Liz Clarke-Aldonza Announces Departure from Many Hands

by | May 5, 2023

Liz Clarke-Aldonza (right) at the Maliarette Love-in-Action center

Many Hands for Haiti (MH4H) sadly announces the resignation of Liz Clarke-Aldonza from her role as Community Advocate in Haiti. 

Liz and her husband, Odelin, decided to leave Haiti after an extraordinary visa opportunity opened up for them.

“On March 14, the US government approved Odelin for a special humanitarian parole opportunity,” shared Liz. “That means he got a chance to travel to the US, without a visa, for up to two years. Upon learning the news, we felt strongly that God was opening a door for us and our two young children.”

Liz explained that this opportunity would let their young family secure residency, allowing them to travel together without separation.

“It is essential for our family’s security, well-being, and peace of mind,” explained Liz. “When Odelin was approved for humanitarian parole, we decided to accept and move our family stateside.”

Liz poses with her family in a local church

Liz finished her last day of work with Many Hands on April 15. Due to ongoing unrest in Haiti, her family needed to wait until after traveling before making their news public.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t share this news with you earlier due to security concerns. I value transparency in my relationships — especially with my friends and supporters. But for the safety of my family, we had to wait until we arrived stateside to share this news. “

Liz visits a family from the Do Something Concrete Project, 2018

Together, we have accomplished so much for God’s kingdom, for the local development of Pignon.”

Liz has been a critical part of the Many Hands team in many ways. Joining Many Hands in 2013, she started as Manager for the Mango Tree frozen yogurt shop, opening up two ministry-driven stores. She transitioned to Haiti in 2015, where over the next seven years, she coordinated the installation of 787 cement floors, managed 250 daily meals for kids and their caretakers, established programs in Maliarette, and talked with thousands of Haitians in their homes, at church, or on the street, showing the love of Jesus. 

“Many Hands for Haiti stands on the shoulders of Liz Clarke, who, through her vulnerability, loves people and points them to Christ,” shared Tim Brand, Many Hands CEO. “Liz has been a tremendous friend to me, especially during the darker times of ministry. I’m a better person today because of Liz being in my life. And I know I am not alone in this statement, as Liz touches lives wherever she is placed.”

Liz leaves Many Hands stronger, establishing programs, processes, and teams that have expanded over the years.

“I love Many Hands for Haiti and am so proud of the amazing work we have accomplished together. I want to thank you all for your enormous generosity. Because of you, I have been privileged for the last seven years to help build this great organization.” explained Liz. “Choosing to step away from my responsibilities with Many Hands was hard. I am already grieving this separation, but I trust it is God’s will.”

“Together, we have accomplished so much for God’s kingdom, for the local development of Pignon, and of course, for the many mothers and babies who are happy and healthy today thanks to this important work. All praise and glory be to God!”

For anyone contributing ongoing financial support for Liz, MH4H will contact you to discuss your future giving plans. Please call 641-629-6633 or email [email protected] for more information.

About Many Hands:

Many Hands is an Iowa-based nonprofit creating local and global life-transformation by strengthening families.  Established in 2008, the organization focuses on six key areas for transformation, including education, agronomy, leadership development, safe homes, medical assistance, and economic development. Each year, the organization reaches at least 25,000 people through their Haitian operations, IMPACT trips, and Many Hands Thrift Markets located in Iowa (Spencer, Grimes, Clive, Merle Hay). 

Many Hands is called to transform together, to be love in action, in a broken world.