What is Children With Dignity Foundation (CWDF)?
We are a legally recognized non-governmental organization, registered as a non-profit charity with the New York State Department and designated as a 501(c)(3) organization by the U.S. Federal Government.
Our mission is to empower children by providing essential services, advocacy, and protection of their human rights. We are dedicated to addressing the physiological, emotional, and social needs of children who are deprived of basic life necessities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow with dignity, hope, and a brighter future.
Who We Are
Who We Are
Children With Dignity Foundation Inc.
Children With Dignity Foundation Inc. is a beacon of hope for underprivileged children and families. Founded by a passionate community advocate, our organization is dedicated to empowering the most vulnerable by addressing both their immediate needs and long-term well-being.
We provide essential resources such as school supplies, food, and advocacy support, ensuring that children and families receive the tools and care they need to thrive. Our mission is to stand alongside the defenseless and oppressed, promoting dignity, justice, and equal opportunity for all.
Together, we are building a future where every child has the chance to live with hope, dignity, and purpose.
HISTORY
Our Story
On September 17, 2015, Children With Dignity (CWD) was officially launched after three years of groundwork in the community. Since its founding, CWD has worked tirelessly to provide school supplies, food, and essential resources to families in need, while also advancing advocacy for children’s rights.
We believe that every child has the right to be:
• Loved, nurtured, and valued
• Provided with a basic education
• Encouraged to express their talents
• Supported in a safe social and emotional environment
Our Mission
To support the defenseless and oppressed, protect the human rights of every child, and promote access to education, dignity, and care—building stronger, fairer communities for generations to come.
VISION
Our Vision
A world where every child, regardless of background, can thrive in an environment that fosters dignity, equality, and opportunity.
OUR CORE VALUES
LOVE – Love is more than a feeling; it is action through response. We show love by reaching out and serving those in need.
DIGNITY – Every child carries an inherent worth and honor. We believe in treating all children with respect and uplifting their human dignity.
HOPE – Hope strengthens the soul. Without hope, life loses its meaning—with hope, every child can dream and build a brighter future.
• Compassion – We serve with love and empathy.
• Justice – We stand for fairness and equality.
• Empowerment – We help children discover their voice and potential.
• Community – We believe change happens when we come together.
• Dignity – Every child is precious and deserves respect.
Giving Joy
Serving
Sharing
CWDF targets children, but help the families through their communities.
What Is Dignity?
Dignity is the inherent worth or status that all human beings possess. It serves as a foundational principle in moral, emphasizing the equal and unearned value possessed by every human being. It is the recognition that all individuals deserve to be treated with respect, equality, and consideration. Dignity is recognition that all individuals deserve to be treated with respect, equality and consideration.
At CWDF, we believe that all children have equal rights to survive and live a decent life regardless of their socioeconomic status; this includes rights such as survival, education access, and opportunities for dignified living conditions.
Our Founder - Ms. Renee Douyon
Ms. Renee Douyon, the Founder of Children With Dignity Foundation Inc., has dedicated her life to serving and empowering children. Born in Haiti, she understands the struggles of the underprivileged on a deeply personal level. At the age of 15, she immigrated to the United States, where her love for learning and persistence led her to pursue the highest levels of education.
Ms. Douyon earned her Master’s in Public Administration and Public Policy and later became involved in the United Nations Program, expanding her vision to make an impact globally. She has gained valuable experience through her work with the New York City Administration of Children’s Services and the Department of Education, where she completed her internship as a School Principal. She has also served as President of Children’s Church, and through her international travels, she has continued to advocate for the rights and dignity of children worldwide.
Her journey with Children With Dignity Foundation began during an internship assignment in San Pedro, Dominican Republic, where she visited the bateyes—communities where undocumented Haitians live and work in extreme poverty. Witnessing the despair, hopelessness, and inhumane conditions her fellow Haitians endured, Ms. Douyon felt called to dedicate her life to restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity to vulnerable children.
“I feel most fulfilled being in the presence of God, which empowers me to be passionate about helping one child at a time.” – Renee Douyon
Ms. Douyon' achievements and hard-work throughout her life came neatly woven together to enable her to run CWDF effectively.
“I truly believe that as an adult, it is our responsibility to maintain and support the right and the dignity of all children, especially the vulnerable ones. We as adults, need to open up our hearts to the plight of these helpless children in such a way that can touch and make an impact in a child’s life. It is also my belief that I cannot do it alone but together we can make a huge difference.”
Ms. Douyon applied the learning from her degree at LIU to diminish the suffering of other human beings with CHILDREN WITH DIGNITY FOUNDATION INC. She is very passionate about helping children of Haitian descent with education, awareness, and the topical issue of the Haitian immigration crisis in the Dominican Republic.
A dream was born when a post-graduate student at Long Island University went on an internship in the Dominican Republic. Visiting several Non- Governmental Organizations, helping the Haitians living in San Pedro, Ms. Renee Douyon witnessed these undocumented immigrants still struggling though a huge poverty crisis!
Fighting off centuries of government corruption, colonization, racial tension, and color discrimination that only resulted in deep wounds, Haitians were unable to get legal jobs, enjoy legal protections and privileges and yet found themselves in critical conditions leading to unsustainable situations for a dignified life. Right then and there, Ms. Douyon dreamt of a world for them. A world where these Haitians, her fellow brothers and sisters, could exercise their basic rights, enjoy the blessings of God and live with prestige and dignity. That’s how CHILDREN WITH DIGNITY was born!
