Our History

We are a non-profit organization that was founded on December 12, 2023. We are located in Springfield, Ohio, in Clark County. The goal is to guide and assist refugees and immigrants, especially Haitian nationals residing in Clark County and surroundings, in the following areas: housing, interpreting, job search, welfare assistance, and other services. We anticipate connecting the individuals in need of services to the institutions where those services are provided in any way possible.

Our Vision

Our vision is to see newcomers in Springfield
integrate, thrive, and become self-sufficient
community members.

Our Mission

The Haitian Support Center welcomes and empowers
newcomers through education, integration, and
advocacy to build a stronger Springfield for all.

Our Leadership

Viles Dorsainvil

Viles Dorsainvil

Co-Founder / Executive Director

Viles Dorsainvil brings a wealth of experience in governance, human rights, and community service to his role as Executive Director of the Haitian Support Center. He holds a bachelor’s degree in governance and international Relations from Queensland University in Haiti and a Diploma in Ministerial Studies, as well as a Master of Divinity from the United Theological College of the West Indies in Jamaica. Furthering his education, he pursued graduate studies, in international Comparative Politics and Public Administration at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.

With more than seven years of leadership as the Executive Director of the Haitian Association of the United Nations (UNA-Haiti), Viles is deeply committed to advancing the well-being of immigrants and refugees, particularly the Haitian community in Clark County. His unwavering dedication stems from a passion for service, rooted in his faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Viles lives by the biblical verse from Luke 22:27: ‘But I am among you as one who serves,’ which encapsulates his approach to leadership and community engagement.

Known for his compassion and dedication, Viles is recognized as a community-oriented leader who is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for those he serves. His journey may be challenging, but his resolve is firm, and his love for serving others remains unconditional.

Rose-Thamar Joseph

Rose-Thamar Joseph

Co-Founder / Operations Director

Rose-Thamar Joseph is a dedicated advocate for community service with a passion for serving others and a background in social work and administrative operations. She has pursued undergraduate studies in Social Work at Haiti State University and holds an administrative assistant degree and certifications in supply chain management and human resources. Rose-Thamar is also a certified tax preparer and previously worked with H&R Block. Rose-Thamar served as an Operations Administrative Assistant and Procurement Assistant with the American Red Cross in Haiti. She is currently continuing her education as a Social Work student at Clark State Community College.

For Rose-Thamar, community service is not just a career, it’s a calling. Her desire to support and uplift others has driven her to pursue social work, a field where she hopes to make a meaningful impact. As part of the Haitian Support Center, she is fulfilling a long-held dream of helping Haitians and other immigrants navigate their new lives in Springfield. With a deep commitment to her community and a heart for service, Rose-Thamar is ready to face the challenges ahead with determination and compassion.

Guided by her simple yet powerful motto, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ Rose-Thamar is a passionate force within the organization, dedicated to creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for all.

Lindsay Aime

Lindsay Aime

Co-Founder / Benefits Specialist

Lindsay Aime brings extensive experience in legal and community support to his role as Benefits Specialist for the Haitian Support Center. He holds a bachelor’s degree in law and for six years has served as the coordinator of Rebati Sante Mantal (Rebuild Mental Health), an organization operating in both the United States and Haiti. His work has focused on providing mental health support, making him well-versed in handling complex social challenges.

A resident of Springfield for more than five years, Lindsay has been a dedicated advocate for the Haitian community, helping his fellow Haitians overcome language barriers and adjust to their new surroundings. His bilingual abilities have made him an invaluable resource for those navigating both linguistic and cultural transitions.

Lindsay’s commitment to service is deeply rooted in his upbringing as the son of a pastor, where he learned the values of respect, dignity, and compassionate service. For him, the Haitian Support Center offers a platform to continue the vital work of uplifting and supporting Haitian immigrants in Clark County.

With a strong sense of community and a heart for service, Lindsay is dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of his brothers and sisters in Springfield

Our Board

Brian Stevens

Brian Stevens

Chair

Brian, a Dayton native, first traveled to Haiti in 1993 as an undergraduate at the University of Dayton. He lived and worked in Port-au-Prince in 1995–96 with the National Coalition for Haitian Refugees and Witness for Peace, and again from 2015–17 while working with Beyond Borders (2010–2025). He is Deputy Director of Friends of Matènwa, supporting the Matènwa Community Learning Center, a primary and secondary school and teacher training institute on Lagonav Island in Haiti. He also consults with uFondwa USA, which supports the University of Fondwa in Haiti. Brian holds a Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida.

James Pepitho Fleurijean

James Pepitho Fleurijean

Vice Chair

 

James is an educator and interpreter with extensive experience in language instruction and cross-cultural communication. He served as Academic Director of the GO ON Institute in Haiti for five years and taught ESL there for 15 years. James has also provided community and medical interpretation for various nonprofit organizations. He holds training in diplomacy and international relations from the Académie Nationale Diplomatique et Consulaire (ANDC), along with professional certification as a community and medical interpreter.

 

Reisha Fleming

Reisha Fleming

Secretary

Reisha is a community leader and mother based in Dayton, Ohio, originally from Chicago, Illinois. She holds an AA in General Arts and a BS in Communications, and is currently pursuing a law degree. As a Community Director, she works to empower individuals and strengthen neighborhood connections through community-based initiatives, with a focus on advocacy, resource coordination, and supporting families navigating complex systems.

Rachelle Pierre

Rachelle Pierre

Youth Representative

Born and raised in Pétion-Ville, Haiti, Rachelle graduated high school from Collège Dominique Savio. She is a business management student at Clark State College with a background in public administration studies in Haiti. She has experience in financial and entrepreneurship literacy, digital marketing, and social media management, along with leadership roles in school and church communities.

Aaron Earlywine

Aaron Earlywine

Member

Aaron is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Ohio and Oregon, he is trauma trained and works with supporting relationships and families. Aaron is the Area Director for CarePortal in the state of Ohio. Aaron and his wife Heidi reside in Springfield and have six children and three grandchildren.

Harold Herard

Harold Herard

Member

Harold is an energy consultant and engineer with experience in renewable energy and infrastructure projects. He has worked in construction management and quality assurance across solar and power systems, and has contributed to rural electrification efforts in Haiti. Harold also teaches courses on development and the environment at IFOSEP in Haiti. He brings both technical expertise and a strong commitment to community development to his role on the board.

Theresa Hice-Fromille

Theresa Hice-Fromille

Member

Theresa is an Assistant Professor of Geography at The Ohio State University, where her work focuses on race, society, and space. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with emphases in Critical Race and Ethnic Studies and Feminist Studies. Theresa’s research and teaching explore issues of equity, community, and social change, and her work has been published in leading academic journals and public outlets.

Gethro Jean

Gethro Jean

Member

Marjory Wentworth

Marjory Wentworth

Member

Marjory is is the author of ten books. She is the Director of the Writing Center and Oral Communication Center at Wittenberg University, where she also teaches in the English Department. She is a volunteer organizer with organizations helping immigrants including Springfield Neighbors United and G92.