NEWS FROM CEBU
Let the Little Children Come
“Naa mi bag-o nga baby!” squealed a little girl when she found out earlier this year that her CSC family was preparing to welcome a new addition.
Her gleeful message of “We’re getting a new baby!’’ rippled throughout her home, letting all who live there know that they were about to be blessed with a precious infant.
Throughout history, families have celebrated the impending arrival of a new child. The family of Children’s Shelter of Cebu is no different. And in 2025, this
scene unfolded more frequently than in recent years with five new children joining CSC, ranging from infants to schoolage children.
“Every
child who comes to CSC has come from a place of trauma, a story of trial and sadness.”
“It is always a joyful occasion in our homes whenever a new child or baby arrives,” says CSC Program Director Eunice Grace Saavedra Guinanoy. “It’s heartwarming to see the homes light up in celebration as everyone embraces each new child as part of the CSC family.”
While each child’s transition marks a difficult change in their young lives, CSC remains focused on providing safe and nurturing homes. To help them ease into their new surroundings, caregivers, teachers, and social workers help the children gradually settle into daily routines and form bonds with their peers and staff.
To provide for the unique needs of each child, CSC has been blessed to add additional staff. This work is only possible because of the partnership of our generous supporters.
“We are able to respond to God’s call to provide a safe haven for more of His children because of those who faithfully and sacrificially give to support
WHAT IS CSC? Not an Adoption Agency
When you tell others about Children’s Shelter of Cebu, do they ask, “Is CSC an adoption agency?”
It’s an understandably common question. We share photos of the child with new adoptive family members at the “welcome” sign at CSC. Staff rejoice and pray for the child as they embark on their new life. We inform our supporters about the number of CSC children adopted each year.
CSC is not an adoption agency. Our mission is to provide a Christ-centered, family-style home for children who would not otherwise have one. However, we do believe adoption is right for most of our residents.
“We advocate for adoption because we want others to do the same: open up their hearts and their families to a child who needs a loving home,” says CSC Executive Director Roberto Atienza.
Of the more than 1,000 children cared for since 1979, nearly 700 have been adopted. Some are legally reunited with birth family members, while others move on to independent living. A few with special needs will call CSC home for the rest of their lives.
THE CHANGING ADOPTION LANDSCAPE
Adoption is less common today than when CSC began. More stringent international and national laws were created to better protect children, resulting in fewer adoptions to families in the Philippines, the U.S., and across the world.
Today, we care for 17 young adults for whom adoption is no longer an option but who still need a loving environment in which to develop into adulthood.
IF CSC IS A CHILD CARE AGENCY, IS IT AN ORPHANAGE?
While CSC is referred to as an “orphanage,’’ Atienza says that CSC is “moving away” from the term. Orphanages are nearly nonexistent in most developed countries today. An “orphan” is a child whose parents (one or both) are deceased. Only about half of CSC residents are orphans. Half of them have either one or both living parents who are either unable or unwilling to care for the children.
CSC PARTNERS WITH ALTERNATIVE CHILD CARE AGENCIES, NOT ADOPTION AGENCIES
CSC does not work directly with adoption agencies. Instead, we work closely with
Continuum of Care
alternative child care agencies, which provide a broader scope to accommodate the varied needs of children.
We partner with the Regional Child Care Offices (RACCO), a branch of the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) of the Philippine government. These offices oversee and process alternative child care, including temporary and permanent solutions like adoption.
CSC IS NOT A CHILD PLACEMENT AGENCY
While CSC can recommend where a child is placed, it has no legal authority in the decision. Our partner, NACC, works alongside Child Placement Agencies (CPAs) to place the child. Prospective adoptive parents can hire CPAs to assist with the adoption process.
As the adoption landscape evolves, CSC remains focused on what God calls us to do: provide a Christ-centered home for our residents, preparing them for the next chapter of their lives.
