A Happy Mother’s Day for a Haitian Mom

Nadine Devilme with her husband, Junior Alexis, and their daughter Jenny.  Photo: The IRC.  More Photos >

Nadine Devilme celebrated an early Mother’s Day today—moving into a new apartment with her husband, Junior Alexis, and their infant daughter Jenny, nearly one month after the family, separated by the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, reunited in Miami.

International Rescue Committee caseworkers found the family a two-bedroom apartment in a North Miami neighborhood and with the help of Alexis, spent the past few days getting it ready. Two local stores donated furniture and dozens of well-wishers gave clothing and toys.  The IRC provided kitchen and other household supplies and will be subsidizing the rent and utilities until the family is on its feet financially.

“We are so happy,” said a smiling and clearly delighted Devilme as she stepped into her new home carrying Jenny.

The baby was two months old when the earthquake struck and her home in Port-au-Prince crumbled on top of her.  Five days later she was pulled from the rubble – barely alive and presumed to be orphaned.  Doctors evacuated the baby to Florida for emergency medical care and she was later moved to a children’s home. Meanwhile, her parents, who had been searching for their little girl, learned that she had been rescued and taken to Florida.  A DNA test proved Jenny’s identity.

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Haiti Special Report: The IRC is caring for children, reuniting families, and distributing critical supplies to women to address their basic needs and make them safer.