Our Story
Over 50 Years of Faith, Family, and Service
The Beginning (1971)
The Vital Foundation’s story begins with Pastor Michel Vital, who moved from Cap-Haitian to Port-au-Prince in 1971 with a God-given calling to serve the Haitian community.
His lifelong dream was bold: build a Community Center in Gressier that would include a school, church, orphanage, and clinic—everything a community would need to thrive spiritually, educationally, and physically.
In 1975, Pastor Vital purchased land in Gressier to begin making this dream a reality. Pastor Michel Vital was deeply involved in Christian leadership across Haiti—serving as the OMS representative in Port-au-Prince, an active member of the Council of Evangelical Churches, and president of the Communion of
Emmaus Churches.
Building the Foundation (1976–2000)
- 1976 – The first primary school opened, serving local children
- 1978 – The first church was built on the Gressier property
- 1980s – A vocational school was added, and the ministry expanded
- 1990s – Health challenges slowed Pastor Vital's work, but his son Giovani felt called to continue
Pastor Michel Vital was deeply involved in Christian leadership across Haiti—serving as the OMS representative in Port-au-Prince, an active member of the Council of Evangelical Churches, and president of the Communion of Emmaus Churches.
Passing the Torch (2000)
When Pastor Michel Vital passed away in 2000, he had pastored four churches and overseen two schools. His son, Pastor Giovani Vital, took the helm, determined not to let 25+ years of faithful work be in vain.
The Vital Foundation was formally established to honor Michel’s name and continue his mission. Giovani added secondary schools and expanded the church network to five congregations across Haiti.
A Dream Realized (2010–2014)
The devastating 2010 earthquake brought Pastor Vital’s orphanage vision back with urgent purpose. With so many children suddenly without parents or homes, the need was undeniable.
In 2014, Marie’s House Orphanage opened—named in honor of Marie Vital and led by Charlotte Vital. The dream Michel and Marie had carried for 40 years became a reality.
Today and Tomorrow (2026)
Today, the Vital Foundation continues the legacy:
- 5 churches across Haiti, led by Pastor Giovani Vital
- 4 schools (2 primary, 2 secondary) serving 500+ children
- Marie's House Orphanage providing a home for 14 girls
- Community development initiatives in clean water, healthcare, and sustainability
The final piece of Pastor Michel’s original vision—a community clinic—remains our goal for the future.
“We remain committed to improving lives in Haiti for as long as there is work to be done.”
