White Cross : A Work of Love

"We have assumed an undertaking which is indeed superior to our strength. We were brave because to a great extent we were ignorant to the magnitude of our undertaking. But this is the work of God. We may not succeed, but White Cross cannot fail."

These were the words of Mrs. Victoria Lopez de Araneta, founder and president of White Cross, on the Formal Inauguration of the institution on September 10, 1938.

And more than half a century today, these words will vibrate in the hearts and minds of the people who selflessly shared their time and resources in this enormous but noble undertaking.

Conceived as a child welfare institution catering to the children of parents with tuberculosis, White Cross has now blossomed through the years. The humble efforts of a group of civic minded citizens and the undying dedication of the Daughters of Charity are now implanted in the lives of thousands. The continuous growth and increasing number of beneficiaries are living testimonies to all of these.

As it was in the early beginnings, the undertaking still remain superior.

As it was with the forerunners of White Cross, the people behind it now, both religious and laity alike, possess courage and determination, not much out of ignorance, but because it is a work of love.

And today we see this work of God in a child taken care of, a baby being fed, a poor family given hope.

And we say, "They did not fail."

And because of this, White Cross lives on.

White Cross : Bridging the Gap Between the Rich and the Poor.

When White Cross was established, foremost in the minds of its founders was an institution which will help bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. To make this dream possible, they helped those who were in great need during those times - the children of tubercular patients.

Today, after more than 50 years of arduous work and unceasing dedication, White Cross has now become a multi-faceted organization. Thanks to the generous support of hundreds of benefactors who have seen them through the years.

1. Education, Values Formation and Skills Training Program
   
   A program for parents of children in White Cross. This program aims to help beneficiaries develop themselves in their day to day lives. Furthermore, it sees to it that the parents will find employment and thus, be able to take back their children and provide them with the love and car that only parents can give.
   
   Included in this program is the establishment of Sta. Luisa Multi-Purpose Cooperative. This project enables the members to become self reliant and to become active partners in our country's development.
   
   
2. Programs for the Five Depressed Communities Around White Cross
   
   For the residents of the nearby communities, White Cross provides them with activities that enhance growth as individuals and as members of the society. For parents and adult population, education and spiritual enrichment is given to achieve better quality of life. It includes literacy classes and skills training. The out-of-school youth and adult illiterates undergo education using a new and effective learning tool. This program prepares them for the PEPT tests for further studies or better job placements. The children of the community are treated with weekly visitation to White Cross where in they are allowed to play in the spacious playground. They are also encouraged to join choir practices and Story-Telling sessions. For the very, very young children, a 8-hour Day Care Center is open for them. Here, they are supplied with free supplementary feeding programs in addition to the learning imparted to them through Learning Games.
   
   
3. Visita Domicillaria
   
   People of the communities and employees of the institution join in prayer through this program. In a cycle of 30 days, a statue of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is carried in turn from one family to another. Everyday, each family prays for special intentions together with their own. Once a month, the members gather together in White Cross for a meeting and Formation Session.
   
4. Health Education
   
   A medical mission is conducted every first Sunday of the month. Spearheading this activity is the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Cardinal Santos Memorial Hospital also provides volunteers once a month to attend to the medical needs of the children in the surrounding communities. Another component of this program is the supplementary feeding of malnourished children which is conducted on weekdays. This is done at the Kindergarten and Day Care Center.

White Cross Children's Home

When this institution was opened in 1937, its service was directed to the children of tuberculosis patients. Today, White Cross welcomes to its fold children of poor unwed mothers, of physically incapacitated parents, of prisoners, of victims of rape or incest. White Cross provides temporary haven for these children.

VISION-MISSION:

Holistic Human and Christian Development of its Clients. The uplifting of the quality of life of the low income individuals, families and communities.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To provide a temporary home and custodial care to minor children, ages 0-6 years, of indigent families, single parents or those who are abandoned.
2. To assist low income families in organizing and mobilizing themselves toward self-reliance.
3. To provide educational programs and other activities designed to enhance personal and interpersonal relationships, and holistic development.
4. To facilitate the acquisition of skills, leading to the implementation of income-generating projects and economic advancement.
5. To look after the spiritual development of the clients and their communities.
6. To network with government and non-government organizations and agencies in the delivery of programs and services.

TARGET CLIENTELE:
Children, ages 0-6 years, of indigent families, unwed mothers, victims of rape or incest, prisoners, physically or mentally incapacitated parents, tuberculosis patients or those of unknown parents.

Residents of Purok Narciso, Rodriguez, Madrigal, SPAC and Paltok of Brgy. Corazon de Jesus in the vicinity of White Cross Children's Home.

"...White Cross is something more than a mere crusading unit in the present national fight against the white plague. It is the response to the inner and subtle call of God that we make our life richer in good deeds; it is the expression of our sincere desire as humble citizens to help in the building of a new, happy and strong nation; it is the call to the more fortunate elements of this country to have a better understanding of the problems of the laboring class..." (excerpt from the speech delivered by Mrs. Victoria Lopez de Araneta on the Formal Inauguration of White Cross on September 10, 1938)

Be part of this undertaking and share in the goodness of God to the less fortunate of our society. White Cross welcomes donations in cash and in kind. There are other ways and means of helping like :

1. Sharing family celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, etc. by:
   a. giving White Cross children a treat
   b. sponsoring outings or free transportation
2. Providing scholarship to children
3. Sponsoring a child's care at White Cross
4. Volunteering for social interaction with children

Please send your donations to: White Cross, Inc. 276 Santolan Road, San Juan, Metro Manila or call 724-2145 or email whtcross@iconn.com.ph