NEWS FROM CEBU
We invite you to learn more in this and coming issues of News From Cebu as we shine a light on education at CSC—where every child, regardless of ability, is given the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. With 50% of our residents having special needs, individualized plans guide each child from toddlerhood through adulthood toward the life God has intended for them. Thank you for making this life-changing education possible.
More Than Classrooms
CSC Education Transforms Hardship into Hope
“Hmmm…now, is that a ‘b’ or a ‘d’? A ‘p’ or a ‘q’?”
Like many elementary school students, Kylie Slavik struggled with reading and writing. When she began to show signs of dyslexia, her teacher at Cebu Children of Hope School (CCHS) didn’t waste time.
The teacher began a structured, one-year literacy program that provided the early intervention needed to help Kylie read and write at grade level.
By the time she was adopted from CSC at age 11 in 2018, she had gained the tools needed for academic success. Today, the high school student and her twin sister Kaye are planning college tours with their adoptive parents, Debbie and Jon Slavik of Wisconsin.
“Kylie has a 4.0,” says Debbie. “She’s come so far. It’s amazing that [CCHS] can provide oneon-one instruction with so many students. I don’t know how they make it work!”
“We meet children where they are.”
— Cris Tabra, CCHS Principal
Today, CCHS remains the first building block in CSC’s Christ-centered, life-changing education program that serves all residents, fifty percent of whom have special needs. The ministry’s multi-disciplinary team works together to guide residents through to junior and senior high school and into college or vocational training, walking alongside them every step of the way.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM CSC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GREETINGS,
The Board of Children’s Shelter of Cebu (CSC) announces that Kirby Stoll stepped down from his role as President & CEO, effective May 23.
For the past five and half years, Kirby has led CSC with dedication to our mission and care for our residents and the staff who serve in Cebu, Philippines. Under his leadership, CSC has continued its mission of caring for vulnerable children and young adults. During this time, the organization expanded services for residents transitioning into adulthood, including the development of Hope for Youth Transitional House (Hope House), a transitional living facility designed to support young adults as they move toward independent living.
Over the past couple of months, through a time of discernment, Kirby concluded that his leadership gifts no longer align with the needs of CSC and informed the Board of his intent to step down. We are grateful for his years of service and wish him well as he pursues what’s next for him and his family.
As CSC enters a new season, the Board is actively evaluating the leadership needs of the organization and preparing for the process of identifying future leadership. Throughout this transition, CSC remains supported by experienced and committed leaders in both the Philippines and the United States who will continue overseeing the ministry and daily operations of the Shelter.
Our focus remains firmly on the children and young adults entrusted to our care, as well as the long-term health, accountability, and mission of the organization. We are committed to moving forward thoughtfully and responsibly as we plan for CSC’s future.
We ask for your prayers for wisdom and discernment for the Board and staff during this transition. We are deeply grateful for your faithful support and partnership in serving the residents of CSC and helping provide hope, stability, education, and care for the children of Cebu.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the US office at usoffice@cscshelter.org.
Blessings,
Joel Lawrence Chairman of the Board Children’s
Shelter of Cebu
MORE THAN CLASSROOMS continued from cover
“We meet children where they are,” says CCHS Principal Cris Tabra, who says her classrooms are “very inclusive,” dedicated to making each student feel part of the greater whole, despite learning differences.
Education Provided for CSC residents:
• Toddler – 4
• Preschool – 3
• Kindergarten – 1
• Non Graded – 2
• Elementary – 12
• Junior high (gr. 7-10) – 12
• High school (gr. 11-12) – 9
• University – 9
• Vocational training – 2
• Work – 2
Teaching children who have experienced trauma, as has every CSC resident, is a challenge for any teacher. But working with students who carry the additional burden of special needs requires an even higher level of skill and patience. The work is hard but rewarding, say CSC education staff, like Jo Dyan Pinote, CSC’s Special Education (SPED) therapist, who finds joy in watching her clients succeed. She serves 26 CSC residents who struggle with one or more diagnoses, including speech disorders, autism, ADHD, and cerebral palsy.
Her method of instruction centers on identifying one strength at which the special needs client excels. She says from there, skills and confidence begin to blossom.
