*Note: This blog was written prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although much has changed regarding our sponsored children’s learning experience in the past months, our On the Road stories remain relevant in regards to our volunteer coordinator’s work and the impact of sponsorship on children in our program thanks to our sponsors. We are pleased to continue to share stories with you about our work.
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The town of Page is located amid the stark mesas, wild terrain, and incredible desert beauty of north-central Arizona, only a few miles from the Utah border.
One of the youngest communities in the United States, Page began in 1957 as a housing camp for workers building the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River.
The community of Page today
Today, the majority of Page’s residents are Navajo; the town lies just off the western fringes of the Navajo reservation, which comprises more than 27,000 square miles, extending into both Utah and New Mexico.
Despite an ancient history and revered culture, Page’s economy is weak, and high unemployment and social problems fuel a cycle of poverty that has persisted for many years.
Our volunteer coordinator Eloise and the school’s principal, Ms. Covington.
Because of these circumstances, our affiliated project, Page Middle School, is incredibly valuable to the community as not only a means for children to receive an education but as a support system that families otherwise might not have — especially when sensitive issues arise.
Learning about the needs of Page Middle School students
While visiting Page Middle School, our President and CEO Ronald Carter, met with the school’s principal, Ms. Covington.
“Ms. Covington really appreciates and values the support that Children Incorporated can give her students,” said Mr. Carter
During her visit, Ms. Covington shared with Mr. Carter that, as with many schools in America, bedbugs and lice were a big issue.
Although bedbugs and lice are never related to a family’s cleanliness or socioeconomic status, Ms. Covington and Mr. Carter were aware that the stigma of bedbugs and lice causes embarrassment for children. The stress of infestations in the home can lead to them being anxious or tired during the school day.
Helping kids cope
Additionally, bedbugs or lice means that children need new clothing and bedding — items that impoverished families do not have money to replace.
Thankfully, our Bed and Linens Fund is able to help with the replacement of bedding for children in need.
“Last year, Page schools experienced a few cases of head lice, and the special kits that are needed for treatment are expensive for families who are struggling to make ends meet,” said Mr. Carter.
Thankfully, our Bed and Linens Fund is able to help with the replacement of bedding for children in need. For sponsored children, volunteer coordinators purchase new clothing to help children during these sensitive situations.
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Due to the generosity of our sponsors, all of our enrolled Native American children are currently matched. However, we have many other U.S. children who are in need of a sponsor’s encouragement and support. You may also wish to consider a donation to our Covid-19 Response Fund or one of our other special funds at this time. Please feel free to contact us for further information.
HOW DO I SPONSOR A CHILD?
You can sponsor a child with Children Incorporated in one of three ways: call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with one of our staff members; email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org; or go online to our donation portal, create an account, and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.