"Plus faith and vision," adds Nap Castillon Jr., CARE, Inc. president who, together with Nonon Casimiro, heeded the call of the Lord a decade ago and organized CARE, Inc.–Christian Action for Relief and Empowerment–a social development organization that provides three-pronged intervention and rehabilitation programs categorized into street-based, community-based and center-based, to minister to the wholistic needs of individuals, families and the community.
"They’re the poverty-stricken, underprivileged, impoverished families, the deprived, neglected, abused children and youth at risk, orphans, battered women, calamity victims, the sick and disabled, elderly, and other groups of people in desperate need of livelihood, socio-economic and spiritual upliftment. This is part of our mandate of sharing and demonstrating God’s love to the lost and the suffering," Nap continues.
It’s a tall order for just two workers to undertake, but Nap thankfully relates that community workers, volunteers and compassionate benefactors have helped continue the work. Situated in Verdant Acres, Pamplona, Las Piñas, the CARE Center presently nurtures about 30 children, ages 5 to 17 years.
"Often, our hands are full. The hours are long, and the workers few. Community service is not a glamorous or well-paying job. And the day’s work hardly ever ends," shares Nap. "Many times in the past, CARE, Inc. has suffered setbacks. But we have witnessed in so many unexpected ways how God has remained gracious and faithful in providing not just for the basic needs–like food, clothes, school supplies, medicine, vitamins, hospital treatment, light, water–but in sending committed workers who share the vision."
This year alone, over 800 poor and marginalized children, 2,000 out of school youth and 1,300 adults (parents) were assisted through CARE, Inc.’s various programs in partnership with benevolent organizations and individuals.
"As we continue to do our part, we believe that the Lord will sustain CARE, Inc.," affirms Nonon. "After all, it is God’s work that is at stake here. We cannot quit nor rest, nor can we turn the other way. Everyday, the number of runaway children, some as young as three, roaming the streets of Metro Manila alone keep increasing at a shocking rate, and nine out of ten fall prey to pimps or syndicates who force them to be child-prostitutes or vagrants. Not knowing any other life, as they grow older, they become substance abusers and later end up petty felons, in and out of prison."
Statistics show that before a street kid reaches age 15, he or she is likely to become a drug addict, a convict and/or beaten to death by gangs, unless intervention occurs. "Imagine the grim future if today’s youth, the next generation, are left to be corrupted, mentored into a life of crime. When it’s their turn to become parents, they’re likely to repeat the vicious cycle, not knowing any better. And then, we’re back to square one."
Nonon also cites glaring poverty as a major contributor to the deteriorating state of family relations, often resulting in abuse, violence, broken homes, and crime. "As part of CARE, Inc.’s community-based intervention and rehabilitation project, adults or parents, both men and women, are taught spiritual values, parenting and basic livelihood skills. A seed capital–in the form of a loan payable in one year–is given to help them start their business. The principle here is that instead of just giving fish, we teach them how to fish so they can become productive and self-reliant members of the community."
Last month, CARE, Inc. held an open house at the CARE Center in Las Piñas. "There was a photo exhibit, and the creative works of the children at the center were showcased," explains Nap. "Visitors had the chance to interact with the kids and inquire how they can be part of CARE, Inc.’s advocacy."
Since its inception, CARE, Inc., has collectively helped improve the lives of over 8,000 beneficiaries from all walks of life–out-of-school youth, street and urban working children, battered women, indigent women, ex-prisoners, rural poor, disabled children and youth, and the elderly.
For those who want to make a difference in one child’s life, call CARE, Inc. at tel 873-1028.