Youth & Family Programs
The next generation is AHVED's greatest investment. We show up every year with school supplies, scholarships, food, health screenings, and opportunities — so every child, in Florida and in Haiti, has a real chance.
Annual Back-to-School Drive
Free backpacks, school supply kits, food boxes, health screenings, and physicals across 5 cities in South Florida.
School Support in Haiti
AHVED ships school supplies directly to schools and families in Haiti and funds Konbit Bous Detid scholarships for young Haitians.
Free School Physicals
At Back-to-School events, AHVED provides free school physicals for children in partnership with Sante Plus Medical Center. 190 physicals in Summer 2025.
After-School Tutoring
In-person tutoring and homework help at AHVED centers for K-12 students who need academic support. (In development)
Youth Mentorship Network
Connecting young Haitian-Americans with professionals — doctors, engineers, lawyers, entrepreneurs — who can guide their path. (Seeking mentors)
Family Navigation Support
Workshops for parents on navigating US schools, IEPs, school enrollment, parent-teacher communication, and supporting their child's academic success. (In development)
Why This Program Exists
Children in immigrant families face a unique set of challenges: parents navigating systems in a language they are still learning, schools that may not account for cultural differences, and economic pressures that mean basic school supplies are not guaranteed.
AHVED invests in children and families through direct, practical support — school supplies, food, health screenings, scholarships — and through the longer-term work of building a community where every young person has mentors, role models, and pathways forward.
In Florida, AHVED's annual Back-to-School Drive is one of the largest such events in South Florida's immigrant communities. In Haiti, AHVED ships school supplies directly to schools and families in need, and funds Konbit Bous Detid scholarships for young Haitians pursuing technical training.
What We Provide
Annual Back-to-School Drive: Free backpacks, school supply kits, food boxes, health screenings, free school physicals, and haircuts. 2025 results: Fort Myers (211 supply kits, 121 food boxes, 40 physicals), Lehigh Acres (270 supply kits, 102 food boxes, 40 physicals), Immokalee (275 supply kits, 194 food boxes, 43 physicals), Palm Beach (133 supply kits, 107 food boxes, 11 physicals), Fort Pierce (320 supply kits, 152 food boxes, 56 physicals). Total: 2,620 supply kits, 676 food boxes, 190 school physicals.
School Support in Haiti: Regular shipments of backpacks, notebooks, pens, uniforms, and learning materials to schools and families in Haiti. Partnership with Konbit Bous Detid scholarships — every dollar sponsors a child's learning.
Future programs in development: After-School Tutoring Centers, Youth Digital Literacy workshops, Youth Mentorship Network, Arts and Cultural Identity workshops, Family Navigation Support, and Youth Sports and Recreation.
Who Is Eligible
Children and families in South Florida who need school supplies, health screenings, or family navigation support. All nationalities and immigration statuses welcome.
For school support in Haiti: families and schools in Haiti, particularly those connected to AHVED's partner network in St. Marc and other communities.
How to Enroll
For Back-to-School events: Follow AHVED on Facebook or call (239) 245-9010 for event dates, times, and locations. Events are open to all families — just show up.
For school physicals: Physicals are offered at Back-to-School events by Sante Plus Medical Center staff. No appointment needed at the event.
To sponsor a child's school supplies: Donate at ahved.org/donate and designate your gift for Youth and Back-to-School programs.
Interested in this program?
Fill out the short form below and an AHVED team member will follow up with you within 1 to 2 business days.
Ready to Get Started?
Reach our program team at programs@ahved.org