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Our History
Founding
Atlanta, Georgia, by Drs. Douglas & Bettie Elwood, Peggy & Dean Houk, and Luther Carroll. Their mission: to serve street children in the developing world through Christian-based programming.
Atlanta, Georgia, by Drs. Douglas & Bettie Elwood, Peggy & Dean Houk, and Luther Carroll. Their mission: to serve street children in the developing world through Christian-based programming.
1987
1988–1989
Habitat for Humanity
LCW partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for families in Dumaguete, Philippines. The effort led to the construction of over 800 houses and became known as Habitat’s most successful international project.
LCW partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for families in Dumaguete, Philippines. The effort led to the construction of over 800 houses and became known as Habitat’s most successful international project.
Bloomington farm
Bloomington Farm was purchased to support program growth, thanks to Second Presbyterian Church in Illinois. This year also saw the launch of preschool funding and a program for at-risk girls.
Bloomington Farm was purchased to support program growth, thanks to Second Presbyterian Church in Illinois. This year also saw the launch of preschool funding and a program for at-risk girls.
1990
1992–1993
LCW Office & New Dorms
LCW opened a new U.S. office in Tennessee and expanded partnerships with Teen Mission and church groups. These collaborations led to the construction of girls’ and boys’ dorms, as well as a health clinic in Taclobo.
LCW opened a new U.S. office in Tennessee and expanded partnerships with Teen Mission and church groups. These collaborations led to the construction of girls’ and boys’ dorms, as well as a health clinic in Taclobo.
New Programs
Innovative programs took root, including SWAP (Service with a Purpose), encouraging sponsored families to give back. The Handclasp Program began for children with disabilities and college scholarships were introduced for promising youth.
Innovative programs took root, including SWAP (Service with a Purpose), encouraging sponsored families to give back. The Handclasp Program began for children with disabilities and college scholarships were introduced for promising youth.
1994–1998
1999–2000
Community Building
LCW broke ground on 32 homes at Bloomington Farm, designed as a model community. The School on Wheels and the first soup kitchen opened to support education and nutrition for underserved children.
LCW broke ground on 32 homes at Bloomington Farm, designed as a model community. The School on Wheels and the first soup kitchen opened to support education and nutrition for underserved children.
Consuelo Foundation
A multi-purpose building was constructed through a partnership with the Consuelo Foundation. LCW’s U.S. office moved to Barnesville, Georgia, and a second soup kitchen began in Canday-ong.
A multi-purpose building was constructed through a partnership with the Consuelo Foundation. LCW’s U.S. office moved to Barnesville, Georgia, and a second soup kitchen began in Canday-ong.
2001–2003
2009–2010
New Leadership
Leadership transitioned to Glenna Houk Waller as Bettie Elwood retired. A new boys’ dormitory was completed with support from the Consuelo Foundation.
Leadership transitioned to Glenna Houk Waller as Bettie Elwood retired. A new boys’ dormitory was completed with support from the Consuelo Foundation.
25 years of Service
LCW received a grant to construct a meat-processing facility, enabling families to generate income. The street beside LCP was renamed “Little Children Street,” and LCW celebrated its 25th anniversary with U.S. and Philippine leaders.
LCW received a grant to construct a meat-processing facility, enabling families to generate income. The street beside LCP was renamed “Little Children Street,” and LCW celebrated its 25th anniversary with U.S. and Philippine leaders.
2011–2012
2014–2015
Staff Growth
Marie Lou Patrimonio Abbott and Melanie Waller Foster joined LCW leadership as Vice President of Administrative Services and Secretary/Treasurer, respectively. Their appointments reflected LCW’s focus on continuity and future growth.
Marie Lou Patrimonio Abbott and Melanie Waller Foster joined LCW leadership as Vice President of Administrative Services and Secretary/Treasurer, respectively. Their appointments reflected LCW’s focus on continuity and future growth.
30 years of Service
LCW marked its 30th anniversary and debuted a new logo representing its mission of “lending a helping hand.” Sponsorships exceeded 800, and new residential facilities were donated for children in need.
LCW marked its 30th anniversary and debuted a new logo representing its mission of “lending a helping hand.” Sponsorships exceeded 800, and new residential facilities were donated for children in need.
2017–2019
2022–2025
35 years of Service
LCW celebrated 35 years of service and welcomed new leadership as Susan Crawford became President in 2023. In 2025, Brittany Foster was elected President, with sponsorships reaching over 950 children and impacting more than 5,000 lives.
LCW celebrated 35 years of service and welcomed new leadership as Susan Crawford became President in 2023. In 2025, Brittany Foster was elected President, with sponsorships reaching over 950 children and impacting more than 5,000 lives.