About us
Our story began not with a plan, but with a deep-seated Filipino value: bayanihan. In the wake of a devastating typhoon that tore through our local community, we saw the best of the Filipino spirit. Neighbors, strangers, and families came together to help those who had lost everything. They shared food, repaired homes, and offered comfort. But as the days turned into weeks, the initial surge of help faded, and the long, difficult path to rebuilding became clear. We realized that true recovery isn't just about temporary relief; it's about providing the tools for sustained growth.
From helping hands to empowered lives
What started as a small group of friends organizing relief goods grew into something more. We knew that for our community to not only survive but thrive, we needed to create a sustainable solution. We founded the Lend a Hand Cooperative to combine immediate charitable action with long-term livelihood support. We are not just a charity that gives handouts; we are a cooperative that empowers our fellow Filipinos to stand on their own feet and become architects of their own future.
Our mission: Weaving dignity and progress
Our work is guided by a simple, yet powerful, three-part mission:
Direct donation and relief: In times of disaster or great need, we mobilize quickly to deliver essential goods, food, and medical assistance to affected families, ensuring they have the basics to survive.
Sustainable livelihood programs: We invest in our members by providing training and resources for small-scale enterprises. From weaving and farming to handicraft production and micro-lending, we help them develop the skills to generate steady, reliable income for their families.
Community-driven cooperation: As a cooperative, every member has a voice. We foster a culture of mutual support where profits are reinvested into the community, enabling us to grow our programs and reach more families. We believe that when we rise together, we all move forward.
Why our story continues
The journey of the Lend a Hand Cooperative is filled with countless personal stories of transformation. A mother who started with a micro-loan now owns a small sari-sari store. A fisherman whose boat was destroyed in a storm now has a new motor and a cooperative-supported network to sell his catch. These are not just success stories; they are testaments to the power of a hand up, not just a handout.
With every donation, every new member, and every cooperative project, we are writing the next chapter of our story. We invite you to lend a hand and join us in our mission. Together, we can cultivate hope, weave dignity into every livelihood, and build a stronger, more resilient Philippines.