A letter from Executive Director, Clark Seipt…
What did you want to be when you grew up? Do you remember?
I remember that for many years, I was confident I would be a veterinarian. An animal lover since the day I was born, I worked for a vet’s office for nearly two years in high school and even talked my way into a personal tour of the school of veterinary medicine at Virginia Tech.
I think I was ultimately dissuaded from this vocation by the day-to-day sameness in that little clinic in southern VA. I decided I needed something more exciting, more challenging and complex – something that took me away from an office, out into the world, walking with people and helping them solve some of their most challenging problems.
I wanted to be putting food in hungry bellies. I wanted to help people access the things they needed like clean water and healthcare. I wanted to help bring voices to the table that needed to be heard. I also wanted to work with other energetic and thoughtful people that were passionate about these things, because from a very young age, I knew in my soul that we can do more when we work together.
Don’t you know it – being the Executive Director of CCH is exactly who I wanted be!
There aren’t words that can fully describe what it’s been like to lead and serve this Coalition for the last 8.5 years. I can certainly say it’s never been boring or easy or simple! Not one day has been exactly the same as the one that came before it.
These past 8.5 years have seen major shifts in the not only the politics, social systems and security situation in Haiti – but also day-to-day life. What constitutes “normal” has changed dramatically. The opportunity to learn and partner in the midst of all this turmoil has been humbling. These last few years have been inspirational and maddening, all at the same time.
Despite what sometimes felt like untenable circumstances, we’ve worked together as CCH to:
- Ensure that people have access to life-saving healthcare, despite their ability to pay.
- Train Haitian educators to transform lives through literacy, science and problem-solving.
- Equip and encourage community members to be changemakers for the Haiti they dream of.
- Help rebuild homes, clinics and entire communities after devastating natural disasters.
- Open our own, centrally located and community-focused facility with solar energy and satelite internet.
- Open our clinic doors, time and again, despite years of violence and uncertainty.
- Remain focused on what we – the Coalition – could control and where we could have the greatest impact.
It’s been a gift to wipe away a child’s tears after a CCH-provided school lunch made their belly stop hurting.
It’s been a joy to give a thankful mother CCH-provided medicine for her sick child – or to watch a patient walk out of the CCH rehab clinic, unassisted.
It’s been an honor to visit with CCH partner communities and be greeted with trust, love and gratitude.
It’s been an outright privilege to walk alongside our dedicated, smart and fiercely devoted Haitian staff as they live out their call to serve their fellow citizens.
I am so very proud of all that we’ve learned and cherished and built together.
(Photo: Clark Seipt gets a snuggle from the Isaiah House cat on her visit to Haiti in 2020.)
And now, my friends, it’s time for me to ask you to carry on this important work as I leave you.
I have accepted a new position that will take me away from CCH during the first half of 2024. The exact date of my departure is yet to be determined, as I’m committed to supporting CCH through a healthy and effective search for our next Executive Director. I’m already working closely with our Board of Directors and Staff to prepare for that process. We’ll keep you updated as we progress and would certainly appreciate your prayers.
This is a big transition for CCH, but I am confident that we’ll navigate this one just like all the others: With creativity, thoughtfulness and the understanding that this ministry is so much bigger than any one of us.
As Dave Pierre (CCH In-Country Director) and I have been preparing for this next transition, we’ve found particular comfort in one simple phrase. It’s especially useful when the worry starts to creep in or one of us begins to feel overwhelmed by what’s coming. That phrase? God knows.
God knows what’s coming – because he walks this path before us. God is already working in and on our next Executive Director, and God will continue to bring new energy, ideas and passion to this Coalition.
Thank you for the amazing opportunity you’ve given me to lead, learn and grow with you, dear friends. Thank you for your steadfast support of CCH in so many different ways. Thank you for your partnership and encouragement. We’ve had so much fun together.
I’m going to go take a moment to breathe. Then, let’s get back to work. There is still so much good to be done.
With love and deep gratitude,
Clark
