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A life transformed
From hardship to hope.
“I came from a poor background in Haiti. My parents couldn't adequately support themselves and their nine children. While growing up, I was very malnourished and unable to attend school. There wasn't any medical care or clean water to readily drink on a regular basis. It is truly God's miracle that I survived the dismal environment in which half of my siblings died at a very early age. My future outlook appeared hopeless.”
They appreciated Doug's work ethic and started making arrangements to bring him to Kokomo, Indiana. They wanted him to have a better life, and two years later, they officially adopted him.
Upon arriving in Kokomo, Doug was 13, unable to speak English, and only had six months of schooling. “When the other kids were out playing, I was studying. By the help of God, my parents, good teachers, and hard work, I was able to finish school in 8 years.”
The inspiration behind H.E.S.P.
In 1981, Doug decided to establish the nonprofit Haitian Environmental Support Program to provide food, clothes, and education to Haitian children.
“Since I was tremendously blessed by God and the Vaughns, I felt like I could make a positive difference in the life of at least one poor child in Haiti. Then my life wouldn't be in vain and my purpose would be fulfilled.”
H.E.S.P. started with two children. With the grace of God and contributors, the organization now supports 85 children as well as projects that benefit entire communities from infants to the elderly.
Douglas Vaughn