Gelina's e-story: One Community

Gelina Mascoe Grocery Store

Gelina Mascoe is bringing a unique slice of Caribbean life to the Midwest! 

Gelina founded the Haitian Center of Evansville in 2023 with one goal in mind: to help the Haitian community not just settle but thrive in Evansville. Her story is all about bridging cultures, championing diversity, and building a sense of “home” away from home.

Relocating is no easy feat, especially when you’re moving from Haiti to a place like Evansville, IN. Many newcomers face language barriers, a lack of familiar cultural connections, and the everyday puzzle of navigating a new system. The Haitian Center is there to help unpack those challenges, offering programs and resources that guide people through housing, employment, education, and healthcare. She created a place where people can come together, share their experiences, and navigate the challenges of starting fresh in a new country. 
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One Community.

“If you live in a city where there’s so many different backgrounds, it just enriches the city.”
 
 

 

Learn more about Gelina.


In addition to the navigation services provided by the Haitian Center, Gelina uses her platform to introduce Haitian culture to the Evansville Region. In 2023, the Center hosted its first Haitian Flag Day Celebration, which received resounding support from the community and local leadership. Haitian Flag Day, celebrated on May 18th each year, commemorates the creation of the Haitian flag during the Haitian Revolution in 1803. This flag is a symbol of the country’s independence from French rule. Haiti was the first nation to free itself from slavery, a source of great pride for Haitians. By introducing Haitian Flag Day and establishing the Haitian Center of Evansville, Gelina is giving her neighbors a firsthand look at Haitian culture, traditions, and stories. This cultural sharing helps break down misconceptions, showing the broader community the richness of Haitian heritage and the resilience of its people. In a region becoming more diverse by the day, Gelina’s efforts remind us that true community is built when we embrace our differences with open hearts, fostering empathy, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging for everyone.

Interested in experiencing Haitian culture? Explore Haitian-owned businesses around the city, from restaurants serving classic dishes like griot and plantains to small grocery stores stocked with Haitian spices and goods.

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