Everything happens for a reason and to succeed, one must make a choice.

Being an orphan with no one to look after and care for is one of the unfortunate and sad moments a child could ever experience in her lifetime.  Juls, a 20-year old young lady together with her younger sibling was orphaned by their mother who died of kidney failure.

When her mother died, Jul’s brother-in law sexually abused the both of them.  At the age of 10, Juls and her sibling were rescued and immediately referred and admitted to the center. This traumatic experience motivates her to stand up for herself and prove that she will have a good future. 

She completed her high school at Jose Fabella Memorial School. She also participated in skills training in Bread and Pastry, and Basic Computer Literacy class. She is currently enrolled and a graduating student of Bachelor of Science in Social Work at St. Mary’s College, Quezon City. She was inspired by the social workers in the center who played the role of a mother to her which is why she chose the course in the first place. She also felt that social workers are like mothers whom she did not have. And because she believes that children should not experience the violence she had, she embraced the Social Work practice. 

The support of all the Marillac Hills staff helped Juls to achieve her goals, and be more productive and determined to finish her study. On April 27, 2018, her brother-in law was proven guilty for the case of Statutory Rape and was sentenced of Reclusion Perpetua or lifetime imprisonment. She felt relieved as the justice she looked forward to was finally served. 

Through the years and her experiences, Juls becomes empowered, independent and responsible woman. Her eagerness to finish her studies made her become a better person.

Juls promised to herself that when the time is right and the situation is stable, she will take the Social Work Licensure examination to help other women who are suffering and in need of the assistance like she did before.

She will forever be grateful to the staff and residents of Marillac Hills who became her socio-emotional support while going through her battles. ###