Home Again: Paying it Forward
Home Again: Paying it Forward
Written by: Nerlande P. Augustin
Photographed by: KP Productions Photography
“As an unordinary orphan, I feel a deep-rooted desire and a sense of purpose to serve the orphans and the elderly and bring joy to their lives.” - Nicodhia Laplante
Haitian-born and raised; Nicodhia Laplante migrated to the United States over 21 years ago. In 2010, Ms. Laplante founded Home Again Ministries and Orphanage. Primarily, the institution’s purpose is to serve and support the orphans and the community of Miragoane, Haiti. Home Again Ministries and Orphanage is categorized into four sectors: an orphanage, a ministry, a vocational school, and a clinic. They are still in the construction phase as an organization, currently housing six (6) orphans and two (2) elderly people.
Home Again Ministries and Orphanage hopes to expand by sheltering approximately 60 children, offering classes to the community free of charge through the vocational school, and providing medical services and the basic needs to assist the elderly in living healthier. Additionally, Ms. Laplante does not want to remove the elderly from their familiar environment; she would readily have these services available. In the long term, the Orphanage will ensure the children’s daily basic needs are fulfilled and will further equip them with a chance at a better life by awarding them scholarships to study abroad to receive a higher education. They, in return, will be able to continue the cycle of paying it forward by sharing their knowledge and giving back to their community.
While working in Haiti, some of the multi-faceted challenges Mrs. Laplante has encountered include lack of loyalty, mistrust, and constant insecurity issues. In addition, she expressed a lack of business etiquette and a lack of integrity at the management level of the organization. She often believes she does not know who to hire even when the candidate appears qualified. For example, money is sent to handle business, the money is misused, and the work is not completed, which can be frustrating and discouraging. In addition, the rampant insecurity state of the country makes it challenging to ship necessary equipment and products to Miragoane, and they may never get delivered at times. “I don’t want to jeopardize the future or the life of anybody, so I’ve had to deny donated containers of medical equipment and medication because I feared getting it to Miragoane safely,” said Ms. Laplante. She goes on to say, “It is truly a shame because the desire to support, elevate, and help Haiti grow is there, but the absence of security poses a significant hindrance.”
Ms. Laplante draws motivation from within. As an orphan, she was fortunate to have a family who supported, nurtured, and ensured she never felt like an orphan. Today, she wants to pay it forward to orphans who may not be as blessed as she was, and to have a village that bridges the gap and fulfills the void of the children by giving them a sense of home. In search of her life purpose, she prayed and asked God to lead her in finding it.
Ms. Laplante is convinced that doing this work and following this path is God’s will for her life. “My purpose in life is to help others and bring joy to other’s lives. My life’s mantra is centered around God… I wake up thinking about God; I do everything with God in mind, and I thank God every day.” She advised others who aspire to give back: “don’t be discouraged, do it from your heart, and find it in your heart to support Haiti. The country doesn’t need any more scammers and abusers. Haiti needs genuine people willing and ready to help elevate the country because of their love for the people and the country, not for personal gain. There is hope for Haiti and its people, but we all have to want to see it grow and get better genuinely. Together we can change the path of Haiti.”
“I know what I want; I know what I am worth; when I want or need something, I make plans; and get it done. Time is not an obstacle; if I have an objective or project in mind, I make it a success. “ Nicodhia Laplante is persistent in achieving every goal she has set for herself and in her philanthropic endeavors. “I know what I want; I know what I am worth; when I want or need something, I make plans; and get it done. Time is not an obstacle; if I have an objective or project in mind, I make it a success. “With such determination, we have no doubt Ms. Laplante will bring to fruition every goal she penned and desired for Home Again Ministries and Orphanage. With such determination, we have no doubt Ms. Laplante will bring to fruition every goal she penned and desired for Home Again Ministries and Orphanage. With such determination, we have no doubt Ms. Laplante will bring to fruition every goal she penned and desired for Home Again Ministries and Orphanage. Home Again Ministries and Orphanage.“I know what I want; I know what I am worth; when I want or need something, I make plans; and get it done. Time is not an obstacle; if I have an objective or project in mind, I make it a success. “ With such determination, we have no doubt Ms. Laplante will bring to fruition every goal she penned and desired for Home Again Ministries and Orphanage.
Being wise, humble, courageous, and tenacious in pursuing her dreams and taking legitimate risks to accomplish her long-term vision of paying it forward is why Nicodhia Laplante is a Fanm Potomitan.
Stay up to date with the latest on Home Again Ministries.
https://homeagainministries.org/
Watch the video here NICODHIA LAPLANTE VIDEO INTERVIEW