STATS/INFO
Our Approach
The sheer scale of global poverty can feel daunting, often leading to inaction. It's easy to believe that individual efforts are too small to make a real difference. Nourish Every Child is built on a different philosophy: the profound power of the ripple effect. We believe that every act of generosity, no matter its size, creates waves of positive change that extend far beyond what we can immediately see.
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Our founder's initial experience in Haiti while volunteering with Midwives for Haiti brought the overwhelming reality of human suffering into sharp focus. During an evening spent assisting the Sisters of Mercy in feeding malnourished children at the Azil Nourishment Center, a feeling of inadequacy washed over her.
It was then that a Sister shared the timeless wisdom of Mother Teresa: "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." This powerful concept became the inspiration for Nourish Every Child, driving our belief in the transformative potential of collective compassion.
Empowering children in Haiti through education and nutrition is at the heart of Nourish Every Child's mission. We are committed to breaking the cycle of poverty and nurturing the potential within each child. Our program ensures that carefully selected students are enrolled in government-recognized educational centers with certified teachers, where they receive essential daily sustenance: a mid-morning snack, a nourishing midday meal, and safe drinking water.
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Recognizing the complexities of the current situation in Haiti, we have strengthened our reliance on the expertise and dedication of our local Haitian board members. Their deep understanding of the community allows for safe and effective enrollment of children into our program. To connect our donors with the impact of their generosity, we share student impact infographics featuring the powerful narratives of the children and families we support. These stories underscore the critical need for our work, especially in the face of widespread displacement and food insecurity, and demonstrate how your contribution directly empowers a child's growth and well-being in a sustainable and locally-driven manner.
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OUR PROGRAM
EDUCATION
* 90% of primary schools are non-public and managed by communities, religious organizations or NGOs. (USAID 2007)
LITERACY
HEALTH & NUTRITION
* 30% of the population is considered food insecure. (World Food Programme 2015)
MEET THE FOUNDERS
FOUNDER • DIRECTOR
Jennifer Burns is a mother, volunteer, advocate and Certified Nurse-Midwife living in Newport Beach, California with her husband and three children. Jennifer began her humanitarian work in Haiti in 2011 with Midwives for Haiti. It was during this first trip to Haiti Jennifer was moved to make a difference in the lives of the children in Haiti. It was impossible to see the suffering of the children in the community and not see her own children reflected in their eyes. Nourish Every Child was born of these experiences and has evolved over the years. Jennifer continues to work on the eradication of preventable maternal death with Midwives for Haiti and The Hope Foundation for Women and Children of Bangladesh.
TREASURER
Minal Chokshi is a mother of two elementary school children, is an accomplished corporate accountant, breast cancer "thriver" and assists other boards with her financial and accounting services. With an endless curiosity about the educational impact in developing nations, Minal came to serve NEC through her friendship with Carol Sullivan and Sean McCracken; as well as, a 6-degree of separation relationship with Carley Welch. Witnessing Jennifer’s determination to impact the lives of vulnerable children at their shared children's pre-school, Minal was inspired to assist NEC. Despite not yet having visited Haiti, Minal's involvement stems from the deep commitment to effect change for the children we serve in Haiti and beyond.
SECRETARY
Alison Eastman is a mother, advocate, volunteer and realtor living in Newport Beach, CA with her young son and husband. Alison first got involved in working for underprivileged children with her work for Angelitos de Oro. In 2018 Alison visited Haiti with her friend, Jennifer Burns, to see first hand the impact Nourish Every Child has in the community. She has been dedicated ever since to being an advocate for orphan prevention and keeping families together in a community that so desperately needs our help.
Meet Our Board
FOUNDER • DIRECTOR
Jennifer Burns is a dedicated mother, active volunteer, and passionate advocate residing in Newport Beach, California, where she lives with her husband and three children. Holding a Doctorate in Global Public Health and as a Certified Nurse-Midwife, Jennifer's commitment to care extends globally, beginning with her pivotal humanitarian work in Haiti in 2011 with Midwives for Haiti. It was during this initial trip that Jennifer felt an indelible connection to the children, their suffering mirroring the vulnerability she saw in her own. Driven by this profound empathy, Nourish Every Child was born and has flourished under her guidance. Jennifer's dedication to improving lives continues through her ongoing work with Midwives for Haiti and The Hope Foundation for Women and Children of Bangladesh, striving to eradicate preventable maternal deaths.
TREASURER
Minal Chokshi is a mother of two elementary school children, is an accomplished corporate accountant, breast cancer "thriver" and assists other boards with her financial and accounting services. With an endless curiosity about the educational impact in developing nations, Minal came to serve NEC through her friendship with Carol Sullivan and Sean McCracken; as well as, a 6-degree of separation relationship with Carley Welch. Witnessing Jennifer’s determination to impact the lives of vulnerable children at their shared children's pre-school, Minal was inspired to assist NEC. Despite not yet having visited Haiti, Minal's involvement stems from the deep commitment to effect change for the children we serve in Haiti and beyond.
SECRETARY
Coming soon
Kellie Khan
VICE PRESIDENT
Kellie Khan is an educator, advocate and activist on a mission to change the lives of the world’s most vulnerable children. Kellie lives in Maplewood, New Jersey with her husband, four children, dog and cat. Kellie’s first international trip was at the age of 17 to East Africa where she volunteered at local orphanages and hospitals. Kellie has taught in several inner-city schools teaching the most inspiring students. She is currently a court-appointed advocate for children in the foster care system and continues to sit on local community boards serving the needs of the youth. Kellie became involved with NEC after being inspired by Jennifer’s passion and dedication. She continues to be inspired by the meaningful work NEC does to nourish the mind, body and soul of Haiti’s most vulnerable children.
