How We Serve Orphans
Philip Hayden Foundation began caring for orphans in China more than 25 years ago. At first, orphanages needed diapers, formula, and loving arms to hold children. Then the Chinese government introduced more programs to meet orphans’ basic needs, so PHF began providing medical care. We also continued to advocate for adoption. Later, education and therapy became the greatest needs, and we developed programs to fill those gaps.
Today we support local charities serving orphans in both urban and rural China.
Unsupported Children
As the Chinese government improved policies and funding for orphans, new areas of need appeared. The number of orphans has diminished, but the number of unsupported children has increased.
Unsupported children have parents who are disabled, ill, in prison, or unable to care for them for another reason. If one parent is deceased and the other cannot care for their child, the child is also considered unsupported.
By the end of 2020, more than 250,000 unsupported children in China were receiving state aid. According to estimates from the China Center for Children’s Welfare and Adoption, 85% of the children live in rural areas.
Unsupported children often have the same needs as orphans, including nutritious food, medical care, education, and vocational training. At Philip Hayden Foundation, we are dedicated to helping these vulnerable children receive the care they need.
Success Stories
New Wheels for Elias
Clean Clothes and Happy Hearts
Young Chefs With Disabilities Experience Success in Making Pizza
Encouragement During Her First Job Search Leads to Success for Trudy
Building a Brighter Future
A village in rural China needed a special education classroom, but no trained teachers worked in that county.
Teacher Maria, a newcomer to the center, didn’t have the confidence to teach orphans. She had never done anything like that, and the task seemed overwhelming. But as she got to know the kids, her mind changed. Like many volunteers, she soon discovered just how precious these children are.
Teacher Maria and another teacher, Grace, set up special education classrooms. With enthusiasm and a bit of fear, and without much experience, they began teaching the kids. They both were amazed at how their students’ minds absorbed knowledge like sponges.
At first they focused on simple lessons like how to identify everyday objects such as trees, roads, and cars. Then they decided to teach life skills related to the children’s daily classroom routines. After that they added music, dancing, and art classes where the kids could become creative through the arts and learning games. With their loving guidance, the children flourished.
Creative learning helps all children blossom. Their confidence increases, and their ability to learn expands! You can be part of this transformation by funding a teacher or classroom.
Caring for Kids by Meeting Practical Needs
If a mama in a single-family household feels like she is drowning in laundry, imagine the laundry required for more than 50 children! More than 25 years ago, one of the first donations by the Philip Hayden Foundation was a pair of washing machines for an orphanage. And PHF recently heard of an orphanage needing a commercial washing machine. Your donations made it happen.
Explore Our Programs
Humanitarian
Philip Hayden Foundation provides nutritious food, safe shelter, and medical services to vulnerable children. Children’s short-term basic needs must be met before they can benefit from other assistance like therapy, education, and vocational training.
Vocation
Meaningful work allows people with disabilities to gain independence, contribute to society, and be viewed with dignity. Philip Hayden Foundation provides vocational and life skills training that enables at-risk young people to become productive, self-supporting adults.
Education
PHF helps at-risk children and children with disabilities receive specialized education that allows them to thrive. Depending on the need, our support may include funding a teacher in a Montessori classroom, paying school tuition, providing supplies, hiring a tutor, and more.
Medical
Medical care saves and transforms children’s lives. PHF provides surgeries, treatment, and medicine to vulnerable children, and we help families travel to medical appointments. We also provide therapies to children with disabilities and support training for therapists.