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Commandery
of the Palm Beaches
Igniting
Change
in Belle Glade
In 1994, a modest children’s program was launched in a trailer in Belle Glade with a mission to support local children with their homework and provide a safe haven away from the streets. This afterschool initiative was a lifeline for parents—many of whom were non-English speakers working long hours in nearby fields. Founded by the First Haitian Baptist Church, the program aimed to bridge the gap for these families.
Eventually, the Church acquired a property featuring a late 1940s building, originally a house converted into apartments. With renovations, this space transformed into a venue for classes and a playground for the children.
Today, the First Haitian Baptist Church and Community Center is managed by Pastor Morales St. Hilaire and his family—his wife Anne, daughter Mona, and son Morana, alongside dedicated church members.
Pastor Morales, who dedicated 29 years to the State of Florida's Outreach program for migrant and seasonal farm workers, continues his tireless work for Belle Glade's underserved community. As a central figure at the Center, he ensures that the community's diverse needs are met. Known for his deep connections with local school principals and his hands-on approach, Pastor Morales is a trusted advocate for resolving family issues and supporting each child’s well-being. The Center is affectionately known as “Pastor Morales” among parents and teachers, reflecting its pivotal role in the community.
Together We Can Make a Change.
What They Do
The Enrichment Center holds classes for more than 100 students, from kindergarten to eighth grade. They are transported by the church’s bus. Middle-high school students, plus college and young adult volunteers help tutor the young ones at the Center expanding its reach in the community. Grandparents and others volunteer to feed the kids and organize activities. The Center boasts alumni, who are now attending college and becoming leaders in their community and beyond.
The Plan
In today's globalized world, chances are you are interacting with people from more than just one country. This is where our multilingual functionality comes into play. Take advantage of this unique capability to expand your reach.
The Need
Many of us have heard the stories about the children in Belle Glade. Parents working in the fields, worrying about their kids after school, hoping they are safe and that they don’t get into trouble. Parents not being able to help their kids with their homework, because they themselves speak limited English. Enough food at home? Not often enough. We hear the kids, with their spirit and joy of learning, feeling safe, being fed. Some come to the U.S from Haiti, not knowing English and feel lost at school. They love the place where they can be taught in Creole and then in English so they can excel. However, the old 1940's house, where these children attend after-school care, is beyond repair and too small to teach the 120+ children, who arrive every day. In the future, this number will increase. A new building is needed, urgently. You can make a difference. Let’s help these kids develop and prosper. LET’S GET THIS BUILDING BUILT!
Programs
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Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller
Our modern Sovereign Order is an ecumenical, international, Christian organization directly descended from the Hospitaller activities at the Hospice, founded before the turn of the 12th Century by Amalfi merchants, for pilgrims in Jerusalem.
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