Grove City College’s Entrepreneurship program has several successful graduates and Michael Ritter is one of them. His success is not in wealth or affluence, but in true change. In 2006, Michael and other Grove City students launched Deep Springs International, a social enterprise in Haiti aimed at empowering Haitians to start their own safe water enterprises to alleviate suffering. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and has faced terrible child mortality rates and disease for centuries. Deep Springs disperses in-home water treatment technology created by Jolivert Safe Water for Families, a technique that has helped save and improve thousands of lives. They don’t stop there. Anyone receiving water treatment solution is also visited regularly to be educated about the dangers of unsafe water, the proper use of the Home Treatment Systems, and have their water quality checked.
Despite being located in Haiti, one of the most inspiring aspects of this organization is its proximity. Michael was close to my age and attending my college when he and fellow students crafted this idea. He took this idea and let it change his life. Today Michael is living in Haiti as the CEO of Deep Springs International. This organization provides jobs for 50 full-time and 200 part-time Haitians, and that number is continuing to grow.
The collaboration between professors, venture labs, and students to begin Deep Springs is also an incredible testimony to the liquid network and adjacent possible. Alone, these people may have never had the idea, funds, or follow through to start the organizations. However, when working together they were able to accomplish something that is conquering a preventable evil. Sharing ideas is certainly something all entrepreneurs should strive to do as they create and continue their businesses if they are to reach their full potential.
As the new social media intern for Deep Springs, this cause and story is near to my heart. I am excited about the possibilities for providing Haitians with better health and quality of life. Because of individuals like Michael and all who assisted him, the world is seeing great change. Learn more about Deep Springs International at www.DeepSpringsInternational.org.
Great post, I have seen a table/stand in the SAC relating to this! Goes along with Prof. Sweet’s message of FINDING YOUR CALLING. Mike has used his entrepreneurial talents to have phenomenal impact in The Kingdom.
It is so inspiring to see that a Grove City student started this! Haiti is such an impoverished country and there is really need to more something as simple as clean water. I think some people tend to think so creatively they forget people need something as simple as food and water. This is such a great no-profit and I can’t wait to see how it develops in the future.