Among the many orphaned in the 2010 earthquake were four students from Grace Emmanuel School. To specifically care for these students, their siblings, and other children who needed a family, JiHM created the Lighthouse Children’s Home.
From 2010–2023, The Lighthouse provided a home and caregivers for these children as they grew into young adults.
In August 2023, the physical Lighthouse home was officially closed, but the Lighthouse family remains an important part of the ministry of JiHM. Though the Lighthouse Legacy fund, JiHM continues to support these kids as they take their next steps toward independent living.
Lighthouse Timeline
- 2008
JiHM takes in two young boys from a destitute orphanage and a child from Victory Bible Church whose mom cannot care for him - January 2010 (Earthquake)
Five additional children are taken under JiHM’s care and a Haitian caregiver is hired to care for them - 2012
Another child joins the Lighthouse family when the orphanage she had been living in closes - 2014
A student from Grace Emmanuel School is abandoned by his parents to live at the school, and joins the Lighthouse - 2017
After two years of relationship rebuilding, one child returns home to his parents. The Lighthouse Legacy fund is established. - 2020
Another child leaves the Lighthouse to live with his older brother who can now help care for him. - 2022
Two Lighthouse kids graduate from high school. - 2023
Two more Lighthouse kids graduate from high school and the home is closed. Support for the kids continues through the Lighthouse Legacy.