Dear PTPA Friends, 

We’re incredibly grateful for your continued engagement and support; it’s the heartbeat of our mission and the reason we’re able to keep moving forward together.

As shared during our September Zoom gathering, PTPA is currently undergoing a strategic review, with the goal of completing this process by early 2026. This effort is shaped by the valuable input we received through the member engagement survey, lessons learned over the past three years, and reflections on our current strategy.

While the review is still underway, we remain committed to strengthening relationships among twins, supporting parishes unable to travel, and expanding our mission of love and connection throughout Haiti and Latin America.

This month's newsletter includes the following: 

Together, we are creating something truly beautiful and meaningful with our twinned parishes in Haiti and Latin America. Your commitment continues to strengthen the bonds of solidarity, compassion, and shared purpose that define our mission. Your unwavering commitment to your twinned parishes in Haiti and Latin America is a living testament to the Gospel in action.

Thank you for walking with us; we look forward to sharing more as the path ahead becomes clearer.

Warm Regards,

Cassandra Bissainthe 
PTPA Executive Director

The Haiti Parish Visit Pilot Program

PTPA is launching the Haiti Parish Visit pilot program to support U.S. parishes that are currently unable to visit their twinned parishes in Haiti, a program in which our Haiti-based team will conduct visits on your behalf to help maintain engagement, gather updates, and strengthen relationships.  

As of October 29, 2025, we have received 41 applications from PTPA members interested in participating in the Haiti Parish Visit Pilot. These applications are currently under review, and shortlisted parishes within the northern region of Haiti will be contacted shortly to finalize the list and coordinate logistical details for the November visits.

As previously noted, Phase 1 of the pilot will focus on parishes located in Haiti’s northern departments. A trip report will be shared with participating parishes upon completion, and key lessons learned will be presented during future member Zoom gatherings.

Important Reminder: The cost to participate in this pilot is $500 per parish, which helps cover transportation, lodging, meals, and other incidentals. Due to the ongoing security challenges in Haiti, only PTPA Haiti representatives will conduct these visits. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize safety and operational efficiency.

Please note: Participation in this initiative requires approval from both the U.S. and Haitian parishes for an in-person visit by PTPA team members. If your parish is twinned with more than one Haitian parish, please complete a separate form for each.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to creating more opportunities for meaningful engagement and impact through PTPA.

If you haven't already done so, register here: Haiti Parish Visit Pilot - Interest Form

Founded in 2004 by Father Joseph Philippe, CSSp., the University of Fondwa is Haiti’s first rural university, dedicated to preparing young women and men to become servant leaders who drive sustainable development in their own communities. Students study Agronomy, Veterinary Medicine, and Business Management while living and learning in the heart of rural Haiti. 

a wonderful way to travel to Haiti without leaving home and see how this inspiring university is transforming lives and communities from the ground up. RSVP HERE: https://ufondwa.org/virtual-tour

To learn more about the University of Fondwa, visit them at https://ufondwa.org/ or view their presentation at the 2025 PTPA National Conference by clicking here.

Unlocking Communities, an organization with resources to support parish twinning Activities in Haiti, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to empowering communities and fostering economic resilience in Haiti. It empowers local entrepreneurs to build community strength by selling biodegradable water filters and energy-efficient cookstoves. Its programs are built on trust, local ownership, and a commitment to maximizing economic power for the people of Haiti.  

Philanthropic grants (in the range of $20K+) help Unlocking Communities scale any one of its clean water and cooking programs: 

Click Here to learn more about Unlocking Communities, its mission and the services it offers.
Click Here to view the October Zoom Gathering on the PTPA YouTube channel.
Click Here to read about its Water Filter Program for Haiti Schools, and how the program allows PTPA US parishes to provide clean water access to their twinned schools in Haiti. 

Get in touch: Heather Seeley, Director of Institutional Partnerships, heather@unlockingcommunities.org 

Working together and coordinating efforts will ensure that international parishes get the best and most equitable help. Click here if you want our help. 

Your generosity is instrumental in maintaining the vital connections between U.S. parishes and their twins in Haiti and Latin America. Through your support, we continue to offer accompaniment, guidance, and hope especially to communities facing extraordinary challenges.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving and enter the Charitable Season, beginning with 

on December 2, we’re reminded that with God, all things are possible.

Every act of care, prayer, and generosity, whether a donation, a kind word, or a moment of solidarity, helps build a better future for the poorest of the poor.

Parish twinning continues to spark visible signs of hope, and these everyday miracles are made possible by your compassion and belief in the power of relationships.

Other Catholic organizations ask PTPA to share with our members their posts about things happening where you work or about their work, and about challenges facing Catholic organizations, immigrants in the U.S. & impoverished communities in Haiti & Latin America. Click on the links below to read recent news & appeals sent from different organizations.

With the holiday season quickly approaching and many engagement activities underway among our members and partners, PTPA’s member Zoom gatherings will resume in early 2026. We’ll share more details as dates are confirmed.

As always, we look forward to welcoming engaging presenters who offer meaningful services in Haiti, as well as members who are eager to share their impactful stories.

If you’re a service provider or partner working in Haiti or Latin America and would be interested in presenting at a future gathering, we warmly invite you to reach out; we’d love to hear from you.

Please fill out the form so we can plan accordingly and provide support as needed: PTPA - Share your story - Interest Form, and/or submit the story here.

PTPA is a Catholic, non-profit organization. Our mission is to live the Gospel by seeking, promoting, and supporting the formation, growth and development of twinning relationships between Catholic parishes in the U.S. and Catholic parishes in Haiti and Latin America.

“I assure you, as often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did it for me.” Matthew 25:40

Parish Twinning Program of the Americas
407 W. Smith Valley Road #1222
Greenwood, IN 46142
www.ptpausa.org
contact us: info@ptpausa.org