Philippines
Three Franciscan Sisters of the Poor came together in 2009, forming an international community to minister to the poor and suffering, especially children, in Dumaguete City, the Philippines.
Wheel of Hope Soup Kitchen
Dumaguete City
In collaboration with other faith communities, the Sisters established the Wheel of Hope Soup Kitchen. Here, children, families and homeless adults who scavenge on the streets for survival receive a hot lunch, showers and a change of clothing. A mini-clinic services minor ailments. Nearly 60% of the children are orphans and the Sisters hope to rehabilitate them from the streets to the classroom, helping to break the generational cycle of poverty. Volunteers help provide simple instruction for the children.
Shalom Program
Dumaguete City
Shalom program is a feeding program that helps empower women, children and their families in poverty and social vulnerabity. The program is building a strong foundation in giving families in need supportive programs with food assistance.
Jim Alund Scholarship Program
Dumaguete City Mission
This project is a scholarship program offered to poor but deserving high school graduates who are not able to attend college because their parents cannot afford the tuition fees and other expenses. It is also offered to college students unable to continue their schooling because of a lack of funding from parents or guardians. The goal is to assist in sending students to college to improve their lives, economic situations and hope for a brighter future.
Bulahan (Blessed) Scholarship Program for Children with Special Needs
The Bulahan Scholarship Program for Children with Special Needs provides comprehensive support for children with special needs and their families, with the goal of fostering inclusion, dignity, and independence. The program serves 15 children or more by removing the financial and social barriers to education and providing essential services.
Support includes educational materials, school-related expenses, transportation, nutrition, and access to specialized therapies tailored to each child’s needs. The program also offers guidance and seminars for parents, recognizing the vital role that the family plays in each child’s development.
The children served come from underserved and economically disadvantaged families who often face limited access to needed resources, education, and care. This program helps bridge those gaps and ensures that each child can learn, grow, and thrive.
Key goals for the children in the program include supporting enrollment in school, providing individualized therapeutic activities, building each child’s autonomy, and affirming their dignity. The program also empowers families with knowledge and encouragement, while promoting a culture that values inclusion and diversity.
Ultimately, the initiative strengthens children, supports families, and contributes to more inclusive and compassionate communities.