Today we’d like to introduce you to Alpha H Fleurimond
Hi ALPHA H, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Mr. Alpha H. Fleurimond was born in the northern part of Haiti. He did his primary studies in Port-De-Paix and later moved to Miami, Florida, where he completed his High School education at Southridge High. He studied Business Administration at Miami Dade College for two years and continued with his Bachelor’s and master’s in business at Barry University. Furthermore, he did his five-year study as a Permanent Deacon with an equivalent master’s in theology. He has been married to Glardia Jean Fleurimond for over twenty-two years with three children, Pharlandia A. Fleurimond, Gerdia A. Fleurimond, and Alpha E. Fleurimond Jr.
He has been working as a community advocate for over twenty years. His first job was in High school at Pizza Hut as a shift manager for seven years and at First Union Bank for five years. His inspiration led him to work at the Haitian Organization for Women in Homestead with Micheline Ducena for seven years and at Miami Dade Public School in the Bilingual Department for eight years as a facilitator for Haitian parents. After the organization closed, he decided to have a business named Variety Office Services in 2012. With so many people having asked him to open a not-for-profit, he and his wife founded Three Virtues Organization two years later to serve minorities, immigrants, and the migrant camps in Homestead.
He is passionate about working with youths in many areas such as after school, summer camp, the youth group at the church, and the community. He continues to assist the community in different capacities where he has been doing prison ministry for over 14 years at Krome Detention Center for immigrants. He was involved in the Le Jardin Board Parental Involvement Committee for two years. In addition, he was the vice president of Haitian American Scholarship & Empowerment. He created the Haitian Task Force of South Dade. Also, he is involved in Sacred Heart Church finance, Christ the King Church Religious education, Knight of Columbus, Kiwanis of South Dade. He is chairman of the Community Action Agency for Homestead/Florida City.
To help the South Dade Community, Mr. Fleurimond established the Three Virtues Organization where an After-School program has been set up to assist students: along with seven weeks of summer camp for local students in Homestead/Florida City areas. Also, the Three Virtues food pantry serves at least one hundred twenty-five families per month with food through local donors such as Catholic Charities/Leon Medical. Three Virtues has two major events every year – the first Saturday of January -the Prayer Breakfast to commemorate the Haitian Independence Day and a Gala to raise funds in July or October.
As a deacon at Sacred Heart Church with over twenty-five hundred registered members, fourteen years ago with his colleagues, he created a prayer program called “Feast of Cana (Jn 2:1-12) -Anbyans nan Kana which is a seven-day prayer for the community and the world every first week of August. It has been a language program for the community to connect deeper with God since 2007.
Alpha. H. Fleurimond is a man here to serve his community and will continue to serve his community by the grace of God.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some of the Struggles Along the Way:
1. Closure of the Haitian Organization for Women:
When the nonprofit I worked for closed due to lack of funding, it was a tough moment. It left me questioning my next steps and wondering how to continue serving the community. This struggle ultimately became the catalyst for starting my own business, but it was a challenging transition at the time.
2. Starting a Business from Scratch:
Launching Variety Office Services, Inc. came with a steep learning curve. Building a customer base, managing finances, and gaining the community’s trust all required time, patience, and persistence. There were moments of uncertainty when I wondered if I had made the right choice.
3. Funding Challenges for the Nonprofit:
Running a nonprofit has its own set of difficulties. One of the biggest struggles has been securing consistent funding. Despite having a passionate team and valuable services, finding donors and sponsors willing to invest in our vision has often been an uphill battle.
4. Balancing Business and Community Work:
Managing a growing business while leading a nonprofit is no easy task. Balancing both needs has required long hours, careful planning, and sacrifices in my personal life.
5. Community Needs vs. Resources:
The community’s needs often exceed our available resources. It’s heart-wrenching to know there’s more we could do if only we had the means.
Lessons Learned:
Through these struggles, I’ve learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and surrounding myself with supportive people who believe in the mission. Each obstacle has pushed me to grow, think creatively, and stay committed to my vision of serving the community.
Though the road hasn’t been smooth, it has been deeply rewarding. Every challenge has been a stepping stone toward making a lasting impact.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about VARIETY OFFICE SERVICES?
About Our Business: Variety Office Services, Inc.
At Variety Office Services, Inc., we provide a wide range of essential services to the Deep South Dade community. Our mission is to simplify life for individuals, families, and businesses by offering a one-stop solution for their needs.
What We Do:
We specialize in:
• Fingerprinting Services: Ensuring fast and secure processing for background checks.
• Income Tax Preparation: Providing accurate and professional tax services for individuals and small businesses.
• Bookkeeping: Supporting local businesses with reliable financial record-keeping.
• Immigration Assistance: Guiding clients through the complexities of immigration paperwork and processes.
• Additional Services: We offer translation, notary, and other administrative support services.
What Sets Us Apart:
1. Community-Centered Approach:
We’re more than just a business—we’re a trusted partner in our community. Our deep ties to the South Dade region allow us to understand and address our clients’ unique needs.
2. Comprehensive Services Under One Roof:
Our diverse offerings save clients time and energy by providing multiple services in one convenient location.
3. Personalized Care:
Every client is treated with respect and dignity. We prioritize building relationships and ensuring every individual feels supported and valued.
4. Experienced Team:
With five dedicated employees, we pride ourselves on professionalism, efficiency, and delivering results.
About Our Nonprofit Organization
Our nonprofit was founded with a heart for service and a mission to uplift our community.
Services We Offer:
• After-School Programs and Summer Camps: Providing safe, enriching environments for children to learn and grow.
• Food Pantry: Addressing food insecurity by offering free groceries to needy families.
• Social Services: Assisting individuals and families with resources and support for various challenges.
What Makes Us Proud:
We are most proud of the trust and support we’ve earned from the community. The smiles of children in our after-school programs, the gratitude of families who benefit from our food pantry, and the testimonials from satisfied business clients motivate us to keep pushing forward.
What We Want Readers to Know:
Our brand stands for service, integrity, and community empowerment. Whether you’re an individual looking for help with taxes, a family in need of support, or a business seeking reliable bookkeeping services, Variety Office Services, Inc. and our nonprofit are here to serve.
We invite you to learn more, visit us, or join us on our journey as we continue to grow and positively impact the South Dade. Let’s make a difference together!
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Good Luck
• Opportunities in Challenging Times: When the nonprofit I worked for closed, it might have seemed like a setback, but it turned out to be a pivotal moment. The closure pushed me to start my own business, Variety Office Services, Inc., which has flourished and become a cornerstone of the community.
• Community Support: I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the encouragement and backing of the Deep South Dade community. Their faith in me led to opening a nonprofit organization that now provides vital services to those in need.
• Support System: My wife, Glardia J. Fleurimond, has been a source of strength and encouragement, playing a vital role in the success of the business and the nonprofit.
Bad Luck
• The Closure of the Haitian Organization for Women: Losing my position when the organization closed was challenging. It was difficult to see something I was passionate about due to lack of funding, but it also taught me resilience and adaptability.
• Funding Challenges: Running a nonprofit has obstacles, especially in securing consistent funding. While this has been a persistent challenge, it has driven me to find creative ways to sustain the organization.
Perspective on Luck
While luck has played a role, I’ve found that preparation, hard work, and willingness to adapt are equally important. Good luck creates opportunities, but the effort and determination you bring to those moments make a lasting impact. Likewise, bad luck can be a learning experience, helping you grow stronger and more resourceful.
In summary, luck has been both a test and a blessing in my journey, and I’ve strived to use every twist of fate to serve my community better.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.varietyofficeservice.com
- Facebook: variety office services