MAKE A NOTICEABLE IMPACT Consider Giving to a Special Project
CSC takes seriously its approach to funding ministry operations each and every year. For 2026, an operating budget of just over $2.4 million has been approved by our board of directors, with more than 80% committed to going directly to benefit our residents. We are so grateful for how God continues to provide for our ministry needs from each and every one of our supporters.
Education costs at CSC in 2026 amount to 13% of the total budget. That includes everything it takes to operate Cebu Children of Hope School as well as send CSC kids and young adults on to high school, universities, and alternative educational pathways.
If education is close to your heart, consider giving through our Day of Hope School Sponsorship Program—where a gift of $475 goes toward an entire day at Cebu Children of Hope School (CCHS). You’ll receive a personalized certificate in your name or in honor of a loved one, making it a beautiful way to celebrate or remember someone special while changing a child’s life.
Below are examples of how your gifts help to educate every child at CSC.
$175,000
See the real, tangible impact of your generosity by donating to other CSC’s Special Projects. By focusing on specific needs, you can directly support meaningful experiences and essential care for CSC residents. From Education and Medical needs to Family Traditions like birthday celebrations, outings, holidays, and summer activities, each opportunity makes a lasting difference.
MEDICAL $116,794
(covers expenses, including doctor visits, immunizations, hospital stays, etc.)
FAMILY TRADITIONS $56,517
(covers expenses, including birthday parties, family outings, Christmas gifts, etc.)
PRAISES & PRAYER
REQUESTS
PRAISE REPORTS
• We are grateful for the renewal of our Certificate of Registration and License to Operate from the Department of Social Welfare and Development of the Philippines. This renewal affirms our commitment to excellence in serving children. We pray that this opportunity will enable us to welcome and support even more children in our homes, as we continue to uphold the highest standards in our programs.
• We thank God for blessing us with new employees in Cebu, including our new Communications Specialist, Pauline. May the Lord guide her and grant her strength as she uses her talents and skills to capture meaningful photos and videos and to gather the children’s stories to share with the world.
PRAYER REQUESTS
• Please join us in praying for the upcoming operation of one of our residents as she undergoes strabismus repair. This procedure will correct the misalignment of her eyes and help restore and improve her vision.
• We humbly ask for your prayers as we seek partner schools that can support the smooth and appropriate transition of our children with special needs into learning environments where they can thrive.
Day of Hope School Sponsorship
In 1997, it became clear that the children at CSC needed a school of their own. Public schools, with their large class sizes, were not equipped to meet the unique needs and challenges of our CSC children. Some were getting lost in the shuffle, their needs going unmet. Transportation was also a challenge, as residents’ schools were spread across multiple locations.
It was time to build our own school.
God provided the funds to build a new school on land CSC had already purchased, and the doors of Cebu Children of Hope School (CCHS) opened in 1998. Since then, gifts from our supporters have faithfully sustained day-to-day operations.
Our Day of Hope sponsorships offer a meaningful way for people like you to support the school. A gift of $475 goes toward one full day of operating expenses, providing personalized instruction and educational materials for our toddler–sixth-grade students.
When you sponsor a day of school, you’ll be recognized on a banner on our ministry’s website and receive a photo of CCHS students holding a certificate of recognition. You may dedicate your sponsorship in memory of a loved one, in honor of someone special, or give anonymously.
Certificates are sent to donors and honorees
For Pat and Ginger Larson, sponsoring two Days of Hope each year has become a way to keep the memory of their daughter Brooklyn alive and to honor their daughter Caty.
“Our Brooklyn died at age 11, nine years ago,” says Ginger. “It’s always hard to figure out what we should do on her birthdays. I think one year I noticed on the CSC website that one could sponsor a day of school. We thought that would be perfect to do on Brooklyn’s birthday. She would love it. So we do it every year now.”
Your Day of Hope sponsorship will make a lasting impact, helping provide quality education to our CSC children as they heal and work toward a successful future.
It’s easy to sign up. Visit cebushelter.org/hope to choose your day and complete your sponsorship.
Faith in Action:
Three Decades of Partnership with First Baptist Church in Cambridge, MN
Many churches have come alongside CSC since its earliest years. One prominent example of a legacy church is First Baptist, which began supporting the ministry in the early 1990s by offering volunteers to assist with CSC mailings and faithful financial support that is still going strong.
