Hawak-kamay Charities International got its start when our founder realized that we could better serve the underprivileged by helping them find their talents and educating them, while also feeding, clothing and caring for these unfortunate ones.

               Lissa Pacheco-Chow, founder of Hawak-Kamay Charities International came to the United States of America twenty-three years ago and as she built a name for herself in the Filipino - American community, she began to fulfill her life-long dream of helping her own people in the country where she came from, the Philippines. It made her sad to see the low morale, aimlessness and poverty of most Filipino youth making them vulnerable to drugs and harmful activities.

               Lissa’s vision is to give these young people hope for the future by empowering them, educating them in the field they are suited for such as music, sports and livelihoods. She believes it can be done with the help of volunteers, sponsors and partners for this cause. Her vision also extends to help the poor and impoverished in the Philippines especially the children.

               From her vision and goals, in 2015 she founded a charity organization which she named Hawak-kamay which means literally “going hand-in-hand,” that is, working together for the common goal of helping the poor and the impoverished.

               Today, we have instructors who teach voice lessons and playing musical instruments to young adults and children. Feeding programs are held in some areas of the country.

               Hawak-kamay Charities International currently has four chapters from different provinces which are led by our generous and committed leaders.