Here is what their web site has to say: "A five story building with tiled floors, brightly colored walls covered with Haitian art work, tastefully furnished and a beautiful root top terrace with rattan furniture, potted plants and a view of mountains in the distance, St. Joseph's Home for Boys is a gem of a place. Situated 25 minutes from the airport, off Delmas 91 near Petionville.
The facility is run by Michael Geilenfeld, who formerly worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta. In 1985 Mike, who had worked in Haiti previously, returned with $1,000, rented a four room house and invited six boys to be part of a family. The rest is history. Today 20 former homeless street children staff the hostel doing the cooking, cleaning and marketing. While living in community they attend classes, learn job skills and usually by age 18 are independent. Since the program stated 117 children have graduated."
Pastor Roy has also written about St Josephs. See his post on Haitian Angels at http://web.mac.com/royhowardTo me, the place was a bit of B&B, art museum, monastery, college dorm and family all wrapped up in one. On Sunday night Michael told us his story, which was very moving. He deals with the guests and acts as a big brother (or father figure if that role is demanded) to the boys. But two older boys, Bill and Walness, actually run the facility. We met Walness Sunday night and he lent us his laptop so we could message our families. The next day we will see another side of Walness...so read on!
