About us.
History
The Bridge of Children was conceived by Elmyre Joachim in 1996 when she was on a missionary trip in Haiti. She was approached by a six year old child who said “Mommy, I’m hungry, can I have some food to eat?”. That broke Mrs. Joachim’s heart. Mrs. Joachim took the child into her home. Soon thereafter, other children came asking her for food. Then, the idea for an orphanage to take on more children was born. The Bridge of Children Orphanage was officially started in 2003.
Our Board of Trustees
Founder
Elmyre J. Joachim
Elmyre Joachim-Lys is a native of Haiti that has never steered away from her roots; as a matter of fact her roots have become a part of her calling. Her daughter has given her the name ” The Haitian Mother Teresa. ” She is the founder of The Bridge of Children (Le Pont Des Enfants in Delmas Haiti) an all-girls Christian orphanage with children ranging from 5-18 years of age. The Bridge of Children provides shelter, education, food, clothing, security but most importantly love to the underprivileged youth of Haiti. Elmyre is also one of the founders of The First Haitian Tabernacle in Trenton, NJ where she has served as an active member for the past 24 years. In addition to these important roles, she has served as a missionary since 1996 and continues to travel back and forth to Haiti every 2-3 months to The Bridge of Children and to spread the word of God throughout Haiti. Elmyre travels throughout Haiti to feed, clothe, and spread love to the homeless who are incarcerated as well as those who are hospitalized and ill. She hopes to touch as many lives as possible through her humanitarian work.
Although most of her humanitarian work is done primarily in Haiti Elmyre has also touched the lives of so many through her volunteer work as a member of ESWA (Eastern Service Workers Association) as well. She has volunteered a few times a week for the past few years at ESWA. Some of her volunteer responsibilities consist of but are not limited to setting up legal consultations with attorneys (probono) to fight against illegal wage theft or setting up doctor’s appointments for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Elmyre Joachim-Lys has and continues to leave her mark on the world. It was quoted by Marie Yolene Trazil (one of the staff members at The Bridge of Children) ” If Haiti had 5 people like Elmyre someone who is so loving and caring and gives back and doesn’t forget her people let alone her country; Haiti would be a better place. Her daughter replied, ” Her humanitarian work isn’t limited to Haiti. It starts in Haiti, but it doesn’t end there. God took extra time when he decided to bless the world with one of the greatest people her daughter knows, and that is Elmyre Joachim- Lys.
Media Director
Lorian J Delman
Lorian studied film in one of France’s national film academy’s (ESAV), before working his way around the world as a cameraman and location scouter. These experiences ultimately landed him in an editing bay, which became his home for over a decade. His second home is in upstate New York near the Gunks, where he rock climbs and works as an ecological activist.
When inputs, outputs, and exports begin to take their toll, he retreats to painting and making art with found objects, metals and whatever scraps he can get his hands on.
A big believer in volunteering, he has worked with The Bridge of Children in Haiti for close to 10 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters for nearly five and RAM, Remote Area Medical. He continues to help raise money for the Afghan Mobile Mini Children’s Circus in Kabul, an organization he made a film with years ago but that remains near and dear to his heart today.
Outreach Coordinator
Reggie Lorjuste
Reggie Lorjuste is a dedicated individual with a profound mission to empower individuals to achieve their utmost potential while excelling in their endeavors. As a seasoned speaker, coach, and foreign mission evangelist, Reggie channels his passion for helping others into every facet of his work.
Armed with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations from Rider University, Reggie brings over 24 years of invaluable leadership experience to the table. Recognizing the transformative power of knowledge, he is committed to sparking a holistic revolution in people’s lives by educating youth on effective strategies to pursue their true purpose.
Throughout his career, Reggie has honed his skills as a business professional through prominent roles at Amazon Business, The McGraw-Hill Companies, and American Express. His focus on revenue growth, client retention, team culture development, operations management, and superior customer support has established him as a dynamic force in the corporate world.
Reggie Lorjuste’s unwavering dedication to inspiring others, coupled with his extensive expertise, positions him as a significant influencer in the realms of leadership and personal development.
Spokesperson
Karen Baker
Karen Baker-Spokesperson for The Bridge of Children and daughter of founder Elmyre Joachim. Karen is also a nurse and a traveling spoken word artist that goes by the name of Ladeè Soul. After the devasting 2010 earthquake in Haiti God placed it on her heart to donate 100% of the proceeds of her book Incremental Stages of Ladeè Soul to the Bridge of Children. Her book can be purchased Here. She thanks everyone for their support and thanks God for using her gift to sow into His kingdom.