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Talitha Koum: Helping Sexually Abused Children Rise Up

Worldwide lockdowns due to COVID-19 have led to a devastating spike in child abuse cases. 

According to data from the Philippines Department of Justice and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, there was a 265% increase in the number of online child sexual exploitation cases compared to the same time period in 2019.

The situation in the Philippines was already desperate, as an estimated 8 in 10 Filipino children experience sexual or physical abuse in their lifetime. Now, many more are caught up in cycles of abuse that they will not easily rise out of. 

BUT — Right now, The Sunflower Center is on the ground (and online) saving and restoring the dignity of these children.

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is confronted by one of the synagogue leaders, Jairus, who pleads with him to heal his daughter:  

“[Jesus] took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum!" (which means "Little girl, I say to you, arise!")” Mark 5:41.

We invite you to become the voice and hands of Jesus, stretching out your arms and calling for these children to arise.  

Give Healing Today

Baguio City in the Philippines
3 Children sitting in the Philippines

$110: The cost to help a child heal
from sexual abuse

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$110. That's how much it costs to sponsor all the counseling sessions needed to begin healing in a child's life.
 
On average, we find it takes 8-10 weekly sessions for a child to break out of the cycle of abuse and begin healing. 
 
Each year we provide psychotherapy and counseling sessions to help poor children across the Philippines recover from trauma due to sexual and physical abuse. Here’s how you can help:
 

$13.75

Sponsors 1 Counseling Session

 

$20

Covers 1 Day of Shelter for Abused Children

$55

Sponsors 1 Month of Counseling Sessions

 

$110

Sponsors All Counseling Sessions for 1 Child's Recovery


Support a Child

 

Our 100% Promise

When you give money, you are placing it directly into the hands of a child in need. Every penny you donate goes to support the project of your choice.

Children Impacted by Your Generosity

52

Children Found Healing From Physical & Sexual Abuse This Year

3,160

Adults & Children Helped Through The Sunflower Center

7

Children Currently Living In Our Halfway Home

Child Exploitation and COVID-19

According to the International Justice Mission, the number of cases of online child sexual abuse rose by 250% (23,000 to 81,000 cases) between 2014 and 2017. 

From March-May, during the height of the pandemic and lockdowns in the Philippines, the number of reported online abuse cases rose to 279,000 in just those three months.

Now, with continued isolation and an increase in the amount of time spent online, these children are even more vulnerable — unable to rise out of cycles of abuse and suffering.

The Sunflower Center has responded by offering more virtual therapy sessions and by raising awareness about the unimaginable pain so many children are facing. 

We need your help so these children can find freedom and healing.

I Want to Save a Child

the Philippines
IJM Data

Hear Jean's Story of Hope:

 

Where Your $110 Sponsorship Goes:

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Psychotherapy Intervention and Psychological Assessment

 At our Child and Youth Wellness Center, we offer counseling to children, adults, and their families to help them heal from traumatic experiences and support children so they can live healthy, full lives.
 

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Safe and Secure
Home For Healing

At the Sunflower Centennial Halfway Home for Boys, we offer a safe, nurturing, and loving home to 11 young boys who have been abandoned, neglected, orphaned, abused, and exploited.

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Advocacy For the Children of the Philippines

Through our Sunflower CYWC Advocacy Program, we campaign and collaborate with local government and community organizations for child protection and provide knowledge and skills-based training to help prevent abuse.

About the Sunflower Center

The Sunflower Center, a project of MercyWorks, is a ministry located in the Philippines dedicated to restoring hope to children and their families. As part of the Sunflower Center’s mission, the Child Youth and Wellness Center offers survivors of sexual and physical abuse and neglect a safe, loving, and playful environment in which they receive professional counseling services to help them heal from the trauma they have experienced. 

During COVID-19 the Sunflower Center is also providing virtual counseling sessions. 

The Sunflower Center also operates a Halfway Home for Boys — a safe, temporary residential home for young boys who have been abandoned, neglected, orphaned, abused, and exploited.

Your gift, your sponsorship, can help raise a child out of the cycle of abuse and save them from a lifelong battle with mental and physical health.

End the Cycle of Abuse

The Sunflower Center Staff
Fr. Geraldo teaching play therapy

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