We just LOVE this photo of the Bustamante family! When you see a family as happy, loving and connected as they are, we can't help but feel... (Danny's t-shirt says it all) "WINNING 24 SEVEN"! In 2014, his family came to SIPA as a client for family counseling. Danny is a stay-at-home-dad due to health conditions. Although he enjoys the time he gets to spend guiding the kids on their homework everyday, he knew that they needed a more structured environment to improve their social and academic performance. With a single-income household, it was difficult to make ends meet, let alone pay for three children's extra-curricular activities. With the help of our Case Managers, Danny learned about different financial assistance programs he could apply for when the utilities were at risk of being cut off. He also enrolled the kids in SIPA's free Afterschool Enrichment Program, where they receive homework assistance, arts and crafts, and a weekly Tagalog language and culture class. In just a couple of months, he noticed an improvement in their grades and in their behavior. Now, he says, the kids are doing so well that his daughter, CJ (on left), even received academic recognition at school! "I'm really thankful that there is a program like SIPA! It is really hard to find a program that not only helps my kids, but also my self and my family!", says Mr. Bustamante.
The Bustamante family is just one of the many families that we've been able to help because of the support that SIPA receives from our community. With your financial support, we are able to provide all our services for FREE, including after school programs, arts & technology classes for older children, youth leadership training, mental health services, parenting support, financial literacy, entrepreneurship training and small business support, among others. THANK YOU!
As you celebrate in gratitude with loved ones this Thanksgiving, please also consider making a donation to SIPA and help us reach our goal for this year! There are also other ways to give back, such as volunteering at our events or sharing your knowledge at one of our programs.
We are thankful for YOU! We wish you and your family a warm and blessed Thanksgiving! Maraming Salamat and Mabuhay!