When I moved to Haiti, the non-profit I worked for was doing something incredibly wise. They were creating a business that would pour money back into the non-profit, so that they could be less dependent on donations. It is one of the most amazing things I have ever been honored to have a front row seat to watch grow. 

I would take groups to visit the little atelier above the Hanes factory, to hear from those who were working in conditions a million times better than the factory below. It was bright with light, had fans, was clean, equipment taken care of, they had a fair wage and they were treated with respect. The complete opposite of what was below them. 

At the time , GOEX (the name of the business side) was making jammie pants that were SO comfy and soft, with dreams to expand into something bigger. They would eventually expand into a massive factory that employs young adults who came from the Global Orphan Project partnered churches taking care of children and were going through the Transition Academy to learn skillets. They also employ other adults in an effort to keep families together by employing parents. 

It is called orphan prevention. 

In 2014, the unemployment rate in Haiti was 76%. Most of the children people saw in children’s homes had family: parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and more. But what happens when a family cannot feed, clothe or send their children to school? Millions of children in the world are growing up outside of their family unit, because the world allows the orphanage model to be funded and perpetuated. In many places, it is a business, and children are the victims. It is a lot easier to get funds from churches when you can put a child’s face on the ‘why.’ It’s a lot sexier to help children, than help adults who get inaccurately labeled as lazy, milking the system or unworthy. But the capitalism fueled system avoided looking at the root cause. 

Global Orphan Project looked for the root cause and tackled it head on. It is ridiculously hard to do business in Haiti. Especially now as the country is oppressed by the gangs. But Global Orphan Project has never stopped working and investing in the root causes, so families stay together.

When you buy a GOEX garment, THAT is what you are holistically supporting. A garment representing God’s Kingdom in the best way. It wasn’t made in a dingy, dirty, dignity snuffing factory. At GOEX, people are paid fairly, treated with dignity and are able to take care of their extended families. 

I never knew the term ‘orphan prevention,’ before I worked for Global Orphan Project. But once you do…there is no coming back from it. 

By the summer of 2016, I was also seeing friends every time I walked into the factory. Young adults I’d watched matured over the two years I’d been there. The most poignant story I ever heard from a friend was that he wanted to learn the skillsets, so he could get a job and take care of his mom. Until that conversation, I’d always envisioned it would be their future families protected from poverty. Gusmanne taught me that sometimes God means for you to take care of your first family, who gave you into the care of the church, because they couldn’t afford to feed, clothe or put you in school. 

Today, I wear my ##DTOfriday shirt, because I believe God’s heart is for families to be together and parents to have divine dignity restored. 

Take action:

Buy a Defend the Oppressed shirt to wear. 

Have your church, company or organization make their shirts with GOEX. The North Cross Neighbor shirts are all made at GOEX. 

Buy other GOEX products from their website or partnered businesses like the Pink Dinosaur or KC Current. Look for the GOEX label. 

Educate others, so they don’t purchase clothes made through oppressing people.