Many families in the church have also adopted children from CSC and other places since the late 1980s. According to Dr. Paul Sanders, Volunteer Pastor of Senior Care Ministry, at one time approximately 17 children adopted from CSC representing several families attended the church.
“Caring for…others in need is central to what followers of Christ are called to do.”
Adoption of children who lived at CSC has helped church members grow in their awareness of both local and global needs. It is also a clear act
of obedience to God, believes Dan DeRushia, Associate Pastor of Spiritual Formation and CSCadoptive parent. “There is no way to read Scripture and not see that caring for…others in need is central to what followers of Christ are called to do,” he says.
How can YOUR church engage more deeply with CSC?
• Pray that God would bless the children and other residents in our care
• Invite a CSC team member to visit your church or attend a missions conference
• Sponsor a child or Day of Hope for Cebu Children of Hope School
Contact Suzanne Yonker, Stewardship Manager, at suzanne.yonker@cscshelter.org to get started.
DAILY BREAD & BLESSINGS
When Marlys Healy, founder of Children’s Shelter of Cebu, found a recipe for ribs in a Central Baptist Church cookbook more than 30 years ago, she decided to take it to Cebu to make the rich, savory dish for the residents, staff, and visitors.
Today, “Marlys’s Ribs” are still in high demand. They are, indeed. “All the houses were making them for birthday parties,” says Marlys, “So I guess they still are!”
CSC staff members from Minnesota recently had the honor of being dinner guests of Uncle Tarex, housedad at Cherne Home. Although we will likely be unable to duplicate the savory meal, we can try. We had to ask for the recipe and share it with our CSC family.
Though there are variations*, here’s the original famous recipe:
Marlys’s Ribs
INGREDIENTS:
1 c white onions (diced)
1 T vinegar
2 T Worcestershire sauce
1 t salt
½ t black pepper (coarse ground is good)
1 t paprika
INSTRUCTIONS:
1 t cayenne pepper
½ t chili powder
¾ cup ketchup
¾ cup water
¼ cup brown sugar
2-3 lbs baby back pork ribs
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix spices in a small bowl. Blend liquid ingredients and brown sugar. Mix everything together, then add onions. Place ribs in a cake pan. Pour sauce over ribs. Cover with foil and bake for one hour. Remove foil and bake another 20-30 minutes until the meat is tender. Sometimes I put it in the microwave to finish the ribs. If the sauce doesn’t thicken well, mix 1 T of cornstarch with 1 T of the sauce and stir until smooth. Bake for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and meat is tender.
VARIATIONS: Add garlic or vinegar. For a less spicy version, don’t add the cayenne pepper.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
JO DYAN PINOTE
It’s dinnertime in Cebu, and this fast food restaurant is teeming with hungry workers and busy families digging into their containers of fried chicken, palabok, or spaghetti–an unlikely setting for classroom instruction. But that’s exactly where CSC’s Special Education (SPED) Therapist Jo Dyan Pinote carried out a lesson for a struggling second grader from Cebu Children of Hope School (CCHS).
“He feared new people,’’ says Dyan (her preferred name), who serves 26 CSC residents with special needs. Her goal? To gradually expose the boy to different environments so he could experience social interactions and become comfortable with unfamiliar places and faces. It was a matter of trust, much of which has been eroded for CSC residents by past trauma.
This wasn’t the first time Dyan stepped out of the prescribed educational box to help her special education students grow and learn. In her two years at CSC, Dyan has demonstrated remarkable creativity and skill in helping residents grow and improve in many aspects of their lives.
MORE THAN CLASSROOMS continued from page 2
“I have fun with them,’’ says Dyan. “They have very imaginative minds!”
Once students graduate from CCHS, they continue on to one of the two local junior high schools (grades 7-10) and then onto an area high school (grades 11 & 12). CSC Youth Educator Jehdeiah “Jehd” Enriquez guides the young adults as they navigate school and activities.
Jehd says it’s thrilling to see the fruit of her work.
“Dyan has been a wonderful blessing to the Therapy Department,’’ says CSC Program Director Eunice Saavedra Guinanoy. “She has taken great care in helping find the right schools and institutions for the placement of our children … and patiently guides the children in learning how to read, celebrating small victories and encouraging their confidence.”
