Known church activists tapped to lead Hope and Healing

By Janela Carrera
Pacific News Center
April 25, 2017

http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/local/13407

Guam - The new Board of Incorporators for Hope and Healing Guam was introduced today and all three members are known activists within the church community.

The new members of the Board of Incorporators for Hope and Healing Guam are President Andrew Camacho, Secretary Julie Bollinger and Treasurer Joe Santos.

"Can you think of three better people? People from [Concerned Catholics of Guam], Silent No More, protesters there that would ensure that this process is independent and transparent?" noted HHG Executive Director Atty. Michael Caspino.

Caspino says the three of them were chosen because of their background in campaigning for justice for victims of abuse as well as the successful return of the disputed Yona seminary property.

Santos is a teacher by profession and spearheaded the Silent No More campaign that lobbied to lift the statute of limitations for civil claims of sexual abuse.

Bollinger is a retired nurse who is on the weekly picket line in front of the Cathedral Basilica in which protesters demand the removal of Archbishop Anthony Apuron.

Camacho is the Vice President of the Concerned Catholics of Guam and helped with efforts to return the disputed Redemptoris Mater Seminary property in Yona.

The three board members are separate from Hope and Healing’s evaluation board which is chaired by former US Attorney Alicia Limtiaco. That board will evaluate each case to determine what kind of compensation will be given to each victim. The Board of Incorporators will oversee general administration work and are listed in their articles of incorporation.

"We’re kind of the, that part of the administrative work, we cut the checks, we make sure there’s sufficient funds in the account to cover all the expenses. However, we do not determine what the individual needs. It will be that board of professionals that will be meeting with the victims that will be helping them get counseling," said Camacho.

Camacho emphasized that Hope and Healing will maintain transparency throughout the process and will be subject to regular audits. The only information they will not divulge, he notes, is information regarding the victims.

Hope and Healing Inc. is a non-profit organization that was created to provide counseling, support services and compensation for victims of clergy sexual abuse.