Tag Archives: child poverty

Children Incorporated |

your sponsorship is more than just financial, it is a path to changing lives

We are so excited you are considering the life changing opportunity of child sponsorship. For around the same amount as a “pizza night” you can provide clothing, food, healthcare needs, and most importantly: hope. Many children living in generational poverty see the greatest impact when they know someone out there believes in them – and that is what a sponsor provides.

Sponsoring a child with Children Incorporated is a very simple process! For $35/month the needs of a child are provided by your contribution.  You can begin sponsoring a child in one of three ways:

Where are you able to sponsor?

We are currently in over 30 countries around the world providing life changing support to children. For a full breakdown of all of the countries we are affiliated with you can scroll and search here. We partner with already-established schools, group homes, and community centers to address the specific needs of the children they serve, offering each child basic needs every month. The wonderful part of our program is when you chose a child, you are the only person sponsoring them – they know you are their sponsor and you are able to write to them, receive letters and updates, and stay informed of their progress.

When searching for a child on our database

For each child, his or her photo (if international), name, country in which he or she lives, and birthday and age will display by default. You may view additional details about a specific child (such as his or her current grade level and favorite school subject or color) by hovering your mouse over his or her “About [Child Name]” link. Unfortunately, photos of children in the United States are not displayed on our website. This is due to the abundance of caution within our child protection policy. But rest assured, if you chose to sponsor a child in the United States, you will receive a physical photo of them with your welcome packet.

To narrow your search to a specific age range, gender, and/or country, please use the corresponding dropdown fields, located along the left side of the screen, to select your preferences and then click “SEARCH”.

Once you have found a child you’d like to sponsor, click the child’s “SPONSOR ME” button. Then, to finalize the sponsorship process, click the heart-in-cart icon within the popup window that appears OR located in the top right corner of the screen.

It is very easy to sponsor a child by going to our website, calling our office, or emailing Children Incorporated.

Lastly, if you have not already logged into or created your Children Incorporated web account, the site will prompt you to do so now. Then/otherwise, you may select your desired frequency for recurring sponsorship contributions (monthly, yearly, etc.), select or add a method of payment, and click “CHECK OUT”.

Congratulations! Once you have completed these steps, you will receive a confirmation email, and, within a few business days, you will also receive a sponsorship welcome packet containing additional details about your sponsored child or children!

DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR GIVING

Outside of sponsoring a child, we also have other ways in which you can donate to help children in need. Donations to our special funds help children, families, and communities in need by offering support beyond sponsorship, often due to unexpected emergencies. These funds include our Clothing Fund, Back to School Fund, Mosquito Net Fund, Hope In Action Fund, and Feeding Programs Fund.

You can also donate to our Special Projects, which allow our donors to support construction projects, expansion projects, community and school gardens, and other efforts to help improve our affiliated sites around the world. Throughout the year, our volunteer coordinators inform us about Special Projects at their particular sites. You can donate directly to these Special Projects online through our Hope In Action Fund. If you would like to receive additional information about our current Special Projects to make a donation to a particular type of project, please contact us today.

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SPONSOR A CHILD

Education, Stories of Hope

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written by Children Incorporated

We provide children living in poverty with education, hope and opportunity so they have the chance for a brighter future. Thanks to past and current supporters around the globe, we work with 225 affiliated sites in 20 countries to offer basic needs, emergency relief, and community support to thousands of children and their families each year.

» more of Children's stories
Liz Collins |

As 2025 draws to a close, I am writing to you with a heart full of gratitude and a deep sense of commitment. Though I officially stepped into the role of CEO of Children Incorporated in August, I have already been profoundly moved and inspired by the unwavering dedication of our staff, the incredible work happening on the ground through our volunteer coordinators, and, most importantly, your extraordinary generosity.