“It’s difficult to say goodbye,’’ says Atienza. “But it’s designed to be that way. We want that child to take away the love of Jesus to their new family and begin new, trusted relationships that will last a lifetime.” ■
From the Desk of the PRESIDENT & CEO
THIS YEAR’S “LEGACY” THEME has opened up conversations with many of you about what Legacy means. To me, Legacy means focusing on what is truly meaningful in life. Jesus taught, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Where is your treasure? For us at CSC, our treasure is the children at the shelter, those who care for them, and their families. In this issue, you’ll read about our near-record admissions of “treasures” to the shelter. You’ll also read how 17 of our young adult residents are navigating their new home in Hope House along with work and high school or college studies. Many of you have prayed for and supported this project. THANK YOU!
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. — Matthew 6:21
We also try to address here a common question we get all the time: “Is CSC an adoption agency?” I encourage you to read these stories as we address this question and provide clarity about CSC’s role in the adoption process in the Philippines.
In this issue, you’ll also find a listing of special projects that could serve as meaningful gifts this holiday season. You’ll see on page five how to get involved with one giving option: sponsoring a day of school at Cebu Children of Hope School. Find out more about this and other giving opportunities at cebushelter.org/donate.
We also recognize some of our supporting churches in this issue. Through church and individual gifts, CSC receives more than 40 percent of its annual funding in the last two months of the year. We trust God to provide for our needs. We ask you to join us in supporting CSC this year through your prayers and generosity.
With Gratitude for YOU,
Kirby Stoll President/CEO
Hope House young adults gaining skills and confidence
HOPE HOUSE Residents Thriving
OUR YOUNG ADULTS are finding their rhythm and growing increasingly comfortable within the walls of Hope House, our new independent and semi-independent living residence.
After nearly five months since moving into the beautiful new space, residents are gradually turning this house into a home. Initially the sheer size of the home felt overwhelming.
“The rooms were bigger, the hallways quieter, and everything seemed unfamiliar,” says CSC Home Life Program Director Jinkee Reasoner.
“But as the weeks went by, the once-empty spaces began to fill with laughter, chatter, and the comforting signs of daily life.”
Most days, you’ll find the residents gathered in the living area — the heart of the home. It’s where they attend online classes, do homework, and brainstorm on school projects. The living room, once just a space, has become a shared story, alive with music, energy, and friendship.
The camaraderie often continues upstairs, in the kitchen, where conversations flow while some are cooking or during shared mealtimes.
Everyone contributes to the household through scheduled chores and shared responsibilities. This simple daily routine has helped them adjust and create a harmonious living environment — a simple practice that builds responsibility and unity.
The spaciousness of Hope House gives residents room to welcome classmates for group projects or practice sessions, making studying and collaborating more convenient. For the staff, the open layout also makes it easier to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
Reasoner says the residents often express their gratitude for being able to live in Hope House.
“They know that this is a special gift to help them prepare for life on their own,” says Reasoner. ■
Faith in Action Get Involved with CSC
OUR SUPPORTING CHURCHES play a powerful role in caring for the children and young adults whom God has entrusted to us. Some have a long history of CSC support or are the home to CSC adoptive families. We love to visit our churches to provide face-to-face updates and thank their congregations in person for their wonderful partnership.
This fall, President Kirby Stoll did just that. He road-tripped to First Baptist Church in Cambridge and Warroad Baptist, and later to Kulm Baptist Church in the shimmering wheat fields of North Dakota. During these visits, he shared about the importance of legacy and provided ministry updates.
Additionally, Executive Director Roberto Atienza and his wife, Heather, visited the congregations at First Baptist Two Harbors (Two Harbors, MN), Cityview (Minneapolis, MN), and a few more in
Iowa and Montana this fall while in the U.S. on home assignment.
Will your church be next on our list to visit or get involved? Here are a few ways churches like yours can engage with CSC:
Pray as a church that God would bless the children and young adults in our care
Invite a CSC team member to visit your church or missions conference
Donate through child or school-day sponsorship or take a special year-end offering
Contact Suzanne Yonker, Stewardship Manager, at suzanne.yonker@cscshelter. org, or Kirby Stoll, at kirby. stoll@cscshelter.org, to learn more about these options and get started.
