Why We Came Together

A stronger partnership for the future of Bayonnais

For many years, these two organizations shared the same calling: to walk alongside the people of Bayonnais as they build a stronger future for their community. Our work has always been rooted in the same belief—that lasting change happens when local leaders are empowered and relationships are built on trust.

Over time, it became clear that we were pursuing the same mission with the same heart. By coming together as Konpayon, we can align our efforts, steward resources more effectively, and strengthen the partnerships that make this work possible.

This merger is not a change in direction. It is a deeper commitment to the work that has already been transforming lives.

Together, we will continue walking alongside the people of Bayonnais—supporting education, strengthening families, and investing in local leadership for generations to come.

Our Name

Konpayon (kohn-pah-YOHN) is Haitian Creole for companion—one who walks alongside another.

Konpayon is not about who leads. It is about how we walk together.

The heart of our work:

  • Walking alongside, not ahead
  • Trusting local leadership
  • Staying committed over time
  • Growing through shared relationship
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Who we are

Konpayon is a companion organization walking alongside Haitian leaders, students, and families in Bayonnais through long-term, trust-based partnership.

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Our mission

We walk alongside Haitian leaders, students, and families in Bayonnais through long-term, trust-based relationships that help unlock the potential already present in the community.

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Our vision

A future where the next generation in Bayonnais grows, leads, and thrives through dignity, opportunity, and trusted partnership.

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Our approach

We support and strengthen local leadership, steward generosity responsibly, and stay committed for the long term so lasting change can grow.

Impact

More than 2,200 students were served across Bayonnais in 2025. Learn more about our impact here.

Smiling woman with three young girls, one wearing a pink shirt, posing closely together indoors.
How We Walk

Lasting change happens through relationship, not distance.

Konpayon centers local leadership and moves at the speed of trust. Our role is to support, encourage, and remove barriers while the community shapes its own future.

We focus on:

Long-term presence over short-term solutions
Partnership over control
Dignity over dependency
People over programs
Our Values

Our Relational Commitments

Humo is a non-profit supporting transformative initiatives in education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and emergency relief.

We lead with trust

Trust is the foundation of everything we do.

We collaborate, not control

We make decisions with local leaders, not for them.

We walk alongside, not ahead

We move at the pace of relationship.

We stay longer than what’s convenient

Transformation takes time and faithfulness.

We honor dignity over dependency

Support strengthens agency and leadership.

We center people over outcomes

Connection fuels generosity and long-term impact.

Our History

Long before Konpayon had a name, relationships were already growing in Bayonnais.

What began as separate efforts serving the same community gradually became a shared journey shaped by trust, partnership, and long-term presence.

1985

A shared heart for Bayonnais

On a mission trip to Haiti, Charlotte resident Helen Hunter met a young student named Actionnel Fleurisma who needed support to continue his education. She chose to sponsor him, beginning a relationship that would shape the future of this work.

1990

A relationship becomes a calling

After years of sponsorship and mentorship, Actionnel moved to Charlotte to continue his education at Central Piedmont Community College. When he later returned to Haiti, he and four friends founded l’Organisation de la Force Chrétienne de Bayonnais (OFCB) with a vision to serve their community through faith, education, and leadership.

1990s-2010

Churches begin walking alongside Bayonnais

Inspired by OFCB’s vision, churches across the Carolinas began supporting the growing work in Bayonnais—forming relationships that would continue for decades.

2009–2010

Two organizations form to support the mission

As the partnership grew, two nonprofit organizations were created to support the Bayonnais community in complementary ways:

2009: World of God (EWO) launched as a student sponsorship program

2010: Friends of OFCB (later Friends Empowering Haiti) formed to provide financial and spiritual partnershipTogether, these organizations supported the expansion of local initiatives including schools, a medical clinic, infrastructure projects, and agricultural programs.

2010-2024

Years of shared work and growing impact

Over the years, EWO and Friends Empowering Haiti served the same students, families, and leaders in Bayonnais—often working side by side through the same churches, donors, and local partnerships.As collaboration increased, one question continued to surface:
Why are we separate when our mission is the same?

2025

The decision to unite

After years of prayer and discussion, both boards unanimously chose to merge into one organization. The goal was simple: greater clarity, stronger infrastructure, and a more sustainable future for the Bayonnais partnership.

2026

The beginning of Konpayon

Konpayon represents the next chapter: one unified organization committed to walking with the Bayonnais community through long-term relationship, trust, and shared growth.

The journey that began with one sponsorship continues today through a global network of partners and friends.Why are we separate when our mission is the same?

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Leadership

Leadership & Governance

Konpayon is guided by a team and board committed to stewardship, transparency, and long-term partnership. Our leadership exists to support the mission, strengthen relationships, and ensure responsible care of the resources entrusted to us.

Melissa Hoffmann

Executive Director

Actionnel Fleurisma

Founder and Lead Pastor

Eric Nichols

Board Co-Chair

Sherri Buzard

Board Co-Chair

Val Fleurisma

Director of Operations

Israel Fils-Aime

Team Lead

Every step is made possible by generosity

Every dollar you give transforms lives—students, families, and communites—and you can walk the journey with them.

Konpayon Stories

Real growth. Personal impact.

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Bayonnai
September 2025
Pierre’s Path to Healing

A serious medical condition threatened Pierre’s ability to live a normal life.

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Our Support:

Pierre received the care he needed and returned home healthy and hopeful.

The Difference Made:

Access to care restored Pierre’s health and future.

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Bayonnais, Haiti
September 2025
Toussaint’s Journey Back to the Classroom

Family responsibilities forced Toussaint to pause his education for decades.

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Our Support:

He returned to school and completed the 13th grade at age 73.

The Difference Made:

His perseverance inspires students and families across Bayonnais.

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Bayonnais
September 2025
A Life Saved at the Clinic

A high-risk pregnancy left Venise and her baby with little hope of survival.

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Our Support:

The clinic delivered a healthy baby girl and saved Venise’s life.

The Difference Made:

Today that child is a sponsored student in the Bayonnais school.

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Bayonnais
June 2022
Olguens Comes Home

Without scholarship support, Olguens would not have been able to continue his education after high school.

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Our Support:

Scholarships helped him study English, earn a degree in computer science, and build a new chapter of life.

The Difference Made:

Today he continues leading and supporting Konpayon while raising his family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful answers as you explore Konpayon.

See more FAQ's
What is Konpayon’s mission?
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How is my donation used?
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Can I trust where my money is going?
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Can I visit or get more involved?
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