MARLYN’S GRATITUDE CATCHES ON

“Chalice doesn’t stop merely by providing aid through finances. It also makes sure that the families are vested in securing their future.”

Samar site director Maricel has seen these again and again through the families supported by Chalice. One of these treasured stories comes from Marlyn, a mother of ten - four of whom are sponsored.

"She is an active member of her Chalice family circle, [but] being a mother of 10 children is very challenging,” the site staff write. Her husband and her two eldest sons are skilled carpenters, but work by projects and do not have steady incomes.

Marlyn spends her time fulfilling her role as a dedicated mother. “A mother plays many roles throughout her child’s life as a caregiver, health care provider, child’s teacher, financial planner, and emotional nurturer,” the staff observe.

Recently, Marlyn had been in and out of the hospital with poor health. But her family’s surprising response was gratitude!

"The family just felt so lucky to be part of the Chalice sponsorship program,” explains the site staff, "because they have learned to manage their children’s [sponsorship funds] well, they now dare to rush her to the hospital." Before, the family, like many others, would have shied away from the hospitals, opting for traditional healers.

"Marlyn is feeling a lot better now, thanks to Chalice,” the site staff report.

“This is one of the many wonderful blessings brought by Chalice into the lives of the families here in the Province of Northern Samar,” they expand. “Chalice doesn’t stop merely by providing aid through finances. It also makes sure that the families are vested in securing their future.”

Through the family circles, Chalice staff train the families to properly use and manage their financial resources, with the goal of long-term sustainability and the overall improvement of the family’s circumstances.