JDN lights up home of children with special needs
The history between Bahay Pag-ibig, a home for the elderly located in San Fernando, Pampanga, and the Nepomuceno family goes a long way. As mentioned by current Apostolate Director Rev. Fr. June Siccion, Juan D. Nepomuceno (JDN) Realty Group has been with the organization “since the beginning of time”. Now, championed with the collaborative effort of the management and the employees under the guidance of JDN Realty Group President & CEO Rick N. Wilkerson, the legacy continues and has even expanded to a partner organization.
Just last week, JDN Realty Group prepared a simple yet heartfelt gesture for special needs education children and their dedicated educators. With the hope of making this Christmas merry and bright for more members of the community, the company made yet another early Christmas community outreach visit to Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth this December 12, 2023 at Mabiga, Mabalacat City.
Translated as “The Little Home of Nazareth”, the facility was established for the poor, surrendered and abandoned, mentally challenged, and children with special needs. While the facility was farther compared to others, the long travel was nothing short of fulfilling. As soon as the employees stepped out of their respective vehicles, they were welcomed with huge smiles and cheerful greetings from the personnel and the residents.
Affirming this was Rev. Fr. Siccion, who shared, “Whenever they [residents] see visitors, they’re very happy.” Further into his message, he expressed his gratitude to the JDN family, “Thank you for coming and visiting us. I know this will not be the last that you will help us. On behalf of Bahay Pag-ibig and Munting Tahanan [ng Nazareth], Rev. Fr. Arjon Dela Cruz, we would like to thank everyone, Sir Rick and the whole company, JDN, for always helping us on our apostolate.”
In light of magnifying the spirit of giving this holiday season, JDN Realty contributed resources that are beneficial to the day-to-day operations of the facility. These generous donations allow the personnel to guarantee that the residents are eating well, being taken care of, and staying in a clean and safe environment.
As of this writing, Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth houses 38 children with special needs–all of whom are currently staying at the newly-constructed building. What is even more special about this facility is its benignant inclusivity, choosing to open its doors to everyone in need. For this reason, there were residents who even came from outside Pampanga, such as Bicol, Laguna, Manila, and Tagaytay.
Moreover, 12 of these children are studying at present. The reason behind this was, “Ayaw po namin dito [sa Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth] na habang-buhay sila [mga bata] dito. Not because we don’t like them, [but] because we want them to live a normal life outside of Munting Tahanan.” This only proves the dedication of the facility and its personnel to the welfare of the children, going a long way towards ensuring a bright future for them.
Five children delivered an exhilarating dance performance for their visitors, lighting up the center stage with their bright and youthful energy. Ending the short program was the awarding of certificate appreciation to JDN, represented by Mr. Wilkerson, who shared a few words of his own, highlighting the company’s incessant commitment to the facility:
“You know, I’m very happy to be here. This is the first time that I’ve been here. Now that I’m aware of what’s going on, I hope that JDN will commit to continuing the legacy that the Nepomucenos [have] started. Thank you [Father and personnel] for doing what you’re doing. Thank you, JDN family, for supporting a wonderful, wonderful cause.”
Now with the promise of continuing a prevailing philanthropic legacy, JDN seeks to return for the next years to come with more gifts for the children and the personnel, helping build a nurturing home that will last even after the holiday season.