Category: Recipient Stories

Merlyn joined ICM’s Transform program with the full support of her family, particularly her husband, Joel. The couple decided they would divide the household chores between them and he would care for their three children when Merlyn was attending Transform classes. Merlyn worked hard to complete her domestic tasks in the morning so that she...

A mother of a Jumpstart kindergarten student was admitted to a hospital due to complications in her pregnancy. Hinie Jean had severe oligohydramnios  (deficiency of amniotic fluid) which was endangering the development of her baby. Although Hinie Jean was in dire need of treatment, she was referred to another hospital in General Santos City because...

Sunday, May 8 is Mother’s Day.  ICM is proud to share the story of Michelle and Jeffty as a symbol of a mother’s sacrifice and love. Jeffty is a two-year-old boy born with cleft lip and palate. Due to his condition, Jeffty was not able to breast or bottle feed. To give him nourishment, his...

A few weeks ago, I was privileged to attend the graduation of seven of the 12 Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Jumpstart Kindergartens operated by ICM and privately funded by donors. After 10 months of learning, over 180 children were celebrating their graduation, flanked by proud parents and teachers. They looked so smart and happy in their...

Reynanye is seven years old and lives with his mother Miraflor and four siblings in a poor community. In early 2015, Reynanye began having trouble with his vision. Despite the family’s financial situation, Miraflor made an eye appointment for Reynanye, where the young boy was diagnosed with major congenital cataracts. In August 2015, Reynanye underwent...

The focus of 2016’s World Health Day is diabetes, which affects around nine in every 100 adults worldwide. Diabetes can cause damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves. However, diabetes and its complications can often be prevented by a healthy diet, regular physical activity and the avoidance of tobacco. According to the World Health Organization,...

Three years ago, Elsa’s already difficult life became an absolute nightmare. Unable to find work locally, her husband went to Manila to find a way to support his wife and four children. Three days later she found out her husband had been killed in an accident. After her husband’s death, Elsa’s behavior became marked by...

Josefa wanted to find a job that would let her support her family. With her partner, Henry, only working part-time as a seasonal carpenter, the family of six lived on a daily income of US$1.14 for the entire family. The 43 year-old mother had always wanted to find something that could supplement her husband’s income, but...

In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, ICM proudly shares the stories of three women who participated in one of ICM’s programs and are able to contribute to their families’ social and economic achievement in the Philippines. Transform When asked to join ICM’s 16 week Transform program, Maria wasn’t sure how it could...

Leonila had a small shop, however the paltry income made from daily sales was not enough to adequately provide for her husband and son. When asked by her local pastor if she was interested in attending ICM’s Transform program, Leonila quickly agreed.  Even though it meant she’d have to close her shop one afternoon a...