New Home in He Cares Village!

The Household of Boys found a new home in a 400 sq. meter house and lot at Christinville Subdivision in Montalban. The new place is divided into a modest house and a workshop beside. The house is home for 6 reformed streetchildren. These children are taken cared for by their Kuya Mike and Norman.

A few minutes drive from the Household is the Sub-Urban Village in San Jose, Montalban which is a relocation site of the government. About 50 families who are regular and committed attendees of the He Cares Foundation were moved here last December 2004 from their original shanties along the Central Avenue in Project 6. Kuya Joe Dean sought the help of good friends in soliciting money to beautify their new abode by doing some painting and carpentry work. After all the work has been done, the Foundation adopted one cluster and called it the HE CARES VILLAGE. This was highlighted by the blessing of the entire HE CARES VILLAGE last February 28 by the ever supportive Fr. Steve. The mass and house warming was capped by lunch ala fiesta style.

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Livelihood Training Progress

March - Remember the workshop located within the Household of Boys? Well, it had its first training on metal works courtesy of a professional trainor from Canada in the person of Leroy Heise. Through the assistance of CESO (Canadian Economic Summit Organization) and its Philippines Regional Director , Toots Lingan, the Foundation availed of free professional training for one whole month.

The training produced 16 certified metal craftsmen from among the jobless fathers in the He Cares Village. Graduation ceremonies were held last March 24, 2005 with Mr. Lingan gracing the occasion. All those in attendance couldn't stop their tears from falling especially when Lolo Roy, as we fondly called Mr. Heise, delivered his congratulatory speech and farewell message. All the graduates and their families were treated to a whole day swimming at the nearby Tom's Resort.

April - Hardly had we finished reminiscing our good old days with Lolo Roy, when here comes another trainor in the person of Ms. Carolanne Corbett. She is a 66-year old American who is so gifted with sewing, baking, cooking, arts and craft, etc. etc. etc.

Her target clientele are the jobless mothers in the He Cares Village as well. About 35 women showed on the first training day. This made Carol panic because she only had 1 sewing machine to start with. But thanks to the generous heart of Tita Corit who immediately donated money to purchase 2 high speed sewing machines. Their graduation will be on May 25,2005 where all the graduates will wear skirts and blouses they themselves cut and sew.

The month of April ended with the He Cares Foundation under the Balk-Hanapbuhay Program participating in the 50th year bazaar of the United States Embassy Club(USEC) on April 23,2005 at the World Trade Fair Center. As early as 4 a.m., the staff trouped to Rojas Boulevard to set up its booth where we showcased our products. Thanks to Papemelroti who consigned jewelry items and paper products to us. This year, the Foundation sold original KABAYAN handwoven bags from the Mt. Province in our effort to help these mountain folks.

With May just taking off, a new trainor has volunteered her time to teach the youth about silk screening and sticker making. Indeed the Lord gave us the workshop for a good purpose!

*WE ACCEPT MADE TO ORDER METAL WORK. JUST CALL US UP AT 454-0985 OR 928-8910 FOR YOUR INQUIRIES.

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Congratulations to the He Cares Graduates!

Greetings in the Name of the Lord! Rejoice! The He Cares Foundation had its own batch of graduates from the Balik-Aral Program. A total of 15 students successfully completed their high school education. Kuya Joe Dean together with full-time workers, Judith and Joy, and committed volunteers Brenda and Weng, divided their time to be able to attend to all the kids' awarding ceremonies.

These kids are scholars of different groups namely: Children of Mekong, Air France, Accenture, and private individuals. What a great joy to be parents 15 times over.

To make sure that the students continue to learn even during the summer, a group of volunteer tutors set up tutorial classes in Math and English for both the Montalban students and the Project 6 kids. Thank you to Melanie, Weng, Debbie, Joanna, Anna, Carol and Paolo for all their patience.

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Sacrament of Matrimony

What a great way to start the year!!

In January, Fr. Steve Tynan of the Missionaries of God's Love Community and Parish Priest of the Don Antonio Subdivision in Commonwealth committed to say mass at the Center every 1st Saturday of the month. This event reinforces the Foundation's thrust to bring the sacraments to the poor.

It is always a great joy to have Fr. Steve around especially as he chuckles his way through his tagalog.  When he runs out of tagalog words, he conveniently calls on Kuya Joe Dean to either translate for him or continue with his sermon. But in the end, all things work for good because everyone is so blessed with his wisdom.

Another joyous event was the first ever mass wedding sponsored by the Foundation for its members. With the great enthusiasm and encouragement of Fr. Steve, the Foundation arranged for 5 living-in and civilly married partners to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony.

For the past year, we have tried our best to bring "couples" into a church wedding. But the harsh paper requirements turned them off. So it was such a moving experience when finally 5 couples walked down the aisle of St. Peter's Church at Commonwealth Avenue last April 15,2005.

It was a sight to behold when the brides marched wearing very simple beige dresses to the waiting arms of their men in beige barong tagalogs. The music was provided by gifted singers and musicians. As usual, Fr. Steve struggled his way through his homily with Kuya Joe Dean ending it for him. Reception followed at Kowloon West Avenue where about 60 people enjoyed a Chinese dinner. The newlyweds couldn't believe what was happening to them and all for free! Thanks again to all our friends who made this dream event come

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Welcome Nora!

After one year of praying for an accountant, the Lord answered our prayer in the person of Nora Piornato. She accepted our offer despite the very meager allowance. In a jiffy, she put all our financial books in order and made life easier for all of us. She is indeed a blessing to the Foundation.

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Music Fills He Cares Kids Hearts!

This January, Music classes began for about 20 young girls and boys from the Foundation who are musically inclined.

A U.P. Music Graduate offered to give weekly classes on Philippine Music and Instruments for 3 months till May 2005. She introduced original sound and music generated from ethnic instruments. Thank you Teacher Diane for making us appreciate and love our own resources.

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