I came to the United States in 1975 from Haiti. I have a 25 year-old daughter who graduated from West Point Military Academy and she currently serves her country in the United States Army, while overseas in Iraq. It would seem that giving back and serving our community and country are similarities between my daughter and I, as I serve the children in my community by volunteering with the Guardian Ad Litem Program. I first learned about the local Guardian Ad Litem Program while watching television one day in October 2001 and have been a committed volunteer since then.

I have chosen to volunteer because I feel I should give something back to the community and I really believe in what I do as a Guardian Ad Litem. As a Haitian American, I recognize that an increasing number of Haitian children are entering the dependency system in my community, and I want to impact some of their lives before they possibly grow up to have similar problems as adults.

In regards to volunteering, people do not volunteer very often in Haiti. They may not choose to work without pay. I am fluent in English, French and Creole, and am passionate about child advocacy. I believe my ability to communicate with a foreign culture in my community may help to make a difference.

Ketley Joachim
Guardian Ad Litem