Impact Report - July 2025
- Keith Cobell
- Aug 13
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 14
July underscored both the opportunities and challenges in this work. While operational realities required difficult decisions, the broader picture is one of expansion, innovation, and deepened relationships.
We move forward with confidence, grateful to be part of the work God is doing through Extollo - equipping people with skills, creating pathways to dignified work, and building the foundations for lasting change. Thank you for your part in moving our mission forward.
The Power of Character in the Trade School
In our trade school, character isn't just a word; it's the foundation of everything we do. This was more apparent than ever in July during our Electrical Level 1 training. The excellence of our Lead Instructor, Dan Schulze, shone through as he passionately taught each student. He didn't just teach the curriculum—he went beyond it, challenging students with on-the-fly exercises that sparked creative thinking. His dedication is a true example of what it means to be a servant leader.
This commitment to excellence and his knack for seeing the potential in every student is truly inspiring. By pairing stronger students with those who were less confident, Dan fostered an environment of teamwork and mentorship. This approach cultivated a deep sense of respect among the students, who eagerly taught and learned from one another. We're thrilled to see students like Youwens, Elio, Geralson, Roody, and Rony excelling and we can't wait to see how they apply their new skills.
Students installed a circuit with 2 outlets in parallel and a 3-way light switch.
The room was silent as students waited to see the results of their work. Then this happened!
A video taken by Christie Gloster-Bierman during her recent trip to Haiti.
Building on Strong Foundations
The seven Character Traits are woven into every facet of Extollo's operations, even in the details you might not see.
When our team safely relocated four containers from Bercy to Cap Haitian due to security concerns, it wasn't just a logistical move—it was an act of discipline and responsibility, ensuring our resources were protected and ready for future projects.
Jonathan's initiative to follow up on window guard installations in Vladimir’s absence shows how every team member steps up to ensure continuity and safety.
Jessica's administrative team displayed remarkable integrity by carefully tracking customs fees and managing all the logistics for a container shipment. This attention to detail is vital for our transparency and stewardship.
The entire staff's commitment to daily devotionals, led by different members, strengthens their spiritual foundation and their sense of teamwork, reminding us that we are all part of a bigger mission guided by God's grace.
This month's shift in Bercy highlights our adaptability and our unwavering focus on our mission. As Jeff Ballard, Welding Advisor, so perfectly put it, "What may seem like a setback in one location is actually part of a larger story of God’s provision."
August Mug Campaign
This month, we have a special way to thank you for your commitment to empowering futures. When you make a special gift of $250 or more this month, you'll receive a beautiful, handmade Extollo mug, crafted with care in Haiti by the talented artisans at Papillon Marketplace!
Your donation does double duty: you'll be supporting students in the construction trades in Haiti, and you'll also be empowering women from another fantastic Haitian organization. Plus, each sip from one of these specially crafted mugs will remind you to continue your incredible support and prayers for the students and lives transformed by your generosity.
Thoughts From Keith, Extollo President
Your support allows Extollo to operate with transparency and integrity, which is something we take very seriously. Each week, I dive deep into our financials, carefully reviewing every expenditure with Brook, Extollo's Accountant. We ask questions and work with our team to ensure our accounting operations are a model of excellence. The diligence of our staff in managing your generous donations is a constant reminder of the trust you place in us, and we don't take that lightly.
This same commitment to excellence is evident in our team's leadership. I meet weekly with each team lead to ensure we are all working in sync. As our operations grow more complex, this focus on teamwork is more important than ever. It's a joy to connect with staff, offer guidance, and hear their perspectives. Our monthly All-Team Meeting over Zoom is a powerful way we stay connected to our larger mission. This month, we were thrilled to welcome Tim Myers to the team as our Construction Manager/Foreman. With over 40 years of experience, his expertise is a huge asset to our construction operations.
Your commitment is fueling progress on many fronts. We're gaining momentum with our training programs, advancing our construction operations, and securing the resources we need to continue our mission. From our board members to our students, everyone at Extollo is motivated by the opportunity to serve God’s purposes in Haiti. It is a gift to work with such a committed group of people, and it’s your unwavering support that makes it all possible.
Save the Date
Join the Crew
The vast majority of our students are unable to afford Extollo's high-quality vocational training. As a community of advocates, CREW members provide financial support to ambitious men and women who are elevating their careers, their families, and their communities.
Each student at Extollo is required to pay a portion of their course fee. Based on an amount that fits their monthly budget, CREW members commit to covering the remaining cost of the student's education through scholarships. We're looking for more people to join the crew so that we can increase our impact in Haiti.
We are so grateful to have you on this journey with us. Your support doesn't just fund our projects; it builds character, creates opportunities, and empowers a nation. Would you consider sharing our story with your friends and family? By doing so, you can help even more people lean in and become a part of this transformative work in Haiti.
Thank you for keeping me informed about what is going on in Haiti through Extollo. I love reading these impact reports and seeing the videos and the smiles. Praise to all that are involved in these operations. May God continue to bless this organization with the leaders and helpers that are needed. I love supporting you.