Voice of Distress Relieved is a charitable, private nonprofit organization incorporated under the laws of the state of Florida.
The purpose of this organization is to:
- Make a positive impact in the lives of those that are less fortunate
- Encourage economic development
- Teach people skills that will help them become self-sufficient
- Feed the hungry
- Help prevent community deterioration
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those who are disadvantaged and to teach them skills needed to be productive citizens in their community.
We’ve launched PEPLA, a new website, www.gopepla.com
The mission of Pepla is to provide a platform for the Haitian community to connect, exchange information and retail goods and services.
What can you do on Pepla?
*find/be a friend
*find/list a business
*promote your business
*find/share information
*find/share resources on Haiti
*find/listen to a radio station in Haiti
*sell artwork
*sell property
*the list goes on and on
Become a member today, it’s free!
Current Programs:
The Technology program— encourages individuals to learn computer skills so that they can compete in the global market.
The Financial Education—teaching adults how to take charge of the finances.
The Scholarship program—an educational scholarship will be given to a Hillsborough county high school student who has demonstrated dedication to community service. The applicant must be graduating senior and needs to have accumulated at least 250 community service hours during his or her high school career. Also the applicant must have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
The Emergency Food Pantry–According to Florida Hunger Statistics, in Hillsborough County alone, there are approximately 200,590 people who are suffering from hunger. That’s about 17.2 percent of residents living in Hillsborough County. We have partnered with Feeding America in creation of an emergency food pantry for residents in the Tampa Bay area. The pantry is for families going through a crisis and needing assistance with nutritional needs. Donations are welcome! Because of your giving heart we have been able to do the great work that we do.
VDR Haiti: The Haiti Project—
A work-structured day, empowerment, employment program, education assistance, housing assistance and leisure activities.
The focus is to help the people of Haiti live healthy and productive lives while encouraging economic growth and thwarting anti-corruption activities. We are aiming to make positive and durable changes in the lives of children, families, and communities. The lack of resources and infrastructure pose many challenges, but we have a well thought out plan to confront the many challenges. We are launching a community center, where members will be provided with opportunities to build long-term relationships and we’ll support them in obtaining employment, education and housing. This is based on the ICCD Clubhouse model. Areas to be addressed:
- A Work-structured Day: Helping individuals feel that they are productive, we’ve established the work-ordered day in which the talents and abilities of members are recognized and utilized within the Center.
- Empowerment: We want to instill a sense of empowerment where members are invited to participate in the decision- making process of the Center.
- Employment Programs: Skills are needed for people to have opportunities to obtain paid employment, we offer hands-on vocational training in areas of technology, clerical, data entry and more. We are working to build relationships with local businesses so that we can offer a work transition program.
- Education: Assistance in accessing community-based educational resources.
- Housing: Assistance in securing and sustaining safe, decent and dignified housing.
- Leisure Activities: Leisure and recreation is important to foster healthy productive lives, evening/weekend social and recreational events.
