The reasons why Johanne Louis is doing it right
The Dr. Johanne Louis Foundation (JLF) has been changing the lives of families in Tabar, Haiti and their achievements have only just begun. To understand why JLF is having such an impact, we need to meet the woman behind it all, Johanne Louis.
Who is Johanne?
Born in 1968 in Gonaives, Johanne Louis spent the first seven years of her life in Haiti. At the age of seven, she moved to New York where for the first time she was able to meet and embrace her mother.
All her life, Johanne knew that she wanted to become a doctor someday. But, after giving birth and falling in love with her daughter while in high school, Johanne decided to pursue a nursing degree instead. After finishing college faster than expected, Johanne found herself feeling fulfilled by caring for others.
Still, determined to hold a doctoral degree, Johanne pursued her master’s and eventually met her goal by obtaining her doctorate in nursing, while working full time as a nurse practitioner at the University of Pennsylvania.
From Philly to Haiti, she’s making an impact
With the prompting of her best friend Irma and husband Joel, Johanne launched the Dr. Johanne Louis Foundation in 2017.
Even before starting JLF, Johanne has been making a significant impact in Philadelphia and Haiti. As a nurse practitioner with the University of Pennsylvania, Johanne volunteered for every wellness fair organized by her employer in Philadelphia. She received many accolades for her volunteer efforts.
And in Haiti, Johanne partnered with other organizations to provide support to the citizens of Haiti. During the tragic 2010 earthquake, Johanne supported the efforts of Vermase Foundation financially and by organizing fundraisers.
These days, JLF sponsors many children, who through faithful donations and gifts, can attend school free of charge. Thus, granting opportunities to some, who otherwise, would never receive a basic education. In addition to providing scholarships, JLF provides meals to every student who attends during the school year.
JLF Food Program
Not stopping there, during the 2021 earthquake, which caused much pain to Haiti, JLF partnered with other organizations to provide resources and support to those hurting.
Currently, JLF has boots on the ground to assist our fellow brothers and sisters in need.
JLF In Haiti after 2021 Earthquake Relief
What makes them different
Integrity & Transparency
No one gets paid. With a board composed of volunteers, the donations which are received are used solely on the causes. JLF provides a report to their donors detailing how every dollar is invested in the mission. Furthermore, every board member is held accountable by their peers when it comes to the functioning of the organization to prevent the dreaded “I don’t know” answer when questioned by donors.
Passion
It all starts with the leader. Johanne has a passion for people and making a difference and positive impact in her community.
When I interviewed Dr. Johanne for this piece, she mentioned that she volunteered for every health and wellness fair held by her employer, the University of Pennsylvania. Her volunteer work coupled with her work in Haiti, I don’t know what will if that does not shout passion.
Conclusion
With Johanne at the helm, only great things are in store for the organization and those they serve. The passion to serve and love those less fortunate is evident in their work and partnerships. If you want to support the efforts of the Johanne Louis Foundation. Please visit their website at https://drjohannelouisfoundation.org. Without a doubt, we can say, in Dr. Johanne Louis, you are a Haitian Doing it Right.
Clarence Augustin
