About Us
What We Do
The Cazale Community and Cultural Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of young people in Haiti. Our mission is to foster positive social interactions and empower youth by building their self-esteem and confidence through a variety of educational and extracurricular programs. Our after-school center serves over 200 elementary and middle school students daily. Supported by a dedicated team of one director, one administrator, six teachers, and two student helpers, we operate Monday through Friday from 2 PM to 7 PM and Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM. Students have access to a library, computer literacy classes, English as a second language lessons, and music instruction, where they can explore various instruments. On weekends, we offer board games, dance, arts, sports, and exciting excursions beyond the Cazale area. Each year, we proudly host a transformative one-week summer camp in collaboration with Haitian and U.S. youth and professionals. This is complemented by a two-week intensive music camp, where students receive personalized instruction from professional musicians through one-on-one sessions and small group workshops. These camps build on themes from the school year, focusing on community service, health and hygiene, self-esteem, and the timeless value of loving your neighbor as yourself. At the Cazale Community and Cultural Center, we believe in creating opportunities that inspire, uplift, and prepare Haiti’s youth to lead with confidence and compassion. Join us in empowering the next generation to dream, learn, and thrive.
Founder's Biography
Soledad moved from Port-au-Prince, her homeland in Haiti, to New York in 1981. A few years ago, she saw a need in her homeland and wanted to do her part to pay it forward. In 2017, she decided to take a leap of faith and open an after-school center in Cazale, with the hope of having a safe space with electricity where students in the town could come and do their homework, read, and play. What began as a goal of having one or two teachers, basic furniture, and lighting, evolved into a full daily after school program that serves close to 100 students. Less than five years after its inception, the CCCC has a thriving after school program that offers dance, music, and computer literacy classes, as well as an annual summer camp that serves on average 100 kids each summer. Soledad’s long-term goal for the CCCC is to become the “YMCA of Cazale” and eventually expand to other parts of Haiti. In addition to managing the affairs of the CCCC, Soledad is the proud mother of her two children. She is also the Director of Production and Operations at a product development firm in New York City, where she has worked for over 30 years. Soledad enjoys traveling and is a board member of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church.
-Soledad DesRuisseaux (Founder)
OUR TEAM
Soledad DesRuisseaux-Jacques
Katia Drouillard
Gina Carbon
Nounouche Chery-Drouillard
Victoria E. Jacques
Joseph Kerly Drouillard
Jeff Karly Drouillard
John Luckner Jerome
Pierre G. Joseph
Pascale Jean-Noel
Jean Metayer
Janet Smitelli
Want to do more than donate? Here at CCCC we want our greatest supporters to become members and be more involved in our mission.
Latest Updates
Year End Giving!
It’s that wonderful time of the year when we come together to share joy and kindness through gift-giving. This holiday season, we invite you to add CCCC to your list of charitable organizations. Your contributions, no matter how small, can make a significant impact. Even a donation as little as $5 can stretch a long Read more about Year End Giving![…]
We welcome a new teacher!
Our music program is experiencing significant growth as we welcomed a new teacher specializing in string instruments last month. This addition has brought fresh energy and expertise to our classes, and our students are thrilled and eager to learn. #cccc #Haiti #CCCCHaiti #Cazale #Music
Music Camp
Another memorable event was our Music Camp, which brought together twelve trained teachers to work with over 50 students for 2 weeks. The camp offered personalized instruction, group work, and large ensemble practices.
SUMMER MUSIC CAMP!
The summer music camp offered personalized instruction through one-on-one sessions, small group work, and larger ensemble practices. The culmination of this immersive musical experience was a heartfelt concert held at the local St. Andre Episcopal Church in Cazale, where our students showcased their talents to proud parents and community members. Overall, this summer was filled Read more about SUMMER MUSIC CAMP![…]
May 18, Haitian Flag Day!
On May 18th, our CCCC hosted a vibrant Flag Day parade featuring music and theater performances by our gifted students. The event brought the community together in a joyous celebration of heritage, fostering a sense of pride and unity among all participants. It was a memorable day filled with fun and shared happiness, creating lasting Read more about May 18, Haitian Flag Day![…]
Spring has Sprang!
— Read on myemail-api.constantcontact.com/Dear-.html
The journey continues….
After a brief closure of 2 days due to security concerns in the neighborhood area, we are back in action this week! The children are excited and eager to resume their learning and exploration journey with us.
Just another day at CCCC!
Despite the challenges and uncertainties we face, we want to assure you that our doors remain open each day. Our students are actively learning, engaging with one another, and thriving in their studies. This environment not only supports their academic growth but also provides a sense of mental well-being amidst the current circumstances.
Thank you for making the Reaching New Heights Gala a success!
We want to express our sincere appreciation to our incredible sponsors. Your generous support and partnership played a crucial role in making last night’s event a resounding success. Together, we are making a real difference and transforming lives.