Handicapped Children's Centre Penang (HCC)

The Handicapped Children's Centre (HCC) is a charitable organization which was established in 1964 by a group of Australian housewives. Originally called the Handicapped Orphans Appeal, the Centre's main objective was to raise funds to help orphans with heart and physical defects. A year later, Malaysian women became involved and took over the responsibilities of extending the Centre's services to other special children as the needs arose.

 

In 1967, a training centre was set up for children with multiple handicaps who are often found not suitable for placement in any of the established institutions. The HCC was first housed at the State Youth Centre and later moved to a community hall at Pulau Tikus, and then to the Wesley Methodist Church Hall.

 

In 1978, the Penang State Government leased the present property at Grove Road for a nominal fee. The Centre was officially opened in March 1982 by the then TYT Yang Di Pertua Negeri, Tun Dr Hj Awang bin Hassan.

 

Currently, the Centre can accomodate up to 100 children ranging from 4-18 years from all societal background. The Centre is managed by a group of committed committee members with paid staff and the assistance of volunteers. Thee Centre receives an annual grant from the Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat and depends largely on donations form the private section and the public.