In the aftermath of Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake, Jim Bryson traveled from Nashville to Port-au-Prince, witnessing firsthand the overwhelming loss and need for educational opportunities, especially for orphaned children. What began as a vision to provide secondary education for orphans soon evolved into something even greater — the founding of The Joseph School (TJS).

Among those deeply moved by this mission was Bildad Michel, a young Haitian studying at Cumberland University. Growing up in Haiti, he knew the struggles children faced — long days of chores, raising siblings, and few opportunities for formal education. Inspired by TJS’s mission, he convinced the board that instead of starting with seventh grade, they should focus on younger children. The vision shifted, and in September 2015, The Joseph School opened with two classrooms, 30 students, and two teachers.

From its inception, the school had to make do with limited resources, including old, worn-out furniture that often needed repairs. For many students, simply having a table to write on was a luxury. Michel, now the Director of Operations at TJS, recalled growing up in overcrowded classrooms with three students sharing a single bench or even sitting on the floor to take notes. “I used to stand in school because we didn’t have enough seats,” he shared.

That changed when Henricksen stepped in. Michael Moore, the GM of the Henricksen Tennessee office, was already involved with the organization and helped to facilitate a generous donation of durable, high-quality tables and chairs built to last. For the students, this was more than just furniture; it was a symbol of investment in their future. For Henricksen “We believe in the power furniture has to transform a space,” said Moore, “And this donation perfectly supported that core value.”

The impact on the school was profound. The collaborative classroom design encouraged leadership and teamwork. Four students could sit together, learning and problem-solving as a unit. “We don’t just have a school in Haiti,” Michel said. “We now have a movement.”

The aesthetic of the furniture is also a nod to the school’s namesake, Joseph. In the Bible, Joseph's coat of many colors was a gift from his father. “It’s the Joseph school, the coat of many colors,” said Michel, “When you go to that classroom you see a chair that is green or yellow or red.”

Today, The Joseph School continues to grow, adding a high school to its curriculum. As the school expands, Henricksen’s contributions remain vital. “The furniture is so impactful especially when you move into high school,” said Cynthia Smith, a leader at TJS. “You can reconfigure the furniture in a million ways, desks facing forward or in a quad, and we can continue the established learning model as the kids grow.”

For Michel, the transformation is both personal and inspiring. “I’m a little jealous of these kids,” he admits with a smile. “They get to learn in an environment where they’re truly valued.”

From a dream born out of tragedy to a thriving school changing lives, The Joseph School — and the generosity of its partners like Henricksen — proves that education is the foundation of hope.

“I just want to say a huge thank you to Henricksen for helping make the dream come true,” said Michel. “I have no words for the wonderful partnership.”