Day of Hope School Sponsorship
If you step into a classroom at Cebu Children of Hope School (CCHS), you would see teachers passionately instructing and guiding students. You would observe spirited conversations among students and their teacher. You would hear recitations, songs, and laughter. You would feel the energy and excitement and perceive the awe and wonder that occurs daily within the walls of CCHS. All this can’t happen without our generous supporters who care deeply about Christ-centered education. Thank you for helping us continue to prepare CSC children for the lives that God intended for them.
Would you please consider giving $475 toward supporting one day of school for CSC children? This amount is directly tied to the classroom instruction our teachers provide.
How it works:
• Visit the CCHS school calendar on our website and select a day of school to sponsor.
• You may choose to dedicate the day to a loved one (think birthdays, anniversaries, etc.) or an organization, but this is not required. You can even contribute anonymously.
• Once your selected day is approved and information sent to our CCHS staff, you will be notified.
What you receive:
• A certificate displaying either the name of the individual or organization you wish to honor, your name, or “Anonymous.”
• A photo of students holding the certificate can be sent either by mail or email.
• Recognition on our website home page carousel for the day letting visitors know that you (or your honored individual or organization) sponsored this school day at CCHS.
It costs $715* to run CCHS for one day (based on 210 days of instruction per year). Here are some of the budget categories that are covered by your gifts:
• Teacher wages and benefits
• Curriculum and instructional materials
• Computer supplies
• Internet service
• Building maintenance, landscaping
• Electricity, water, heating, cooling, trash service
• Accounting services
• Meals, snacks
• Furniture
• Consumables (paper towels, toilet paper, soap)
• Janitorial service
• Insurance
• School photos, rewards, awards, and recognitions
*2025 actual expenses
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
JANE ANDRADE
If you’ve ever walked into the CSC office in Cebu and felt an instant boost of positivity, you’ve probably crossed paths with Jane Mary Andrade, one of our dedicated social workers. In a place wrought with daily challenges caring for a wide spectrum of residents of different ages and abilities, the light that Jane brings blesses all who connect with her every day. Her work leading, counseling, and guiding the 17 young adults at our new Hope House is no easy task. It takes a delicate balance between gentleness and
toughness in this independent and semi-independent living home.
“It’s her willingness to go the extra mile that coworkers and residents like most about her.“
“Jane’s easy-going, fun-loving personality mixed with her willingness to have those tough conversations makes her the perfect fit for our Hope House residents,’’ says Roberto Atienza, CSC Executive Director. “She doesn’t shy away from hard situations.”
She brought a great deal of youth work experience when she joined CSC four years ago. Program Director Eunice Grace Saavedra Guinanoy says that Jane is kind of like an “older sister” to the young adults at Hope House.
“Jane strikes that perfect balance between being professional yet approachable, like an older sister who listens, guides, and cheers them on,” says Guinanoy.
It’s her willingness to go the extra mile that coworkers and residents like most about her. They recall when she came in on her day off to take a group of young adults to vote for the first time in a Filipino election. She wanted to be there to experience that moment with them.
“Whether she’s handling a challenging case, helping a resident navigate emotions, or simply sharing a smile, Jane does it all with heart,” says Guinanoy. ■
LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME continued from cover this life-changing work,” says Kirby Stoll, CSC President & CEO.
These new placements were also made possible, in part, through the expansion of CSC’s network in Cebu and beyond. Executive Director Roberto Atienza continues to seek out and nurture reciprocal relationships with key government agencies, including government hospitals, child-caring agencies, and local government units. These partnerships provide the means
to reach more Filipino children in need.
Atienza prays that, one day, CSC will become obsolete. But, for now, he is grateful for the resources to care for the children who come to us.