A Year of Transformative Projects

Your contributions have powered life-changing projects in communities both here in the U.S. and overseas. Here are just a few ways you helped us all make a difference:

  • A New Home for Community in the Philippines: We successfully funded the building of the Visayans Community Center. This new center is now a bustling hub, providing over 250 children and their families a dedicated place to learn, share meals, hold community meetings, and connect with vital resources.
  • Creating Safe and Empowering Spaces:
    • In New Orleans, we helped launch a vital leadership program for eighth-grade girls, helping them build confidence and skills for the future.
    • In Kentucky, we funded the creation of a much-needed “calming space” in an elementary school, offering children a safe haven to process and work through trauma they have experienced.
  • Nourishing Minds and Bodies: Your support led to the distribution of new library books, essential recess equipment, and the creation of multiple community vegetable gardens in both the U.S. and abroad, promoting health and sustainable food access.
  • Opportunity Realized: We purchased team jerseys for a few of our Native American children, ensuring they could join their classmates and play for their school team and not miss out on the opportunity to participate.
  • Fundamental Necessities and Comprehensive Care in Lebanon: Through your generosity, our support extended to the most fundamental necessities: providing hearing aid batteries, food vouchers, educational books, critical psychological care, and reliable transportation for vital medical appointments.
  • Addressing Food Insecurity: Recognizing the critical need, your immediate response enabled us to send over $100,000 of additional assistance to address escalating food insecurity both here in the US and overseas.

The Impact of Sponsorship: Your Hand in Their Story

The cornerstone of our mission is sponsorship, and the ripple effects of these personal connections have been immense this year:

  • Basic Necessities and Rising Attendance: Your sponsorship dollars provided more than 10,000 children with access to basic necessities such as food, clothing, healthcare, and education. School attendance is increasing as a direct result of this assistance.
  • Moments of Joy: We saw the profound excitement of children at the book fair, thrilled to pick out their very own books because their sponsor sent funds for this special opportunity.
  • Moments of Dignity: One of our volunteer coordinators was able to purchase waterless bath wipes for a sponsored child and her sister who do not have running water at home. This practical solution allows them to maintain their hygiene, health, and confidence on the days they cannot travel to a relative’s house to shower.
  • Removing Social Barriers: A near straight-A student was feeling self-conscious about the dirty, peeling tape on his insulin medical sensors. Sponsorship funds purchased specialized waterproof covers, removing a source of embarrassment so he can focus on his education, not his appearance.

Honoring the Past, Building the Future

On a personal note, I was deeply moved by the outpouring of support and congratulations from our sponsors and donors who honored our outgoing CEO, Ron Carter, with generous donations to our Hope In Action Fund. This gesture speaks volumes about the community we have built together.

As I step into this role, I pledge to continue the legacy of service and dedication that Ron established, while looking forward to expanding our reach and deepening our impact in the years to come.

This year has been one of significant milestones, growth, and, above all, impactful change in the lives of children around the world. Every single achievement is a direct result of your trust and support.

Thank you for making 2025 a year of true hope and action. Because of you, children are learning, thriving, and building better futures.

With profound appreciation,

Liz Collins

CEO: Children Incorporated

Considering End of Year Giving?

From our Hope In Action Fund to the Feeding Program to Clothing and Shoes, donations from you provide direct and tangible impact to children around the world. If you are considering giving to a worthy organization by the end of 2025, we hope you consider Children Incorporated. We look forward to seeing what we all can accomplish in the year ahead!

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How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

You can sponsor a child in one of three ways:

  • call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with a real person in our sponsorship department
  • email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org
  • go online to our sponsorship portal and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Rachel Luginbuhl |

Whether the children are in the United States or another country, they all deserve to be properly fed, clothed, and cared for, and with your help and through your kindness and generosity – Children Incorporated is steadily working to improve their lives. Whether during the busyness of the school year or the calm of summer days, all children deserve to receive a good education, live with a sense of hope, and pursue opportunities for their future.

The Book Fair has Arrived!

