Pink Dress

John Aeby, Director of Communications

Holt Fontana Village, Montrouis, Haiti—Two men and a little girl arrive at Holt Fontana Village one afternoon. The girl, about 4 years old, wears a pink party dress and shabby shoes. After their initial interview, the men stand outside the office and talk with members of the Holt Fontana staff. The little girl tries to occupy herself, walking around and twirling, like she’s trying out her dress. Was it purchased just for this visit? I try to fathom what the little girl is thinking as the adults talk. She seems oddly oblivious of the serious discussion. The men claim to be cousins of the girl’s mother, and they ask if Holt Fontana can take in the little girl so she can be adopted. Her father has died, they say, and the mother can’t care for her any more. The staff is helpful, earnest about the girl’s needs, but they are cautious too. Yes, Holt Fontana staff want to help, but they can’t do anything until they meet with the mother. Also the mother must bring the father’s death certificate.

It’s easy to jump to conclusions about a family’s situation. It’s tempting to take in the little girl for her protection, but much is at stake. Even if she does eventually enter Holt Fontana for adoption, how the organization receives her and documents her legal situation can make or break any future opportunity she might have for a family. What if the father is alive? Most importantly, until the staff talk with the mother and counsel her, they have no way of knowing if relinquishment is really what she wants or what’s best for the little girl. What if Holt would help the mother, would she still choose adoption?

These questions must be asked. Whether it’s adoption or family preservation, Holt Fontana is ready to bring all of the help they can as soon as the mother decides for her daughter. The men say they will return with the mother. After saying their goodbyes, the trio walks toward the gate. The little girl walks between the two men, but neither one takes her hand as they open the gate and depart. How often does this sort of thing happen at Holt Fontana, we ask Mansour Masse, Director of Holt Fontana Village. Once, maybe twice a week, he says. It immediately becomes apparent how important it is to increase the capacity of Holt Fontana Village to care for more children.

Some time later, we ask how many other adoption agencies like Holt Fontana are helping children in Haiti. Mansour’s answer comes with conviction–and a hint of a smile. “There are NO other agencies like Holt in Haiti.” Mansour speaks with pride and excitement for the work they do. There are orphanages and other adoption agencies, but only Holt Fontana provides a full balance of services, helping families stay together and caring for children relinquished for adoption.