Our Story

Starting with a small group of dedicated volunteers in the Greater Twin Cities Metropolitan Area of Minnesota, VANSE has grown into a trusted organization serving Haitian immigrants. Our story is a testament to the power of community,  and the unwavering belief in the potential of every individual to contribute to and enrich their new home

VANSE was born from a deep understanding of the challenges faced by immigrants, particularly those from Haiti, as they settle into life in the United States.

Our founder, David Policard, a Haitian immigrant himself, experienced firsthand some of the difficulties associated with adapting to a new culture, language, and system.

Recognizing the need for comprehensive, culturally sensitive support, he established VANSE in 2024 to bridge the gap between newly arrived immigrants and the resources they need to succeed.

Starting with a small group of dedicated volunteers in the Greater Twin Cities Metropolitan Area of Minnesota, VANSE has grown into a trusted organization serving Haitian immigrants. Our story is a testament to the power of community, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every individual to contribute to and enrich their new home.

VANSE is dedicated to empowering newly arrived immigrants from Haiti to navigate the complexities of life in the United States. Its mission is to provide culturally appropriate, personalized support that fosters cultural integration, educational advancement, and financial stability. Through tailored resources, career pathways, and community-driven programs, VANSE aims to help immigrants thrive and achieve long-term success.

Mission Statement

Who We Serve

VANSE primarily serves newly arrived immigrants from Haiti, extending our support to individuals and families from the Caribbean and other countries as resources allow. Our beneficiaries include:

  • Recent immigrants of all ages and family statuses

  • Individuals with varying levels of education and English proficiency

  • Those seeking employment, education, or skill development opportunities

  • Families navigating the U.S. healthcare and education systems

We are committed to meeting our people where they are, and providing culturally competent support that addresses their unique needs and aspirations.

Our Impact

Since its inception in May 2024, VANSE has made a significant difference in the lives of Haitian immigrants it serves in the Greater Twin Cities area.

Beyond numbers, its impact in just a few months is best measured in the stories of success and empowerment from the people it served. From a professional finally feeling financially stable to a young professional who entered a career in healthcare, each story reflects the commitment to fostering independence and achievement.

VANSE is powered by a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and board members who are passionate about immigrant empowerment.

Our team also includes two part-time staff members and a robust network of volunteers who bring diverse skills and experiences to our work.

Meet the Team

David Policard

Executive Director / Founder / Board Chair

David is an entrepreneur, public health expert, and program management professional with over a decade of experience driving impactful community health initiatives. With expertise in policy analysis, program development, and strategic planning, David has led efforts to foster equity and improve health outcomes. Skilled in coordinating cross-sector collaborations, he works closely with diverse stakeholders to develop and implement comprehensive action plans.

David excels grant funding, program evaluation, and strategic partnership development, ensuring alignment with community needs and organizational goals. A passionate advocate for health equity, he brings a data-driven approach to inform policy and decision-making, with a strong commitment to accountability, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving. Fluent in English, French, Haitian Creole, and conversant in Spanish, David’s multicultural competence enhances his ability to engage effectively across varied communities.

Beyond his professional pursuits, David loves cooking, soccer, cycling, and spending time with his family.

Contact: david@vanse.org

Pierre Guerson Maurace

Board Co-Chair / Board Secretary

Guerson is a dedicated community advocate, and program leader with a deep commitment to health equity and social justice. Since joining EqualHealth in 2013, he has played a pivotal role in the organization’s Haiti-based initiatives. He currently serves as Program Coordinator and Country Representative for Haiti, leading key efforts such as the Social Medicine Course, the Social Medicine Alumni of Haiti support network, the Fellowship Program, the Campaign Against Racism chapter, and Mutual Aid initiatives.

Born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Guerson brings a rich and diverse background to his work. He previously worked with Doctors Without Borders Holland, providing training for programs addressing gender-based violence. His early dedication to community service began at La Maison de l’Arc-en-Ciel, where he spent ten years supporting children impacted by HIV/AIDS, gaining extensive training in first aid and organizational leadership. Over the years, he has also worked as a community health worker, logistician, CHW supervisor, and facilitator in leadership development programs.

Beyond his work in public health, Guerson’s diverse experiences include studying cabinet making and architecture, working as a journalist, and hosting the radio show “My Feeling” on Radio Boukman in Cité Soleil. Currently, he is pursuing a course in General and Territorial Administration at the Université d'État d'Haïti, further strengthening his expertise in governance and community development.

Guerson’s unwavering dedication, multifaceted experience, and passion for social justice make him a vital force in advancing equitable health outcomes and empowering communities in Haiti.

Rose Mingo-Holtz

Board Treasurer

Founder, director, and instructor at Mes Amis French School. Originally from Haiti, where French and Creole are the official languages, she speaks four languages: French, Creole, English, and Spanish. Ms. Mingo-Holtz attended Metro State University and has over ten years of experience teaching diverse age groups, languages, and skill sets.

Her teaching experience includes French Continuing Education at Normandale Community College, middle school French at Oak Grove Bloomington Public Schools, French and Spanish at Sunrise Montessori, and French Community Education in Bloomington, Chaska, and Richfield. She has also run French summer camps at St. Croix Montessori and served as a paraprofessional in Special Education at Eden Prairie Schools. Additionally, she is a board member of Afoutayi.

Lauren Davis

Board Member

Bio Coming Soon

Reynalde Auguste

Board Member

Bio Coming Soon