Tag Archives: children in poverty

Children Incorporated |

Five Things That Stood Out While Visiting Bolivia

 

For more than 30 years, I have visited Children Incorporated programs around the world, and each trip teaches me something new. This year’s visit to Bolivia reminded me just how resilient children and families can be.

Every visit to our international programs reminds me why Children Incorporated’s work matters.

Recently, I traveled throughout Bolivia to visit our partner schools and child care centers, meet with our volunteer coordinators, and spend time with the children and families we serve. While every community is unique, several themes stood out everywhere I went.

Here are five observations I’ll carry with me from this trip.

1. Families Are Working Harder Than Ever, But Life Has Become More Expensive

Wherever we traveled, one conversation kept coming up: the cost of everyday life has risen dramatically. Food, transportation, clothing, and school supplies all cost more than they did just a few years ago, while many families’ incomes have remained the same. Parents are working hard, but many still struggle to keep up with rising expenses.

It is still a real world issue, in some locations children must leave school at young ages to assist their parents in bringing in income. That’s one reason sponsorship is so important. It helps ease financial pressure and allows families to keep their children in school despite difficult circumstances.

2. Education Is Still Every Parent’s Greatest Hope

Whether I was visiting a preschool in Santa Cruz or a secondary school near Sucre, I heard the same dream from parents. They want their children to receive an education. Many families make tremendous sacrifices so their children can attend school because they know education creates opportunities that poverty cannot.

What impressed me most was seeing schools that not only provide traditional classroom learning but also vocational training in agriculture, computer science, robotics, garment making, and other practical skills that prepare students for future careers.

3. Sponsorship Does More Than Pay for School

When people think about child sponsorship, they often imagine school supplies or tuition; those things are certainly important. But, throughout Bolivia I saw sponsorship helping children receive nutritious food, uniforms, shoes, clothing, tutoring, and other assistance that allows them to stay healthy and continue learning.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

A new pair of shoes. A bag of groceries. Even a new bed. These tangible items mean the difference between growth or giving up.

4. Our Local volunteer Coordinators Know Every Family

One of the greatest strengths of Children Incorporated is something many sponsors never get to see, our volunteer coordinators. They voluntarily administer our program, allowing more of every donation to reach the children.  Throughout Bolivia I met dedicated educators, sisters, and community leaders who know the children and families personally. They spoke of the children not as numbers, but by name, sharing stories of families navigating hardship, of small victories, of urgent needs. They know where help is most needed and how to stretch each sponsorship dollar so that it truly changes a child’s daily life.

Their compassion, knowledge, and commitment allows our program to serve children so effectively. Even when travel was disrupted by severe weather or political demonstrations, coordinators continued communicating and caring for the children in their communities.

5. Hope Is Everywhere

Despite the challenges families face, what I’ll remember most isn’t the hardship. It’s the hope.

I saw children excited to learn, teachers committed to helping every student succeed, and parents determined to give their children opportunities they never had themselves.

I visited homes built years ago with Children Incorporated’s support that are still providing families with stability today. I met former sponsored children who have graduated from school, found employment, and built brighter futures for themselves. Those moments are powerful reminders that sponsorship creates lasting change.

Every trip reinforces something I have believed for many years: sponsorship is more than financial assistance, it is an investment in a child’s future.

Thank you to every sponsor who makes these visits possible and, more importantly, makes these stories possible. Because of your generosity, children across Bolivia have the opportunity to learn, grow, and look toward tomorrow with hope.

-Luis Bourdet

International Programs Director 

***

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:

SPONSOR A CHILD

Rachel Luginbuhl |

Because of their compassion and commitment, children in our program receive the essentials they need, and the opportunities that help them truly thrive. Whether it’s staying in school, participating in activities, or simply feeling supported and seen, sponsors make the difference every single day.

Thank you sponsors!

While our US students are out on summer break, they still want you to know how much they appreciate you! Through consistent sponsorship, Hope In Action, and letters between children and their sponsors, our students are anticipating the upcoming year with confidence, not fear.

Having what you need to start the next school year can be the change between success and failure. When you don’t have clothes that fit, or a backpack to carry your supplies, it can be the reason a child doesn’t attend school that day, or can’t focus on what they are learning. Sponsors change that. If you are wanting to make a real world impact in the life of someone else this year, sponsor a child today. Because a pair of shoes should never stand in the way of graduation.

 

combating food insecurity

Our Feeding Program is in full force! Because of your sponsorship children are receiving nutritious, vital meals that ensure they can stay focused on their education.

Food insecurity is a persistent problem, and one that we will continue to combat. Your sponsorship, combined with our Feeding Program works year round across the globe to ensure children enrolled have what they need.

 

more help this month

It has been a busy time for our Hope In Action Fund, here are some of the important work your donations have accomplished:

  • We recently provided the required attire for the children in the high school division of Shonto Preparatory School, so that they can participate in a statewide culinary competition in Tucson, Arizona. Shonto currently has a culinary program, allowing students to explore this as an opportunity for a future career.

  • Two brothers recently received a Hope in Action grant to attend a week-long summer camp together. There they will learn agricultural best practices, fishing, and leadership skills.

  • Students with autism and other needs received educational and enrichment tools to assist during the summer break, to keep them occupied and engaged over the summer.

