the Co-op

Okipe is led by a committee of volunteers and has a written MOU (memorandum of understanding) which states it’s mission and values, CLICK HERE to download the PDF. 

Our Story…

Over the years, many people have come through La Gonave to offer assistance to the locals in many forms of aid and community development.  Often times, they would have the opportunity to hear of the orphanage and meet Mme Soliette & the children.  Few left that place unmoved to want to help.  We call these people, “Friends of the Orphanage”. 

Some have helped with periodic cash donations for food or rent.  Others have sent clothing and educational supplies.  All have experienced the limitations of their gifts and the helplessness that inevitably comes from living so far away from the needs.

BUT… this is a new season!  The “Friends of the Orphanage” are organizing into a powerful new co-operative effort to develop and implement a long term strategic plan for the security and advancement of the “The Jesus Home for Children of La Gonave”.  The co-op is called Okipe (Oh-kEE-pAy), which is a Haitian Creole word meaning, “to look after”.  We have recruited and sent Matt Smith to live on the island of La Gonave to serve as our “boots on the ground” coordinator for our development efforts. He arrived on April 4th, 2011.

Find a way to join this effort today… you’ll never regret having given your best to those with the least!