Building Their Future: Hope House

UPDATE: MAY 2025

Thank you, God, for providing CSC with the resources to build Hope House, an independent living center for our young adults. It's completed!

We celebrated the grand opening of this beautiful new space at the Dedication Ceremony in April. The event was filled with worship music by our residents and offerings of praise and prayer by CSC leadership and local pastors.

Representatives of several CSC's nonprofit partners joined in the celebration. CSC President and CEO Kirby Stoll traveled to Cebu for the celebration, along with a small team that included staff, board members, and a donor. He said that the blessing of this new transitional home will help support the young adults as they learn to live more independently and further the mission of the CSC.

"We want to provide for these young adults for as long as they need us,'' said Kirby. "We also want them to be equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed independently and to bring Jesus to wherever they go. Hope House gives us that opportunity.''

The building can accommodate up to 28 residents and includes a living space, dining hall, multi-purpose room, staff quarters, and administrative offices.

Filled with natural light and painted in neutral tones, the building offers an open, airy feel, creating soothing spaces in which to rest, eat, study, and socialize. The clean, modern design creates a calm and uncluttered environment in which residents can practice for lives after CSC.
The residents have officially moved in! They are thrilled to have their own living space, which is only a few miles from the shelter.

Thank you to all who answered God's call to support this project. Glory be to God!

CASE FOR SUPPORT - OLDER RESIDENTS TRANSITION

In CSC's 45-year history, the shelter faces an unprecedented challenge: a record number of older residents. To address this, they're expanding their programs and facilities, placing a strong emphasis on meeting the unique needs of these older teens and young adults.

The leadership team and board of directors have made these older residents the centerpiece of our strategic initiative. The dedicated social work team, counselors, school, childcare staff, and house parents are working tirelessly to equip these residents with essential life skills on-site. Simultaneously, CSC is embarking on a groundbreaking project: the construction of a new facility designed to cater to their housing needs and foster their independence. These endeavors reflect CSC's commitment to ensuring the best possible future for these young individuals, preparing them to navigate the challenges of adulthood confidently.

Throughout CSC's history, it has primarily focused on preparing children for adoption. However, as the number of older kids who can't be adopted has grown, the programming has evolved. They are now concentrating on providing residents with practical life skills, including vocational training, household tasks, financial management, and social skills. These skills are crucial for their transition into independent adult lives.

The increased number of older residents at the shelter is due to several factors. Adoption dynamics have shifted, with fewer international adoptions of older children. The pandemic caused adoption delays, and some children aged out of adoption eligibility. Meanwhile, fewer shelters in the Philippines accommodate older kids. CSC's mission and the support of our community have enabled us to offer these children a safe haven.

The expanded program, under the guidance of Eunice Guinanoy, Program Director, is tailored to enhance independence, self-worth, and a sustainable future for these residents. This program simulates independent living, encompassing education, medical care, mentoring, and more. It's designed to empower them to make informed decisions and handle the challenges that come with adulthood.

However, CSC recognizes that housing plays a critical role in fostering independence. Hence, we're proud to announce the ambitious new residence project. This facility, situated on a prime property, will feature a blend of dorm-style and apartment-style living arrangements. With a focus on academic success, CSC is ensuring access to strong internet connectivity, adequate study spaces, and opportunities for educational advancement.

This innovative building will not only provide housing but also spaces for group interactions, on-site medical care, therapy services, and more. Roberto Atienza, Field Director, highlights our commitment to nurturing potential and instilling hope in these young adults, preparing them for a promising future.

None of this can become reality without your support. To make the new residence a success, CSC needs to raise approximately $600,000 (USD). Your contribution will directly impact the lives of these residents, enabling them to thrive beyond the confines of our shelter.

We invite you to join us on this journey. Through prayer and financial assistance, you can help us shape a brighter future for these children and young adults. We're immensely grateful for your unwavering support as we work towards this vital endeavor. Together, let's make a lasting impact on their lives and empower them to build meaningful, independent futures.

If you have any questions or want more info, contact CSC President, Kirby Stoll (kirby.stoll@cscshelter.org). 

Update Pictures: