Help is provided for children and young mothers through the MUCEC Center in Colón, a port city on the Panama Canal. This city contains one of the worst slums in the world, nicknamed "The Vatican" because the shape of the impoverished area is a cross. In the midst of poverty and despair, MUCEC Center helps children too poor to go to school, abused young women, and provides necessities like drinking water when the water supply isn't working. The children are provided with school supplies, uniforms, clothing, shoes, breakfasts, lunches, eye exams, eye surgery, glasses, dental and medical care. The children are listened to, hugged and given hope in a safe place. A program is offered for pre-schoolers so their mothers can work, knowing their children are fed and cared for. School-age children receive food and daily academic help. Everyday miracles are worked by the people who run this very needed childrens project, opened by the Sisters of Mercy in 1985.