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About the Jean Pierre Family
Family Members:
· Dieufait Jean Pierre (Father)
· Jozelaine Jean Pierre (Mother)
· Kensley Jean Pierre (Son)
Their History:
In 2016, the Jean Pierre family lived in their native Haiti where Dieufait was a teacher. Because he had become an outspoken critic of the Haitian government, he and his family were threatened. When Jozelaine was attacked and badly beaten, they decided that Haiti was too dangerous for the family. Jozelaine and the children left for Norwich, CT. where her brother lived and there she applied for asylum.
Jozelaine’s Health Complications:
Things began well in Norwich CT, but Jozelaine soon developed a severe lung infection that caused a high fever. She was quickly hospitalized. When Joselaine’s infection became septic, she went into a coma for two months. Her doctors did not expect her to survive. The sepsis devastated Jozlelain’s entire body, but against all odds, she did recover. The septic infection destroyed her kidneys and caused gangrene in her extremities. Both legs had to be amputated below the knee and the fingers of both hands were removed. Jozelaine’s illness began two years ago. She has been in Backus Hospital ever since.
Other Family Crossroads:
Because Jozelaine’s brother moved out of state, Kensley and his 11 year old sister went to Florida where other relatives could care for them. Dieufait was able to be with his family for only short periods, as he was not granted more than a tourist visa.
Immigration Asylum & Financial Struggles:
The principal reason for Jozelaine’s extended stay in the hospital was not her disability, but her immigration status. The government will not rule on her asylum petition for another 15 months. Meanwhile, Jozelaine does not qualify for social services of any kind. Sending her back to Haiti would be a virtual death sentence, so she has remained a patient in the same hospital room for two years. At the beginning of the year, Dieufait returned from Haiti with permission to stay until September, but no permission to work. He has brought Kensley with him, and is determined to do all that he can to stay with his wife and care for her.
Community Response:
Dieufait, Jozelaine, and Kensley are not left alone. Members of the local Haitian community have embraced them; Backus Hospital has given Jozelaine an extraordinary service; Norwich Human Services is doing its best to guide them towards solutions, and Rep. Courtney’s office is providing legal advice and advocating on their behalf. Our local churches are organizing to help. Nevertheless, the difficulties the Jean Pierre family face are extraordinary. We are asking for your donations to help Dieufait, Jozelaine, and Kensley.
MORE INFORMATION
https://www.theday.com/article/20190303/NWS01/190309946
Family Members:
· Dieufait Jean Pierre (Father)
· Jozelaine Jean Pierre (Mother)
· Kensley Jean Pierre (Son)
Their History:
In 2016, the Jean Pierre family lived in their native Haiti where Dieufait was a teacher. Because he had become an outspoken critic of the Haitian government, he and his family were threatened. When Jozelaine was attacked and badly beaten, they decided that Haiti was too dangerous for the family. Jozelaine and the children left for Norwich, CT. where her brother lived and there she applied for asylum.
Jozelaine’s Health Complications:
Things began well in Norwich CT, but Jozelaine soon developed a severe lung infection that caused a high fever. She was quickly hospitalized. When Joselaine’s infection became septic, she went into a coma for two months. Her doctors did not expect her to survive. The sepsis devastated Jozlelain’s entire body, but against all odds, she did recover. The septic infection destroyed her kidneys and caused gangrene in her extremities. Both legs had to be amputated below the knee and the fingers of both hands were removed. Jozelaine’s illness began two years ago. She has been in Backus Hospital ever since.
Other Family Crossroads:
Because Jozelaine’s brother moved out of state, Kensley and his 11 year old sister went to Florida where other relatives could care for them. Dieufait was able to be with his family for only short periods, as he was not granted more than a tourist visa.
Immigration Asylum & Financial Struggles:
The principal reason for Jozelaine’s extended stay in the hospital was not her disability, but her immigration status. The government will not rule on her asylum petition for another 15 months. Meanwhile, Jozelaine does not qualify for social services of any kind. Sending her back to Haiti would be a virtual death sentence, so she has remained a patient in the same hospital room for two years. At the beginning of the year, Dieufait returned from Haiti with permission to stay until September, but no permission to work. He has brought Kensley with him, and is determined to do all that he can to stay with his wife and care for her.
Community Response:
Dieufait, Jozelaine, and Kensley are not left alone. Members of the local Haitian community have embraced them; Backus Hospital has given Jozelaine an extraordinary service; Norwich Human Services is doing its best to guide them towards solutions, and Rep. Courtney’s office is providing legal advice and advocating on their behalf. Our local churches are organizing to help. Nevertheless, the difficulties the Jean Pierre family face are extraordinary. We are asking for your donations to help Dieufait, Jozelaine, and Kensley.
MORE INFORMATION
https://www.theday.com/article/20190303/NWS01/190309946
Organizer and beneficiary
Elaine Volmunth
Beneficiary