Dyan loves finding different approaches to teaching. She created a dinosaur alphabet for a child who lacked retention skills. It worked! For a group of toddlers who were afraid of sand, she organized a beach trip where she slowly introduced fun, sensory play.
“They keep asking me, ‘When can we go to the beach again?’’’ she laughs.
“In her two years at CSC, Dyan has demonstrated remarkable creativity and skill in helping residents grow and improve in many aspects of their lives.“
— Eunice Saavedra Guinanoy, CSC Program Director
On the last visit to the fast food restaurant, the second grader had his first-ever social interaction in a public place. He “successfully asked for a glass of water,” recalls Dyan.
“He was ecstatic and elated,” she says. “He was so proud of himself.” ■
One young man came to CSC as a child, lost and bewildered. Today he is excelling in school and thriving in life.
“I’ve been so happy to see his growth. He was roaming around. Now he is a consistent honor roll student!” says Jehdeiah, wiping a tear.
CSC staff work closely with students to help them choose a “track” or academic pathway for high school. Possible tracks include the Filipino version
from page 6
of STEM (Science, Engineering, Medical Science), Business and Management, and Technology.
50% of CSC residents in shelter have special needs:
• Speech Disorders – 5
• ADHD – 6
• Autism – 6
• Cerebral Palsy – 6
The final step is to guide residents into either college, vocational training, or work.
CSC’s Executive Director Roberto Atienza, is grateful for his staff, who are devoted to creating and implementing individualized, holistic plans for each resident so they can prepare for the life that God has planned for them.
“Beyond language, math, and science, we strive to instill critical thinking, creativity, resilience, and a view of the world that is not confined to circumstance but filled with opportunity, viewed from curious and hopeful eyes,’’ he says.
Back in Wisconsin as her own children now prepare for their next educational step, Debbie Slavik thinks back to the educational support her daughters received at CCHS.
“They learned a lot of good things there,” she says. “The teachers there really cared and loved those kids like they were their own.” ■
From the Desk of the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Education at CSC is far more than grades, certificates, and diplomas. It is a lifelong journey of empowerment that begins even before children walk through our green gates.
As cliché as it may sound, the educational aspect of what we seek to provide our kids at CSC will turn mirrors into windows. It involves instilling confidence, dignity, and self-worth with an education that empowers just as much as it equips.
We do this by meeting all our kids and students at their point of need. The enthusiastic and skilled teachers of the Cebu Children of Hope School (CCHS), serving under our outstanding Principal, Criselda Tabra, along with our Youth Educator, Jehdeiah Enriquez, and our Special Needs Therapist, Jo Dyan Pinote, work together to help our children grow and thrive.
All of this sounds great on paper, but to view it in person and see it in practice is beyond words. I have had the pleasure of watching our children grow and thrive since arriving in 2019.
• I’ve witnessed a young boy, previously fighting for his life on the streets of Cebu, where he looked for scraps to eat or recycle at the local dumpsite, grow to be elected class president, become captain of the basketball team, and graduate with honors.
• I’ve seen a girl, struggling with a speech impediment and having difficulties with reading, now surpassing her peers in English reading comprehension and walking with all the confidence that you’d want to see in a young high schooler.
• I’ve observed children struggling with echolalia, and others yet who suffered from selective mutism, lovingly empowered, encouraged, and aided with special interventions to find themselves not only speaking to their friends and teachers, but performing in school plays in front of an auditorium full of guests.
I love the children of CSC, and I love that our wonderful supporters all over the world—supporters like you—enable us to build an educational foundation for our children that strengthens individuals in more ways than we can know.
Sincerely,
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
Spring 2026 | Volume 48 | Issue 1
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
CSC Global Zoom Conversation
A live Zoom conversation from Cebu with Executive Director Roberto Atienza and special guests took place on March 24. Attendees heard firsthand about education in the Philippines, what sets Cebu Children of Hope School apart, and how the Filipino college system serves Hope House residents. We had a great time learning more about Filipino education— and hearing the roosters crow 10,000 miles away!
Visit the Children’s Shelter of Cebu YouTube channel and search CSC Global Zoom Conversation | March 24, 2026 to view the event.