Building Their Future

SPECIAL UPDATE (NOVEMBER 2024): We're on the home stretch of our building project. Thanks to our faithful CSC support network, we are nearly fully funded for the building portion of this project. And we are excited to announce that the home and office complex has been named.

Click Here To Donate To The New Building

In CSC's 45-year history, we are facing an unprecedented challenge: a record number of young adults and older residents. As part of a board-approved five-year strategic planning process, we are expanding our programs and facilities, placing a strong emphasis on meeting the needs of our teens and young adults.

Our leadership team and board of directors have made these older residents the centerpiece of our strategic initiative. Our dedicated social work team, counselors, our school, child care staff, and house parents are working tirelessly to equip these residents with essential life skills on-site. Simultaneously, we're embarking on a groundbreaking project: the construction of a new facility designed to cater to their housing needs and foster their independence. These endeavors reflect our commitment to ensuring the best possible future for these young individuals, preparing them to navigate the challenges of adulthood confidently.

Throughout our history, we've primarily focused on preparing children for adoption. However, as the number of older kids who can't be adopted has grown, our programming has evolved. We're now concentrating on providing residents with practical life skills, including vocational training, household tasks, financial management, and social skills. These skills are crucial for their transition into independent adult lives.

The increased number of older residents at our shelter is due to several factors. Adoption dynamics have shifted, with fewer international adoptions of older children. The pandemic caused adoption delays, and some children aged out of adoption eligibility. Meanwhile, fewer shelters in the Philippines accommodate older kids. CSC's mission and the support of our community have enabled us to offer these children a safe haven.

Our expanded program, under the guidance of Eunice Guinanoy, Program Director, is tailored to enhance independence, self-worth, and a sustainable future for these residents. This program simulates independent living, encompassing education, medical care, mentoring, and more. It's designed to empower them to make informed decisions and handle the challenges that come with adulthood.

However, we recognize that housing plays a critical role in fostering independence. Hence, we're proud to announce our ambitious new residence project. This facility, situated on a prime property, will feature a blend of dorm-style and apartment-style living arrangements. With a focus on academic success, we're ensuring access to strong internet connectivity, adequate study spaces, and opportunities for educational advancement.

This innovative building will not only provide housing but also spaces for group interactions, on-site medical care, therapy services, and more. Roberto Atienza, Field Director, highlights our commitment to nurturing potential and instilling hope in these young adults, preparing them for a promising future.

None of this can become reality without your support. We are blessed to have saved up enough funds over the past several years to purchase the property we formerly rented and begin construction of the residence and office complex. We need to raise an additional $600,000 to fully fund this initiative. Your contribution will directly impact the lives of these residents, enabling them to thrive beyond the confines of our shelter.

We invite you to join us on this journey. Through your prayer and gifts, our young adults can look forward to a brighter future. We're immensely grateful for your unwavering support as we work towards this vital endeavor. Together, let's make a lasting impact on their lives and empower them to build meaningful, independent futures.

 Click Here To Donate To The New Building

If you have any questions or want more info, contact Kirby Stoll (kirby.stoll@cebushelter.org). 

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