​If you went to public school anytime after 1982 you may remember the scholastic book fair – a traveling company that allows students to purchase books, posters, journals, pens, and all things educational. When students are given the autonomy to make decisions in what they’re reading it feels less like an assignment or a chore and more like an opportunity. In fact, a 2013 study by the University of Rochester found that elementary-age students, given the choice of what they brought home to read over the break, had less of a summer learning slide than those who did not.

It’s a well loved time. Journals, books, and pens all provide needed outlets for students, and the feeling of inclusion does incredibly powerful things for a child’s mental health.

Update in the Philippines

Recently areas of the Philippines were hit by Typhoon Kalmaeg. The coordinator at the Visayans Center, one of our affiliates and location where possible damages was expected, had indicated that the new center building, provided last year with support from CI, was being used as a shelter for families in the area.
The building is a secure structure, and it was the first time experiencing an emergency! We are so grateful to be able to provide protection for people, all because of your giving.

Despite the difficult weather situations that have been occurring in the Philippines, our coordinators are always working hard to make sure students have what they need.

Giving Tuesday is coming up!

From our Hope In Action Fund to the Feeding Program to Clothing and Shoes, donations from you provide direct and tangible impact to children around the world. If you are considering giving on this upcoming Giving Tuesday, we hope you consider Children Incorporated. We look forward to seeing what we all can accomplish on December 2nd!

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Meet Maya*, a bright sixth grader from Bolivia who dreams of a peaceful world and hopes to become a military officer one day. She’s a good student who especially enjoys physical education and spending time with her friends. In her free time, she loves drawing, watching anime, and listening to movie soundtracks. At home, she helps her mother by keeping her room tidy in their small brick house. Sponsorship would mean the world to her, it would give her the support and encouragement she and her family need to build a brighter future.

*Name has been changed.

 

 

 

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How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

You can sponsor a child in one of three ways:

  • call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with a real person in our sponsorship department
  • email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org
  • go online to our sponsorship portal and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Rachel Luginbuhl |

Across our programs, gardens are doing more than producing vegetables; they’re classrooms, kitchens, and places where confidence takes root.

Over the years, Children Incorporated has supported garden projects in schools, children’s homes, and communities around the world. These gardens provide fresh food for school cafeterias and families, teach agricultural and life skills, and create safe outdoor spaces where children learn responsibility and teamwork. From Ethiopia, Brazil, New Orleans, and Virginia, school gardens show how simple projects produce measurable benefits for children and communities.

Garden Benefits to Children

-Better nutrition, every week. Gardens supply fresh fruit and vegetables to school meals and to families, increasing access to healthy food. At Phyllis Wheatley Community School in New Orleans, they maintain an Edible Schoolyard garden, which students help to tend. Moreover, the school makes the fruits and vegetables available for students, their families, and community members monthly to take home.

“Our garden is both a classroom and a cafeteria — the children learn, the families eat, and everyone shares the harvest.” -Shayne Latter, CIS Gulf South

-Hands-on learning that sticks. Gardening teaches science, math, and planning through doing; that is best shown through Kids Hope’s garden. In 2016, the garden at Kids Hope Ethiopia began. Children Incorporated supported Kids Hope’s efforts to start a vegetable garden to be used for agricultural lessons as well as food production. This vegetable garden has been great for educational purposes for the children, while also offering them nutritional food. All the vegetables produced there are used in the Center’s kitchen.

-Family and community resilience. Communal gardens at centers like CARITAS in Brazil help families develop skills that support food security and small income projects. The families, along with their children, tend to the gardens, which teaches them all gardening skills. The parents become more self-sufficient when it comes to feeding their family. The families eat, share, and trade the vegetables with other families — and sometimes they sell them at a low cost to make a small profit!

-Emotional and social benefits. Raised beds, outdoor reading areas, and regular garden tasks build routine, pride, and cooperation among students and volunteers. At Pinon school in Arizona, we provided funds to purchase materials for the raised beds and fencing, and supplies including soil, fertilizer, seeds, and hand tools. Crops have been planted every spring, and it is used by the science teacher as well as the dormitory staff for instruction and enrichment activities for the children.

How do gardens help?

Maria is a student currently at G.H Reid Elementary school in Richmond, VA. Our Hope In Action funds helped them create a functional garden the students can participate in. Our coordinator, Sydney, tells a wonderful story:

“Maria was having a tough morning a few weeks ago, and her teacher asked if I could spend some time with her so she could have a break from the classroom. I was watering the garden at the time, so I asked Maria if she’d be interested in helping me.”

“While we tended the garden, I taught Maria about the different parts of the plants (leaves, roots, stems) and showed her how to water directly at the roots. We found some beets that were ready, so she pulled them up. Afterward, I called her mom to see if they would eat beets at home. Her mom was so excited; she happily accepted! Maria took the beets home with her that day.”

G.H Reid Peace garden

In Washington D.C, our coordinator at G.H Reid proposed a noble project: a peace garden in memory of a student lost to gun violence. This garden became a joyful location for students to come and reflect in nature. We were honored to be part of such a task. Through our Hope In Action fund, and a local gardener who agreed to take on the project, students now have a beautiful place to reflect and remember.

Garden projects return immediate, visible results: healthier plates, new skills, and stronger communities. They’re a cost-effective way to connect education, nutrition, and community development — and a clear example of how a small investment can grow long-term change.

kids hope in gardens

At Kids Hope Ethiopia community gardens are a staple for the students and community. Using Hope in Action funds over 6 years ago, what began with one plot of corn has grown into a highly efficient food production for the school. Sweet potatoes, carrots, teff flour, and many other staples are used to feed the students that attend Kids Hope as well as their families.

Projects like community gardens give confidence, purpose, and freedom to children living in poverty. When you grow your own food you have the chance to experience self-sufficiency as well as pride in the accomplishment. But beginning a garden is not always simple. That’s where our Hope In Action and Feeding Programs are incredibly vital. They ensure schools who have the desire will have everything needed to begin and sustain gardens. Your donations to our programs provide direct and lasting impact to children around the world.

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You can plant a seed in a small patch of soil and watch a child grow. Join Us in Making a Difference

These stories reveal just a glimpse of your support’s impact. Will you help us write the next story?

You can sponsor a child in one of three ways:

  • Click Here to go online to visit our sponsorship portal and search for a child that is available for sponsorship
  • call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with a real person in our sponsorship department
  • email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org

SPONSOR A CHILD

Rachel Luginbuhl |

Whether the children are in the United States or another country, they all deserve to be properly fed, clothed, and cared for, and with your help and through your kindness and generosity – Children Incorporated is steadily working to improve their lives. Whether during the busyness of the school year or the calm of summer days, all children deserve to receive a good education, live with a sense of hope, and pursue opportunities for their future.

Artistic impression at Kids’ Hope Ethiopia

Originally designed to perpetuate the image of the local housing typical hut, these domes stand for educational purposes. They were made with a balloon cast, cover with concrete. Several have been demolished, but for the remaining Kids Hope was able to bring an artist who has a very good experience working with kids.  The kids participated very well in that; for some of them, it was an opportunity to exercise their gift. Afterwords they had a color powder party to celebrate.

Your sponsorships and donations allow for integral moments like this, where children are able to enjoy experiences and express themselves without fear. Thank you!

Recent U.S Site visits

During recent visits at the start of the school year, our U.S Director Renee Kube traveled to several states for check-ins with our affiliated sites. During her trip she connected with our coordinators and brought back a wealth of stories!

Children Incorporated’s dedicated volunteer coordinators were busy confirming enrollments, shopping for school supplies, and welcoming new children into the Sponsorship Program. Thanks to generous sponsors and donors, the Hope In Action Program was able to provide extra assistance in several communities. At Crum PK-8, a little girl who was taken in by her sister received a bed, mattress, and dresser. In Martin County, coordinators proudly showcased outdoor classrooms made possible through Hope In Action funds. At Tohaali Community School in New Mexico, students received sports jerseys to represent their school with pride for years to come. At Dzilth Na O Dith Hle, new library books are enriching students’ learning, and at To’Hajiilee Community School, a recent grant is helping a grandmother care for her three granddaughters with much-needed bedding and groceries.

