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Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Women, children find solace at Kahupayan
Myriam had a problem. The 16 year old just had an abortion but was unable to sleep because she kept hearing the baby cry at night. She went to Sto. Rosario Parish to confess but the feeling of guilt stayed.
The priest informed her about a center in the basement of the church where she could find someone to counsel her. Thus she ended up in Kahupayan, a crisis intervention center for women of all ages that gives free pastoral care and counseling. For the first time since the abortion Myriam allowed herself to cry for herself and the baby she had lost.
Myriam is just one of the many women and girls that Kahupayan ministered to since opening its doors last February 14, 2005. Bishop Julito B. Cortes established the center to help women and girls who go to confession but still need counseling because of lingering guilt feelings. Thus, Kahupayan, which is Cebuano for solace or peace, was born.
After one year of operation, Kahupayan has served 366 clients with 75 of them coming back for follow-up. Clients came in from all over Cebu Province, some even from as far away Davao and Leyte. Aside from those who had abortions, Kahupayan has counseled rape victims, battered or abandoned wives, women in adulterous relationships, those with financial problems and/or are terminally ill, and prostitutes who want to start a new life. Some married couples and even men have also availed of Kahupayan’s services.
Kahupayan counselors refer clients needing special services to other specialized agencies who could better serve them. All clients are assured of the strictest confidentiality. There are twenty-three women volunteers composed of Religious sisters who are members of AWROC (Association of Women Religious of Cebu), a clinical psychologist, guidance counselors, teachers, housewives, and businesswomen.
To celebrate Kahupa yan’s first anniversary, a Mass was held at the Sto Rosario Parish with a simple get-together after for all those who have in one way or another helped the center during the past year.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (February 22, 2006 issue)
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