Friday, January 19, 2018 was not just another day at the Haven for Children. This day marked a significant milestone as the Center reached its 14 years of providing healing and empowerment to former street children 13 years old and below who are exposed and recovering from substance abuse.

Officer-In-Charge Ms. Catherine Taleño welcomed the guests, sponsors, Center’s staff and most especially, the children, by sharing the theme, “Maagap at Mapagkalingang paglilingkod sa mga kabataan”.

“Tayo ay nilikha ng Diyos upang maging instrumento sa pagtulong sa mga bata”, Taleño added.

As the program continues, Mr. Jeffrey Dela Cruz, a former Haven for Children resident and now a Houseparent shared his success story. He was an orphan and a street dweller who was brought to the Center and was given hope to change his life in order to achieve his dream of becoming a social worker and be of service to the children. At first, Jeffrey always wanted to escape from the Center however; the center’s staff never stops caring about him and always ensure that he feels the utmost love and belongingness. That is the time that Jeffrey learned to value the people around him. Endless gratitude to his teachers, medical staff, house parents and social workers was offered by Jeffrey. “Dapat tulungan natin ang ating sarili at huwag tayong mawawalan ng pag-asa at tiwala sa ating sarili”, Jeffrey ended his sharing.

After listening to the heart-warming story of Jeffrey, the Center’s staff and children performed an exemplary dance and song number as well as role playing portraying homeless children rescued and sheltered at Haven for Children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Children on their role playing and dance number with the Haven for Children Staff

“Haven for children would not be successful in carrying out its mandate without the undying support of our dear partners and sponsors who always share their blessings to our children,” Taleño said after the plaques of appreciation were awarded to all the partners such as BPI-Alabang Muntinlupa, De La Salle Zobel, JCI Alabang, Jose Fabella Memorial School, Rotary Club of Manila, Shell Philippines Exploration, Union Bank, University of Santo Tomas and among others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awarding of Plaque of Appreciation to donors and partners of Haven for CHildren

Shortly after recognizing the partners, the center’s staffs were also awarded for their hard work, dedication and commitment in providing efficient and responsible service to the children. Mr. Tolentino Agapay was awarded as Best Supervisor; Mr. Francisco Nopuento Jr. as recipient of Service Awardee; Mr. Dominic Engracia as Best MOA Sub-Pro Category; Mr. Estelito Arinal Jr., as Best MOA Professional Category; Ms. Herminilda Torres, Best Technical Staff Sub-Pro Category; Mr. Robert Tallon as Best Technical Staff Professional Category; Ms. Eliza Perez as Best Admin Staff Sub-Pro Category; and Mrs. Estela Olores, Best Admin Staff Professional Category.

Recognizing the Staffs for the hardwork and support to the institution.

The program ended with the thanksgiving speech from two (2) residents of the Center, Bernard Garcia and Jhasel Hecomo. They shared how grateful they are to the institution, donors and partners who gave them light to start anew. As they traverse their journey, they gave their full commitment to study hard to fulfill their dreams and be the person they want to be.

Truly, Haven for Children is a home of dreams and hope for the children.###