Mystraine Onoh

Mystraine Thiersaint Onoh, affectionately known as “Missy,” is a compassionate Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and the founder of Hope for a Village, a humanitarian organization dedicated to supporting the people of Haiti, with a special focus on the remote villages in the Côtes-de-Fer region.

Early Life and Personal Background

Born in Côtes-de-Fer, Haiti, Missy’s deep connection to her homeland has profoundly influenced her life’s mission. At the age of 12, she embraced her faith and became a born-again Christian, a commitment that has guided her personal and professional endeavors. She is a devoted mother of five children, balancing her family life with her nursing career and philanthropic activities.

Professional Journey

With over 16 years of nursing experience, Missy has worked in various medical fields, including home health, geriatrics, gynecology, general surgery, and pediatrics. Her diverse background reflects her commitment to providing comprehensive care to her patients.

Founding Hope for a Village

In December 2010, motivated by her faith and a desire to give back, Missy established Hope for a Village. The organization has initiated projects such as housing for those displaced by the 2010 Haiti earthquake, deworming campaigns, women’s empowerment programs, and school-based health education. Through these efforts, Missy aims to address hunger, healthcare access, basic needs, cultural appreciation, and education in Côtes-de-Fer and surrounding areas.

Mobile Clinics in the Côtes-de-Fer Region

Before the establishment of the first hospital in Côtes-de-Fer in March 2017, Missy organized and led teams of healthcare providers to conduct mobile medical clinics throughout the remote villages in the region. These volunteer-driven clinics provided essential medical services to underserved communities, addressing immediate healthcare needs and laying the groundwork for future healthcare infrastructure development.

Interim Administration and Liaison at Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Center for Health in Haiti

In 2021, Missy further demonstrated her commitment to the community by volunteering at the Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Center for Health in Côtes-de-Fer. She served as the interim administrator for eight months,  providing leadership and support to ensure the hospital’s effective operation during a critical period. 

Broader Philanthropic Efforts in Haiti

Beyond Côtes-de-Fer, Missy’s philanthropic vision encompasses the broader Haitian community. Through partnerships and collaborative efforts, she seeks to extend Hope for a Village’s impact to other regions, addressing systemic issues such as poverty, lack of access to continuing education, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Her goal is to empower Haitians across the nation, promoting self-sustainability.

Grandma Martha’s Hygiene Kits for Girls Project

One notable initiative under Hope for a Village is the Grandma Martha’s Hygiene Kits for Girls Project. This project provides menstrual hygiene kits and school-based health education to young girls, enabling them to continue their education with dignity and confidence. A donation of $20 supplies a girl with a menstrual hygiene kit and access to health education.

Vision and Community Engagement

Missy envisions a future where the youth of Haiti, particularly those from Côtes-de-Fer, invest back into their communities, creating a cycle of growth and empowerment. She believes in the power of collective action and sees her role as a connector, bringing together individuals and resources to help meet the needs of her fellow Haitians.

Personal Reflections

Missy’s commitment to service is deeply rooted in her faith and love for her immediate community and her community abroad. She acknowledges the challenges in addressing misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of understanding and patience in her advocacy work.

Through her dedication and compassionate leadership, Mystraine continues to inspire and effect meaningful change in the lives of many, both locally and across Haiti.