Be on the lookout for a complete trip report soon!

Breakfast time at Laboure school

Our Feeding Program is hard at work in El Salvador, where children are given breakfast every morning to ensure they are fed and focused for the day. These great photos are a reminder of the importance of donating, so-as to continue this important effort. The kids are definitely grateful!

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Unsponsored Child Spotlight

 

Marcus lives in Brazil. The oldest of three, he lives with his mother and grandparents in a clay walled home. Currently in the seventh grade, Marcus excels in mathematics and loves to play soccer. He dreams of a world that is empathetic and patient, and aspires to be a doctor when he grows up.

Marcus’s dreams are impossible without someone like you helping him succeed. Be the reason he hopes for a brighter future. Sponsor Today.

*Name has been changed.

 

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How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

You can sponsor a child in one of three ways:

  • call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with a real person in our sponsorship department
  • email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org
  • go online to our sponsorship portal and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Rachel Luginbuhl |

Exciting Changes At Children Incorporated!

2025 has seen many changed, and for us at Children Incorporated that meant the retirement of our CEO Ron Carter and the onboarding of our new CEO Liz Collins. In his transition letter, Ron spoke of the new leadership and how it is going to positively bring CI into a new stage. We all can’t wait to continue the longstanding work at Children Incorporated!

Letter from Liz

I am delighted to reach out to you as the new CEO of Children Incorporated. It is a profound privilege to lead this organization, which has been at the forefront of supporting children in need across the globe. Your unwavering commitment and generosity have been instrumental in our mission, and I want to personally express my gratitude for your support.

As I step into this role, my goal is to build upon the strong foundation established by Ron Carter, the staff, and our volunteer coordinators. With a background in process, risk, and product management, I am eager to bring fresh ideas and renewed energy to our programs. I am not new to Children Incorporated and have most recently had the honor of serving as Board Chair for the past ten years. Knowing the organization as I do, I am committed to honoring that special, personal touch that is our trademark.
Your contributions make a significant difference in the lives of countless children, providing them with essential resources and opportunities for a brighter future. Together, we can continue this important work, fostering hope and creating lasting change.

I look forward to engaging with you as we move forward, sharing updates on our initiatives, and exploring new ways to enhance our collective impact. This is a partnership. Thank you once again for your dedication and support. Together, we can change lives and inspire hope for the future – not just in the children, but each other.

Warm Regards,

 

Celebrating Partnership and Purpose

In April 2025, Communities In Schools of the Nation’s Capital (CISNCAP) celebrated a powerful milestone—20 years of service to Washington, D.C. students. At the heart of this celebration was a shared commitment: When schools support the whole child and their families and build strong partnerships, then those children will have improved learning outcomes.

To commemorate this incredible achievement, CISNCAP hosted a special 20th Anniversary Reception where they honored the many individuals and organizations that help make their work possible. Among those recognized were three outstanding partners whose dedication has left a lasting impact on local schools:

John and Ann Gardner, Impact Award
Principal Allen Richardson, Principal of the Year
Children Incorporated, Community Partner of the Year

We are humbled and honored that Children Incorporated was chosen for this meaningful award, especially during such a landmark celebration.
Accepting on our behalf was Liz Collins, our then Board Chair and current CEO, accompanied by U.S. Programs Director Renee Kube, who both attended the reception in Washington, D.C.Liz took the stage to accept the award, and she spoke from the heart:

Our missions are deeply aligned—and through our shared commitment, we’ve seen how caring adults can change the course of a child’s life.

The Community Partner of the Year award will hold a proud place in our office—and in our hearts—as a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together for kids.

