About Us

Our Story

In 2008, Marie Miriame Darbouze Michel and her family embarked on a journey to restore the legacy of their father, the late Reverend Jean-Joseph Darbouze. Reverend Darbouze was a missionary in his hometown of Arniquet (Ar-nik-ay) and was a strong philanthropist of those in need of support in Haiti as his work of faith and a servant of Jesus Christ who said: “love your neighbor as yourself”. In the mid-1980’s, Reverend Darbouze started the very first after-school program in his living room in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He named the school “Jesus ‘children”. This after-school program was tuition free for the needy children of the neighborhood. In addition, he hosted weekly community prayer in his house, which started bringing an environment of togetherness to those who were struggling with life challenges in his community. Supported by his grown children, Reverend Darbouze provided food, clothing, school supplies to his neighbors and their children; while supporting youth development, basic literacy, and writing skills to those in need.

The passion for education and service to others of the late Reverend Darbouze inspired his grown children to launch the Jean-Joseph Darbouze Foundation by using their late father’s home to start the Jean-Joseph Darbouze Academy in 2008, creating a safe space for 75 children to have access to primary school education. This primary school in Arniquet was led under the leadership of the late Mr. Rene Clervil.

Co-Founders

Allan Michel

Mr. Michel graduated from the prestigious Howard University, located in Washington D.C. He works as an accountant and is CEO of his own financial services company. He values humanitarian philosophies. Mr. Michel serves as a community leader and promotes cultural work of art, specifically in the areas of supporting Haitian artists by sharing their talented work.

Mr. Michel is a byproduct and success story of benevolent contributions. He was born and raised in Haiti and was supported through several non-profit programs that allowed him the opportunity to study abroad in the United States from Haiti and obtain an education.

Mr. Michel values education and commits to giving back to his community by supporting charitable work. He is originally from Des Chapelle and returns home frequently to oversee the operations of the JJ Darbouze Foundation.

Marie Miriame Michel

Marie Miriame Michel, born in Ravine Normande, Haiti, embodies the meaning of service. She acts as a skilled leader and enjoys working with others toward a common goal. Her lifestyle aims at enriching others’ lives by creating lasting experiences and building relationships. At the forefront of her agenda remains the goal to reach out to and help individuals in need in Haiti. Her Philanthropic work and desire to help others spans nationally and internationally. She is a servant at heart and values family, faith and relationships within her community.

Mrs. Michel holds a degree in Business Administration and Human Resources Management. She has extensive experience in the marketing and sales force field where she has trained hundreds of women in promoting and enriching their lives.

Mrs. Michel serves as a co-founder for the JJ Darbouze Foundation. Her strong belief in community service was engrained at a very young age. She goes above and beyond her duties to help others develop the belief that they matter and can succeed no matter the circumstances. She contributes her time, ideas and resources to the progress of the JJ Darbouze organization and has assisted in efforts that help hundreds of families year round in the regions of Arniquet, Les Cayes and Ravine Normande, Jacmel.

Peterson Darbouze

Peterson Darbouze is an experienced, successful Logistician and Supply Chain Manager with more than 20 years of well-rounded leadership and managerial experience and 10 years serving in the United States Armed Forces. He’s held several Senior Management positions with a major the largest food distribution organization in the world. He has shown the ability to lead in his field and values being a family man. His life work has focused on getting results through productivity.

Mr. Darbouze was a member of the U.S. army from 1998 to 2002. During his career he managed, led and served as a Logistics Manager. He holds a Bachelors of Art and Business management degree and a Master in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He also earned an Executive management degree from Notre Dame School of Business.

Mr. Darbouze’s contributions to the JJ Darbouze Foundation are rooted in the belief that by serving, others can learn and excell. He has a very analytic perception and values planning and discipline. He works in collaboration with the other co-Founders to implement solutions to issues that may arise.

Gladys Darbouze

Gladys Darbouze was born in Ravine Normande, Haiti. Her academic interests focus on Healthcare Management and Administration. One of her desires is to work as a mentor to other women. She has served in a mentorship program at her home church mentoring abused women and those who are incarcerated. She has developed a love for and learning how to sign language, in order to facilitate communication for the hearing impaired.

Ms. Darbouze has a love for community service and balances a life of work and service. She values friendships and building relationships. She contributes as a volunteer, sharing from her experiences as a mother and supporter. She advocates learning trough life skills and experiences. Ms. Darbouze is able to relate to others and brings a smile to others faces with laughter. Her work ethics are strong and exemplary. She is currently employed in the administrative field and has worked within those roles for over 10 years.

Ms. Darbouze upholds the value of education, and is an encourager. She often shares her life testimony to encourage others to persevere. She commits herself to continuing to support and serve faithfully with the JJ Darbouze Foundation.

Lineau Morency

Lineau Morency has over 20 years of experience working as an Operating engineer working for ABM Engineering at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. He is a devoted husband and father.

Mr. Morency has a heart to help others. He inspired the idea and trains individuals overseas tricks of the trade in being a handy man. This program helps to train others in gaining new skills and builds self-confidence. Mr. Morency travels every year with the organization and values volunteering. He is fluent in Haitian Creole, French and conversational Spanish. He is a caretaker, often seen landing a helping hand wherever and whenever needed during our Mission Trips and Fundraising activities.

Mr. Morency’s faith increases as he provides outreach support to the less fortunate. He loves to spend time with family. He dedicates time and resources to promoting change in Haiti.

Jemima Darbouze

Jemima Darbouze Davis pursued a Bachelor in Arts degree in Social Work and Psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She currently is a homemaker, who takes pride in taking care of her family.

Ms. Darbouze believes she was created to serve. She emigrated from Haiti at the age of 13 and is able to relate well and empathize to those in need. Her husband Ernest C. Davis Jr., a Computer Science Specialist, works alongside and supports her endeavors to help others in need using the JJ Darbouze Foundation as a vessel. Faith is at center of their relationship and values. They both have an entrepreneurial spirit and are business owners devoted to helping men and women reach their full potential.

Mrs. Davis’ passion centers on being used as a tool to help others win. Win over life challenges, which sometimes can be the tool used to rise above circumstances. She believes strongly that her identity is found in Christ and as believers and Children of God, our potential to succeed is limitless. One of her favorite quotes was written by Langston Hughes, “If it is to be it’s up to me”. Believing that success does not come easy, and the potential to thrive is within all. She is able to relate well and is empathetic to those in need. She believes in being the changing agent to help bring solutions to issues, and most importantly being present to contribute. She has volunteered her time, resources and energy to serve and commits to helping resolve social and developmental issues in Haiti.