COLUMBUS GROVE, Ohio (WLIO) – Two local communities are voicing concern over the fate of a man who has made a significant impact in a short period of time.
“I haven't been here for too long, but I feel like I've been here forever. You know, like the people act like family, and it's like, this is this is home, and we're part of the community,” said Marc Rocher.
You may have seen social media posts from Andy and Amy Schafer about their sons’ tutor, Marc Rocher. He has found a home in both the Columbus Grove and Lima communities while working for both school districts, helping young Haitian students learn English and adapt to life in the United States.
“I play a role as a liaison between parents, teachers, students, and help students transition easily, you know, and help them with their work as well with the language,” Rocher added.
Rocher has been working for local school districts, helping young Haitian students learn English and adapt to life in the United States.
Rocher was able to escape atrocities and government corruption in Haiti and was sponsored to come to the United States legally when the Biden administration granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to many who fled the country. However, the Trump administration is seeking to revoke that protection, which could lead to Rocher and others being deported to the country they risked so much to escape.
School officials and community members say Rocher has become an invaluable asset to their students and districts, and they don’t want to see him go.
“If we were to lose Mark, we're not going to have a replacement for him. He just provides an invaluable service for us. And again, he just has that very likable quality about him that just makes him just well connected with both our citizens in Columbus Grove and Lima,” said Nick Verhoff, superintendent of Columbus Grove School District.
Rocher said the outpouring of support for him and others has deeply moved him and gives him hope.
“There's still humanity and in the world, and people are loving, you know, and they care. They care for others. So, it's a great sensation. It's a great feeling,” said Rocher.
Here is a link to Andy and Amy Schafer Facebook post, including information on who to contact to change the situation.
