WHO WE ARE
Kay Angel is Creole for Angel House. Founded in 2007 through the vision and support of Martin Schmitt and his family, Kay Angel began as a residential home for children affected by HIV and other vulnerabilities—children who were often denied second chances elsewhere.
Lia van de Donk served as our in-country Director and first house mother, setting the standard of care with her love, passion, and commitment. After Lia's tragic passing in 2012, Gala Calisto stepped in to continue the work. What started as a foster home became a flourishing family—and the lessons we learned raising our children together have shaped how we now serve the broader community.
Since 2007, Kay Angel has been dedicated to supporting children and youth in situations of extreme distress, regardless of gender, color, social background, or religion. Mobilized in service of the Haitian community in Jacmel, we provide dignified support to help young people build better lives in a safe environment.
Today, Kay Angel focuses on education and youth empowerment, providing safe spaces for students to study during the school year and supporting young people through critical life transitions as they age out of our foster family. Drawing on years of experience, we're expanding our work to serve the community that helped shape the young minds we've raised within our walls. We also advocate for medical care and sponsor treatment for special cases when resources allow. We work independently and courteously in a spirit of openness, responsibility, and dialogue, collaborating with public authorities, other associations, schools, universities, clinics, and hospitals. Our true vision is to invest in their futures and empower our young people to become productive contributors to the communities they came from.
Support for Kay Angel comes from the Schmitt family, private donations, and local support from amazing friends around the world.
