Who we are.
Our reason
Avek Ou—"with you" in Haitian Creole—was born out of love for children in Haiti. Founder Jennifer Berkemeier made several trips to the country, working in both urban and rural settings, helping to rebuild an orphanage and school after the devastating 2010 earthquake. She witnessed firsthand the utter destruction and devastation experienced by the citizens of Port-au-Prince, with the beautiful children being the most vulnerable and at greatest risk. She made a promise to herself to help even one child or one family in Haiti and, with the commitment and support of dedicated friends and family, the Avek Ou nonprofit organization was formed. In 2012, Jennifer adopted a beautiful 4-year-old girl from Haiti who continues to inspire ideas, passion and success for Avek Ou.
.jpg)
Our strength
We believe in sustainable models of assistance. All of our programs, and the organizations we support, utilize processes focused on empowering individuals to gain independence and thrive. We firmly believe the strength of Haiti's future success lies in the empowering of its youth and families, fortifying the societal fabric, one family and community at a time.
Our process
Avek Ou provides security, safety, and respite to families in Haiti who have experienced unspeakable trauma from violence, poverty, gangs and displacement. At the Foyer des Familles home, families are welcomed into a nurturing, secure environment. Parents receive trade school and entrepreneurial training; children attend school; both parent and kids contribute to the upkeep and success of the home. All receive access to medical care, food & nutrition, skill development, and mental health counseling. Our goal with each family is to give them the tools they need to be independent and contribute to their community; expected stay at Foyer des Familles is one year.
Our achievements
Prior to opening the Foyer des Familles home, Avek Ou was a founding partner in the establishment of the FEJI Youth Transition Home in Port-au-Prince, a shelter dedicated to supporting displaced children in Haiti. Understanding the dire conditions and the overwhelming vulnerability of Haitian children to crime, poverty, and gang violence, Avek Ou partnered with local leaders to create a safe haven for six children in desperate need of care. In less than two years, the shelter gained recognition for its effective and compassionate care, leading to an increase in placements from the Haitian government. Today, the home operates at full capacity, providing safety, nutrition, medical care, and mental health support to 40 children, thanks to strong partnerships with the Haitian government and global nonprofit organizations. The increased support from global entities allowed Avek Ou the freedom to transition and found a new home for Haiti's vulnerable citizens, Foyer des Familles.
Our home for families &
Love Orphanage
Foyer des Familles is a beautiful, welcoming home near Port-au-Prince. Our home supports three families, all of whom contribute during their stay at the residence. Foyer des Famillies provides a safe, healing space for our families to heal, recover, and learn or enhance skills that will allow them to succeed and give back to society. At Love Orphanage, a caring, long-term home for children, we support and empower twin siblings on their journey to strength and independence through education, medical care and counseling.
_JPG.jpg)
Our inspiration.
We partner.
Avek Ou is proud to partner with Love Orphanage, a loving home in Haiti for children in need, where "adoption is NOT the goal". The mission at Love Orphanage is to "change the lives of impoverished children in Haiti by providing a stable and safe home that nurtures the whole child - emotional, physical, and mental well-being." Avek Ou lovingly supports beautiful twins Lougegardine and Stimby on their journey toward strength and independence. Your monthly support contributes to these children's general care, such as medical check-ups, food and clothing. The staff and children at Love Orphanage deeply appreciate the suport from Avek Ou, and we value our shared mission of caring for at-risk children as they transition to adulthood and self-determination.
Learn more here: Love Orphanage