Many orphans and vulnerable children around the world can’t help feeling alone. Often they’re forced to grow up much sooner than they should. Some are completely without stability or any loving caregiver to meet their basic needs. Others have parents or guardians who are working hard to provide — but the cycle of poverty can be vicious. When families don’t have enough money for food, safe shelter or education, it can feel impossible for these children to imagine a healthy, hopeful future.
But thanks to the generous giving of Cross Catholic Outreach donors and ministry partners, that bright future is becoming a reality for many boys and girls in need. Altogether, we were able to provide funding for 10 projects serving vulnerable children in eight countries last year. In Mozambique, Kenya, Zambia and more, at-risk children were able to count on safe refuge, medical care, educational support, counseling and spiritual formation, and nearly 300 children received nourishing meals through feeding programs at local schools, children’s homes and ministry centers. We are so grateful to everyone who stood with us and our ministry partners in refusing to leave these children behind!
Support from compassionate U.S. Catholics has provided security and comfort to those most in need of protection—like Liza in Kenya.
She’s safe now, but when she was just 13 years old, Liza’s father tried to marry her off. She fled to the tribal chief for help, and thankfully, he was able to take her to Marie Adelaide Girls’ Rescue Center, which provides sanctuary for girls seeking protection from early marriage and female genital mutilation.
Liza still has challenges to work through, but the center has brought her joy, security and a chance to pursue her goals. She studies, attends Mass daily, and dreams of becoming a doctor. What a beautiful transformation made possible by our friends!
Elsewhere around the world, other children are learning, growing, healing and achieving incredible things, too. In the Diocese of Santa Rosa de Lima, Guatemala, impoverished students who might not otherwise be able to complete their education receive that priceless opportunity at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School. The children I’ve met there have shared beautiful dreams and a deep commitment to making the most of the opportunity they’ve been given. With such a high-quality secondary education and academic support, they will be much better prepared to live financially stable, successful lives.
Meeting needs for food, shelter and education might seem simple, but for a child in need, that care is nothing short of life-changing. Through our friends and partners, children are experiencing the enduring love of Christ in tangible ways that set them on the path to brighter tomorrows.
To everyone who helped us reach precious boys and girls in Christ’s name, thank you for taking seriously the call to care for vulnerable children. Though you might never meet the people you’ve blessed, your heart for the poor has allowed their lives to change for the better. God bless you!
Donations from this campaign will be used to cover any expenditures for this project incurred through June 30, 2027, the close of our ministry’s fiscal year. In the event that more funds are raised than needed to fully fund the project, the excess funds, if any, will be used to meet the most urgent needs of the ministry.