“Every child who comes to CSC has come from a place of trauma, a story of trial and sadness,” he says. “While we desire that no child would need what we provide, we are so
thankful when the Lord, through our partnerships, connects us with another life that needs the love of a Christ-centered home and family.” ■
Will you join CSC in caring for God’s children?
Donate today at cebushelter.org/donate/give
From the Desk of the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
— Isaiah 40:8
At the time of my writing this, our family is wrapping up our Home Assignment. As part of our role at CSC, our family returns to the United States at regular intervals to provide CSC updates to churches, friends, family, and supporters … all of the wonderful men and women of God who encourage us, empower us, and cheer us on as we serve the Lord.
Each of these Home Assignments typically lasts six weeks, feels like a blur, and is different every time. This year’s assignment was during the late summer and early fall. While we traveled from church to church, we had the blessing of seeing the leaves change color from green to brilliant shades of orange and red.
Experiencing the change of colors and temperatures I couldn’t help but reflect on past Home Assignments. Each of the six years since we moved to Cebu is marked in my memory with its own joys, sorrows, trials, and triumphs. From the pandemic, to typhoons, to earthquakes—to seeing CSC kids that were once at the Cebu Children of Hope School now attending college— we can’t believe how much has changed and how much God has done.
“We can’t believe how much has changed and how much God has done.“
My own family is also changing with the seasons. My wife and I moved to the Philippines with four kids in tow, found our way, and settled in. We have since celebrated graduations and a wedding. Our family looks different now with two young adults in college and a wonderful daughter-in-law. Again, we can’t believe how much has changed and how much God has done.
During this latest Home Assignment, I shared that God and His promises have remained steadfast throughout all of these changes, especially the unexpected challenges of preparing CSC’s young adults for independent living and caring for an aging resident population.
I am grateful to all of you who made this year’s Home Assignment an incredible blessing. Thank you for being a part of the CSC family and for your continued support in changing lives.
Sincerely,
REQUESTS PRAISES & PRAYER
PRAISE REPORTS
We invite you to join us in giving thanks and praising God for:
• Protecting our children and staff from harm during the recent earthquakes in the northern part of the island of Cebu.
“We love to visit our churches … “
• The smooth transition of our newest residents into their homes and schools as they begin their journey of healing, learning, and making new friends.
• Guiding us as we successfully transferred our young adults into Hope House.
• Our recent certification granted by the Philippines National Authority for Child Care!
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please join us in praying for:
• Continued good health for all our residents and protection from any illnesses that may come our way.
• Wisdom and strength for the staff as they support our older residents in Hope House through any challenges that arise during their growth toward independence.
• A strong response from our supporters as we close in on the last month of our financial year.
Roberto Atienza Executive Director
P.O. Box 247
Cambridge, MN 55008
Phone: 651.493.1551
Email: usoffice@cebushelter.org www.cebushelter.org
NEWS FROM CEBU
Fall 2025 | Volume 47 | Issue 3
NEWS FROM CEBU is published three times annually by Children’s Shelter of Cebu, a nonprofit, Christian organization dedicated to providing for the needs of homeless children in Cebu, Philippines.
Cebu Address: Box 178, Cebu City 6000 Philippines
Cebu Children’s Shelter Society of Canada: P.O. Box 141 Abbotsford, BC V2T 6Z5
Are you looking for a fun way to give to CSC that will be put straight into action? Consider giving a gift from our Amazon Wish List at: cebushelter.org/donate
Here are few ideas:
• Bicycle helmets
• Teen Vitamins
• Art caddy
• Play-Doh
• Trampoline BLESS CSC WITH A GIFT FROM AMAZON!
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2025 – 7:00PM CST
You’re invited to a special live event on Giving Tuesday direct from CSC! President & CEO Kirby Stoll and Executive Director Roberto Atienza will share updates live from Cebu Children of Hope School. You’ll also hear from CSC residents and staff and have the chance to ask questions. We hope you’ll join us!
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 842 7545 2674 Passcode: 243952
Give securely online now cebushelter.org/donate/give