Alison Haas
Meet Alison Haas, superstar St. Al’s donor
Alison has a huge heart for our students and a most generous spirit. She graciously agreed to be interviewed by Caroline Kinney, an intern with School of Hope this summer who shared Alison’s responses.
When asked how she first discovered the School of Hope Foundation, Alison mapped out her experiences from the very beginning. Alison’s journey with St. Aloysius Gonzaga began in the 70s when she was first introduced to the Jesuits. While stationed with the U.S. embassy in Nepal, she was inspired by their lifestyle of devotion and selflessness, and eventually converted to Catholicism. Later, Alison connected with Jeff Smart, who informed her of St. Al’s before the School of Hope Foundation even existed. She instantly fell in love with the school and was blown away by Fr. Terry’s ability to make the most of every penny they receive. Alison knew without a doubt she could help these kindhearted people to change the lives of so many deserving students.
Why is School of Hope important to you? Such an open-ended question may intimidate some people as they struggle to reach a definitive answer. However, it was no hard task for this amazing donor who loves everything about St. Al’s, particularly their emphasis on community service. She knows her contributions, which provide food, health care, and other necessities, are not going to waste; these resilient students are so grateful for everything they receive. Based on her experiences, she stated “they are not trying to get money from you, just trying to better their lives and their community.” Alison began tearing up describing the students and “their love for life,” as well as the enthusiasm they radiate; something she knows without ever even visiting the school.
The question, “Why do you care so much about the kids?” was a no-brainer for Alison, instantly speaking her mind and saying, “I don’t know how anyone could not care.” Based on the stories of losing parents, dealing with horrendous living conditions, and countless others, these students have experienced things people in America cannot even fathom. Alison passionately believes that everyone should have to know what is going on in Kibera, because these students and their stories changed her life forever.
This donor’s favorite School of Hope memory involves the letters she has shared with many St. Al’s students through the years. Alison knows that every letter she receives from a student truly comes from the heart. These correspondences have taught her so much about their daily lives, from realizing they do not have a bus system to hearing about their school activities. She has learned from and grown with them. Samson, the first student that Alison ever connected with, still writes her despite now being in college.
There are many ways that Alison manages to stay connected to St. Al’s given the geographical distance. Letters to students are an excellent way for Alison to hear firsthand the change that she is making. In addition, Fr. Terry always calls when he is in America to update her on the boy’s mentorship program that she funds. Cristine Pope has also been a great resource for Alison, always willing to answer her questions and provide an incredibly open path of communication with the school. She best described her ties to St. Al’s with the reassuring words, “you do feel connected.” Even playing with her food at the dinner table makes Alison think of the kids.
Lastly, Alison was asked “If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?” A question like this is not something that anyone is fully prepared to answer on the fly. However, Alison’s response exemplified her tremendous heart and true selflessness when she explained, “being able to give money to the school feels like a superpower.” All the change that she has created for these kids comes from money that God has given her, which she does not need for day-to-day things. Alison is beyond grateful to have found such a worthy organization to help make a positive impact where it truly counts.