About Us
1. When did Change the Stars begin?
Back in 2013, the Founder, Jeff Ponchillia had an experience that would forever change his life’s purpose. After traveling to Haiti and witnessing firsthand the dire conditions of the schools and orphanages there, he knew something had to be done. Jeff and his family began supporting multiple primary schools, an orphanage, and a local children’s hospital. In addition to providing financial assistance, they brought supplies every time they visited, filling their suitcases with things like Pedialyte, formula, toys, and candy for the children. Moved by the significant need for education in Haiti, Jeff also started a scholarship program with the goal of empowering Haitian high schoolers to take charge of their futures. Change the Stars was founded in 2017 to continue this critical work and help the children and youth of Haiti re-write their destinies.
3. Where will the money/proceeds go to? Scholarships, Supplies (what kind, medical or school or both?)
One hundred percent of your investment will pour back into the children of Haiti. Your support will help cover the following costs:
- Harmony House Orphanage - The cost of providing shelter, education, and medical treatment for children at the orphanage
- Sisters of Charity Children’s Hospital - The costs of providing Pedialyte, formula, medication, and a pediatrician for the hospital
- Primary School Program - The costs of providing 10 primary schools with books and school supplies, along with the cost of repairing schools damaged by earthquakes
- Scholarship Program - The cost of paying for students’ tuition at university or trade schools
4. How many infants, children, and teens are currently at Harmony House?
The Harmony House Orphanage serves children between the ages of 3 and 17 and currently has 16 children enrolled. The goal is build a bigger orphanage to help more children that are left behind.
5. How many scholarships grants have been awarded?
Change the stars has awarded a total of 34 scholarships. The 34 students we currently have receiving scholarships are the total number we have given. This number will grow every year. This year in 2022, we will have our first college graduate, Sandra. Chnage the Stars currently has 10 secondary schools in the program so each year we will add 10 new students. We will also have the older children from the orphanage receiving scholarships. Currently we have two children from the orphanage attending universities.
6. What are the names of the communities, schools, and hospitals you fund?
The Harmony House Orphanage is located in Archahaie, Haiti. The Sisters of Charity Children’s Hospital is in Port-au-Prince and the primary and secondary schools we are involved with are in Petite Riviera de Nippes.
8. What sets you apart from other organizations in your community?
While there are many organizations that serve children around the world and within Haiti, Change the Stars is unique in that we are making a lasting difference in Haiti by partnering with underserved and underfunded institutions. Prior to our help, the orphanage, hospital, and schools we partner with had no outside funding. Our goal is to stay connected to the communities we serve — building long-term relationships and lasting partnerships — so we can bring about positive change and help our children build bright and strong futures.
9. How often do you visit Haiti annually?
The Founder, Jeff, visits Haiti 3 to 5 times a year.
10. What are the biggest challenges you face?
The biggest challenge Changing the Stars faces is the need for funding to assist with clean water, food, shelter and the list goes on. As our impact continues to grow, so does our need for sustainable financial support.
Programs & Services:
La Maison d’Harmonie (Harmony House Orphanage) - Change the Stars supports an underserved orphanage in Petite Rivière de Nippes. The Harmony House Orphanage is a home away from home for children who have been tragically ripped away from their families. From the second a child walks through our doors, loving adults stand ready to provide the emotional and physical support they need.Unfortunately, all of our children have been left in our care due to tragic circumstances, including natural disasters like the earthquake of 2010 that killed 100,000 Haitians and left more than 20,000 children orphaned.
We currently serve 16 children between the ages of 3 and 17. Schooling is provided for each child, and whether they decide to pursue a college education or attend trade school, we provide assistance every step of the way.
Sisters of Charity Children’s Hospital - The Sisters of Charity Children’s Hospital in Port au Prince serves between 80 and 200 children and is run by two nuns with the help of a few local women. Change the Stars assists the hospital by providing Pedialyte and formula, paying for medicine for the children, and by covering the cost of a pediatrician to work three days a week at the hospital. Our support of the hospital is critical, as the only investment they receive is a small amount of funding from Catholic churches within Haiti.
Primary School Support: Change the Stars provides assistance to over 2,500 children in 10 primary schools in Petite-Riviere-de-Nippes. We provide textbooks and workbooks each school year, uniforms, school supplies, and critical building repairs such as roof maintenance and plumbing.
Scholarship Program: Change the Stars awards scholarships to top-ranking high school students from 10 local high schools in Petite Rivière de Nippes and the surrounding area. The students have a choice to further their educations at a university in Haiti or they can attend any trade schools of their choice. In order to obtain an active status in our scholarship program, each student must maintain a high GPA, submit their grades every semester and continue to work hard to achieve their goals.
Many of our recipients are first-generation college students. We have students with varied ambitions including aspiring nurses, teachers, and engineers. Our scholarships represent an invaluable opportunity for students to build a better life and a brighter future.