 

Communities in schools: Creating new opportunities

During the evening, Dr. Rustin Lewis, Executive Director of CISNCAP, shared reflections on the organization’s journey. He spoke passionately about the importance of holistic support for students and families, and how strong community partnerships—like the one between CISNCAP and Children Incorporated—create real and lasting change. Since 2008, Children Incorporated has been proud to serve students in our nation’s capital—where, despite the city’s prominence, one in four children still lives in poverty. These children, full of potential, deserve every opportunity to thrive—and we are honored to play a role in supporting them., Our Hope In Action Fund has helped meet urgent needs, from disaster relief to providing tablets for students with extended medical absences. Most recently, through our Higher Education Program, a sponsored student was awarded a grant to attend Catholic University of America after graduating from one of our partner schools. Together with Communities In Schools of the Nation’s Capital and the generosity of our donors, we are creating brighter futures.

 

Hurricane Helene: One Year Later

Remembering the hardship and resiliency of those affected

It has been a year since Hurricane Helene caused massive and devastating destruction to areas of North Carolina and Kentucky. Eleven of our affiliated sites were hit in some capacity by Helene, four of them were intensely affected. Families who were already struggling lost everything; it was a crucial time for Children Incorporated to be involved.

Through our Hope In Action Fund, we were able to send immediate resources. Through our Helene Relief Fund, over $31,000 went to directly assist children and their families in our affected areas. We purchased clothing and distributed food, and families were given hope.

Several sponsors generously donated additional gifts, enabling us to provide long-term assistance. Throughout the winter, our volunteer coordinators received valuable resources to support program participants who still faced monumental hurdles on their path back to stability.

Every dollar donated by sponsors and donors went straight to meeting urgent needs during and after the destruction. Now, a year later, we remember that harrowing time with gratitude for those who gave their time, money, and care to support all those affected.

The Appalachian region, though hard hit, remains strong.

 

 

Visayans Volunteer Center: Hope in Action

The Visayans Center was the initial place of support for children on the CI program. This small center, built in the city of Tacloban, was a big effort to accommodate volunteers who would come to this area to provide assistance to this small and poor community.

With time, more and more children wanted to participate in Children Incorporated and benefit from the support provided. We came together to purchase a larger piece of land in the area and sparked the dream of a larger Center—a place with a library, soup kitchen, volunteer space, and rooms dedicated to education and connection.

With the collaboration of initial small savings, and the generosity of CI sponsors, construction was initiated for a new Center in August of 2023. And after much effort, some pains and frustrations, positive effort, and the unwavering assistance of Children Incorporated, construction was finished and the building opened in August 2025!

 

 

The other two Centers affiliated to CI are in different nearby locations, but will also utilize this new Center building for functions and further support.

 

ATTENDANCE IMPACT

The direct benefit of consistent sponsorship

Thanks to our dedicated volunteer coordinators, we have an incredible insight into the long-term impact of Children Incorporated. What is the biggest difference they see?
A dramatic increase in school attendance! Our data shows that consistent sponsor support leads directly to more time in the classroom and better academic progress.

PHILIPPINES

Improved Attendance: Sponsored students have maintained over a 90% attendance rate.
Academic Progress: Many are showing marked improvements in literacy, numeracy, and overall academic performance.
Comprehensive Support: Students received essential school supplies, uniforms, shoes, daily meals, and access to mentorship.
Personal Growth: Several have taken part in life skills workshops, leadership training, and extracurricular programs.

Your support helps me dream bigger. I want to become a police so I can give back to my community.”
Jonathon, 14 years old

Kentucky

Kenny is a kind and determined young man. Sadly his home life is far from what any child should have to experience, and though home life offers little support, he’s committed to making school a priority;
He dreams of becoming an engineer and moving to New York City.
Before being enrolled in Children Incorporated, he struggled with not having enough uniforms or school supplies. One of his biggest wishes was to have something as simple as an alarm clock to help him make it to school on time.

Thanks to his sponsor, Kenny received just that. Now, he proudly wakes himself up each morning, attends school regularly, and carries himself with newfound confidence. His dreams are no longer distant wishes—they’re goals he’s working toward every day.

 

 

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