2024 Year End Letter from our Founder
Dear Friend of Vi Bella,
We hope this letter finds you well, enjoying the holiday season with friends and family.
At Vi Bella our commitment to transforming lives through sustainable initiatives has only strengthened over the years. As a Social Enterprise and registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we rely on supporters like you to continue our impactful work.
Vi Bella focuses on eradicating extreme poverty and alleviating its effects. From empowering local communities to fostering education and creating sustainable employment opportunities, our initiatives have touched the lives of countless individuals. We do all this in the name of Jesus Christ, hoping to share His love and light.
We are happy to share an update on what your support made possible this past year.
Even though Haiti remains in an extreme state of turmoil and political unrest, God has protected our artisans and their families and even helped spread hope and the Good News to more people. In a time when many Haitian businesses are closing and missions struggle to serve in Haiti, Vi Bella has been immensely blessed. We have not only been able to continue our life changing work of providing jobs, but have been able to expand by hiring even more artisans. Even though we have faced hurdles and discouraging roadblocks at times this year, we praise God that we have witnessed what we can only describe as divine and angelic protection from violent armed gangs over Vi Bella artisans and property.
Jadeyn Schutt and I were able to travel to Haiti this fall for the first time in several years. We accompanied a small group of Many Hands 4 Haiti leaders to spend time on their campus in Pignon. Vi Bella has partnered with Many Hands since June of 2023. Vi Bella provides much needed economic development by giving job training and employment to people in the area and Many Hands provides a place for artisans to work, Christ-like leadership training, and support. We were able to witness an abundance of blessings that are flowing out of this beautiful partnership.
While in Haiti, Jadeyn and I had the opportunity to get to know our artisans in Pignon, teach them some new skills, celebrate with them, visit some of their homes, and even accompany some of them to neighbors who they chose to shower with gifts of food and prayers. What impressed us during our stay in Haiti the most was the gratitude to God expressed by each artisan. Even though their living conditions leave much to be desired compared to our circumstances, some could barely utter more than two sentences without giving thanks and praise to God for being able to provide their families with shelter and food.
One of the extra special connections we experienced was helping train artisans to make holiday decor from old hymnals that were donated by Northwestern College in Orange City and a couple of other area churches. Seeing the smile on the face of an adult artisan who worked with glitter for the first time was absolutely priceless!
Having a full-time position also brings a sense of purpose and renewed hope for artisans. As one artisan noted, “Before I found work in Vi Bella, I just sat, and I didn’t have any work. I didn’t have the means to start a business. I can see God beginning to change things because when you are working, you have HOPE for tomorrow.”
Donor generosity helped us support the schoolchildren of 65+ employees in Haiti and Mexico who rely on Vi Bella for their income and on Vi Bella Serves for the school sponsorship for all their children. Words cannot express how grateful they are.
Vi Bella employs several members of the deaf community and amputee survivors in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Thanks to your help, amputees have comfortable prosthetics and a work environment adapted to their physical needs. Vi Bella also employs a full time sign language interpreter for artisans who are deaf.
How Can You Help?
We depend on purchases of Vi Bella artisans’ hand-crafted accessories to keep this important ministry alive. We appreciate every time you choose to support Vi Bella artisans with your purchasing power. You have kept us going throughout this year. Thank you! We hope you will continue to remember Vi Bella whenever you need beautiful accessories including corporate gifts. You can purchase at the Vi Bella Boutique in Sioux Center or online at Vibella.com.
In addition, during this Christmas season, we humbly request that you consider including Vi Bella Serves in your year-end giving. Vi Bella Serves, Inc. is a recognized 501(c)(3), so your donation is tax-deductible. Your support is instrumental in creating lasting change. Together, we can build a brighter future for those in need.
You can learn more about us and donate online to get an immediate receipt at https://www.vibellaserves.org/donate-now. Or write a check to VI Bella Serves and mail it to: Vi Bella Serves, 24 19th St SW, Sioux Center, IA, 51250.
Please contact the Vi Bella Serves Board President at AmandaBahena@gmail.com or me at Julie.hulstein@vibella.com with any questions. As always, every dollar is appreciated, and every dollar goes directly to a person in need of education, health care, or housing.
Your prayers are always needed and deeply appreciated. Prayers are being answered and are bringing change to lives and glory to God.
Thank you again, and we wish you a blessed Christmas season.
Sincerely,
Julie Hulstein
