Humanitarian Aid in China
Due to the one-child policy set forth in the 1970s to help control its population, China is home to millions of abandoned children, mostly girls, living in institutions across the country. Often located in villages outside major cities, many of these facilities lack heat, electricity, indoor plumbing and adequate laundry facilities. These institutions are often understaffed, overcrowded and under-resourced. Special needs children are especially underserved.
Current Focus: Subsidies for Children with Multiple Special Needs
We are focusing our efforts on uniting more children with significant special needs with prospective parents by providing subsidies to those who qualify. The China Centre for Children’s Welfare and Adoption (CCCWA), formerly the China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA), is making available these most vulnerable of children for adoption.
WHFC has a long history of placing special needs children from many countries. There are loving families willing to open their hearts and homes to these children! Learn more about our subsidy program and how you can help families afford the cost of adopting and caring for children with special needs. Donate online now or contact us at 781.894.5330 for more information.
Past Projects: More than $500,000 in Aid
Together with CCCWA (formerly CCAA), WHFC has contributed more than a half million dollars to help improve orphanages, train caretakers, provide disaster relief and fund other projects to benefit Chinese children.
Half the Sky Foundation – “Big Top” Children’s Recovery Centers offered emotional healing for children traumatized by the earthquake that struck China in the spring of 2008. WHFC’s urgent response allowed hundreds of children to seek refuge within eight centers that provided them with food, education, and stimulating activities until homes and communities were rebuilt.
Orphanage Staff Training – CCCWA, in partnership with China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs, instituted a Social Welfare Institute training program to combat the staffing shortages and skill limitations pervasive in Chinese orphanages. We funded general training programs for caretakers, directors and psychologists, as well as programs focused on improving nutrition and post-operational rehabilitation for children with special needs.
Orthopedic Surgeries and Rehabilitation – WHFC was a leading donor to CCCWA’s Tomorrow Plan, whereby 30,000 orthopedic surgeries and rehabilitation therapy were provided to severely handicapped orphans over a three-year period.
Elevators for Fuling Orphanage, Chongqing – We funded two elevators for Fuling Social Welfare Institute, which can house up to 800 children, most with disabilities. The elevators allow caretakers to transport children between floors to receive the treatments they need and have access to the outdoors.
Providing Desperately Needed Equipment – WHFC helped purchase much-needed equipment, including washers, dryers, refrigerators, water heaters and disinfecting equipment in facilities across the provinces of Guangxi, Hunan, Jiangxi, Henan, Hubei and Guizhou.
