NAPLES, Fla., November 12, 2026 — Hope for Haiti has announced the passing of its founder, JoAnne M. Kuehner, a dedicated philanthropist whose work has significantly improved the lives of countless children and families in Haiti over the past 37 years. Her commitment to the Haitian community began in 1989 when a young girl on her first visit requested help to pay for her school tuition. That moment sparked the establishment of Hope for Haiti, an organization dedicated to uplifting lives through education, healthcare, clean water, and economic opportunities.
Under Kuehner’s leadership, the organization grew from its initial focus on individual education to a robust nonprofit that partners with local communities throughout southern Haiti. Today, Hope for Haiti supports thousands of students, provides extensive medical consultations yearly, promotes access to clean water, and fosters economic growth within Haitian families.
Skyler Badenoch, CEO of Hope for Haiti, expressed deep sorrow over Kuehner’s passing, stating, “For many of us, JoAnne was much more than the founder of Hope for Haiti. She was an inspiration, a friend, and a constant reminder of what one person can accomplish when they lead with compassion, determination, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others.” Badenoch emphasized that Kuehner’s principles of empathy and action will persist as guiding values for the organization.
Kuehner believed in facilitating change by empowering Haitian leaders, educators, and healthcare professionals instead of imposing external solutions. This philosophy was instrumental in shaping the organization’s operational principles and remains a central tenet of its mission today.
Dr. Vladimir J. Mathieu, Chair of Hope for Haiti’s Board of Directors, noted, “JoAnne’s greatest legacy is not simply the organization she built, but the people she inspired and the values she instilled in all of us.” He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to the mission Kuehner championed, ensuring that opportunities would be created for Haitian children and families.
Looking forward, Hope for Haiti plans to enhance its offerings with the development of a new Healthcare and Disaster Preparedness Campus in Les Cayes, aimed at improving healthcare access and disaster readiness in the region.
The Board of Directors, leadership team, and staff at Hope for Haiti extend their condolences to Kuehner’s family. They acknowledge her extraordinary life, marked by a deep commitment to service and a legacy of hope that will continue to inspire future efforts in delivering essential services to the Haitian people.
