Overview:
Bridging Thee Hole Basis [sic], in partnership with Maranatha Haitian Seventh-day Adventist Church, hosted its third annual back-to-school group day in Newark. Past distributing free faculty provides, haircuts and household leisure, the occasion introduced hope to native Haitian households dealing with monetary pressure amid immigration modifications.
NEWARK, N.J. — The grounds of Maranatha Haitian Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church reworked right into a vibrant sanctuary Sunday afternoon as a whole lot streamed in totally free scorching meals, cornhole and dominoes, and grooming companies as a part of a back-to-school group truthful.
Organized by the Bridging Thee Gap Foundation [sic] in partnership with the church, the third annual occasion drew native residents, together with many Haitian households, to the church within the West Ward. Contributors acquired free backpacks, faculty provides, clothes, manicures and hairstyles because the group’s means of guaranteeing kids are able to kick off the brand new faculty yr.
“With folks dropping their skill to remain or work, we’re simply grateful to assist households in want get e-book luggage, garments and provides,” stated Wensley Eloy, an organizer whose brother, Wherlentz Eloy, based the occasion.
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Households and volunteers collect outdoors Maranatha Haitian SDA Church in Newark, New Jersey, for the third annual back-to-school truthful on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. Photograph by Fedner Cayemitte/The Haitian Instances
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An artist from Holly Mess Artwork Studio paints a baby’s face outdoors Maranatha Haitian SDA Church throughout the third annual Again-to-Faculty Honest on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, in Newark, New Jersey. Photograph by Fedner Cayemitte /The Haitian Instances -
Wherlentz Eloy, founding father of Bridging Thee Hole Basis Inc., addresses the group throughout the group back-to-school truthful at Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church in Newark, New Jersey, on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. Photograph by Fred Cayemitte/The Haitian Instances
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Volunteers type ladies’s hair outdoors Maranatha Haitian SDA Church in Newark, New Jersey, for the third annual back-to-school truthful on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. Photograph by Fedner Cayemitte for The Haitian Instances
Refuge amid immigration and financial struggles
Wherlentz Eloy stated the annual effort has certainly grown from a means for him to present again as a barber when he and the church first began holding it in 2024. As of this yr, he stated, they’re a nonprofit “serving our folks at their core.”
Providing back-to-school provides matches into the mission of a core service, as many households are struggling after the Trump administration ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, leaving thousands around the country without legal status to work. With heightened anxiety and lost income as a result, the event offered immediate, practical relief and emotional support.
Volunteer Jonas Pierre emphasized how vital the event is, as he set up tables and tents for the afternoon.
“They may not be able to afford anything, especially going to the store to buy things for their kids,” Pierre said, referring to people who have lost status. “This gives them school supplies and clothes so they can send their children to school confidently, rather than worrying about everything going on in the world.”
Pierre offered a direct message of resilience to impacted Haitian families.
“Keep holding on,” he encouraged. “God has everything under control. Keep providing for your kids and sending them to school, because education is one of the greatest tools you can give them. Gather together with others in the community to get the help you need.”
Small business owners, independent hair braiders, manicurists and trade professionals who volunteer their skills bring more to the event than supplies, they say.
“Barbers have the gift to make people feel good about themselves and smile,” said Justin, a professional barber from nearby Elizabeth who spent the day giving haircuts to young boys. “The best feeling is seeing them leave the chair smiling with a sharp cut, feeling ready.”
Kelly de Oliveira, who offered free face painting, underscored the role of joy during difficult times.
“We know our community is facing hard moments with immigration, but this event brings hope, joy, and a reminder that God has better plans for the Haitian community.”
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A youngster receives a fresh haircut during the community back-to-school fair at Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church in Newark, New Jersey, on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. Photo by Fred Cayemitte/The Haitian Times
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Samira Chéry-Geffrard doing the opening prayer during the community back-to-school fair at Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church in Newark, New Jersey, on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. Photo by Fred Cayemitte/The Haitian Times
Volunteer Samira Chéry-Geffrard, who facilitated games including basketball arcades and giant Connect Four, reflected on the Haitian people’s historical strength and shared a message of resilience.
“It is a tough time right now, but we need to rely on each other,” Chéry-Geffrard said. “Beyond prayer, practical actions matter — sharing information, helping translate for immigration services, and letting kids play and be stress-free before their academic year starts.”