  • Several school’s food pantries were restocked in Bath County, Kentucky. Although they had plenty of processed food, our volunteer coordinator wanted to make sure healthy options were available to children as well.

  • Our volunteer coordinators consistently report to us that food insecurity is a persistent problem. But thanks to our Feeding Program Fund, we are doing all we can to combat this very important issue. Recently, some of our schools enacted a Backpack Buddy for weekend food assistance. This will make sure students are sent home with nutritious food while home on the weekends.

  • Recently, we assisted a high school student with a new outfit and shoes for a job interview. Having the proper clothing gave him the confidence and professionalism to do his best!

 

 

Unsponsored Child Highlight

Meet James*, a kind and helpful third grader who enjoys learning, especially when it’s time for math. Whether he’s singing, playing football, or spending time with his mother and grandmother, James brings a caring spirit to those around him. He dreams of a world that’s “like Disney”: a place filled with happiness and wonder. At home, James does his part by helping with chores, and his teacher says he is always willing to lend a helping hand.

James is currently waiting for a sponsor. Sponsorship helps provide children with essentials like clothing, school supplies, and other support that helps them stay focused on school and continue building a bright future.

By sponsoring James, you’ll do more than provide practical support, you’ll remind him that someone believes in him and is cheering him on as he grows, learns, and pursues his dreams.

*Name is changed for online security

**********

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 |

Because of their compassion and commitment, children in our program receive the essentials they need, and the opportunities that help them truly thrive. Whether it’s staying in school, participating in activities, or simply feeling supported and seen, sponsors make the difference every single day.

2026 Graduates

Behind each graduate is a sponsor who chose to invest in their journey, providing consistent support, encouragement, and the resources needed to stay in school and succeed. Thank you for helping them reach the finish line!

Sixth grade Graduation

Students from Mariano Lake celebrated their 6th grade graduations recently. This ceremony allowed parents and students to celebrate their accomplishments and prepare for the upcoming transition for high school.

 

Feeding Appeal Success

Because of your incredible generosity, our recent appeal for the Feeding Program exceeded our $20,000 goal. We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you. Your compassion and commitment to children in need make this work possible, bringing nourishment, hope, and opportunity to young lives around the world.

Your generosity is helping ensure that more children have access to nutritious meals, giving them the strength to focus in school, stay healthy, and look toward the future with hope. We are so grateful to have you as part of this mission, and we look forward to sharing the impact of your kindness in the months ahead.

End of Year Shopping

Summer shopping was a success for the students at Mariano Lake! ☀️🛒 Before heading into summer break, our coordinator took students on a special shopping trip to make sure they had everything they needed for the months ahead. From essential items to a few fun treats, these students were able to choose things that will help them feel prepared, confident, and excited for summer.

 

Unsponsored Child Highlight

Caleb* is a sixth-grade student who enjoys exploring technology and is especially talented at editing videos. He loves math, enjoys playing basketball, and dreams of one day becoming an engineer.

His teacher describes him as outgoing, and he enjoys spending time with his family, including his younger sister, Octavia. Whether he’s working on a creative project, cheering on his school’s basketball team, or learning something new, Caleb approaches life with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Caleb is currently waiting for a sponsor. Through sponsorship, children like Caleb receive support for essentials such as clothing, school supplies, and other needs that help them stay focused on learning and reaching their goals.

By becoming Caleb’s sponsor, you can help encourage his education, nurture his interests, and remind him that someone believes in his future.

 

 

 

 

**********

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

Renee Kube |

The mountains of Eastern Kentucky are breathtaking. Rolling hills stretch for miles. Horses graze quietly in green pastures. The Red River Gorge draws visitors from across the country to hike towering cliffs and explore the beauty of Appalachia. But beyond the scenic overlooks and winding mountain roads, many families are quietly struggling just to get by.

Recently, our Director of US Programs, and our Assistant Director visited Wolfe County, Kentucky — one of the poorest counties in both the state and the nation. In Wolfe County, poverty rates remain staggeringly high, often reaching more than double the national average. Many families live paycheck to paycheck. Others rely on grandparents raising grandchildren on fixed Social Security incomes. Parents work hard in low-paying jobs, seasonal work, farming, or service industries, yet still struggle to afford essentials like clothing, school supplies, hygiene products, or reliable transportation. We can see firsthand how sponsorship is helping children face these challenges with dignity and confidence.

Wolfe County: “Proud as Peacocks”

In Wolfe County, poverty rates remain stuck between 28–37%, more than double the national average. Once supported by coal and logging industries, the county now relies heavily on schools, healthcare, tourism, and low-wage service jobs.

At Wolfe County High School, coordinator Connie Burks described how sponsorship helps students feel confident during some of the hardest years of adolescence. She organizes shopping trips so students can choose clothes, shoes, hygiene items, and essentials many families cannot otherwise provide. “It’s so rewarding to see the students come to school ‘proud as peacocks with their new clothes,’” Connie shared.

For many students, these experiences are completely new. Some are being raised by grandparents. Others are helping support their families while trying to stay focused on school and their future. There’s Austin, a senior accepted into a technical institute to study diesel mechanics. There’s LaDella, who worked after school jobs to help her struggling family before deciding she wanted to pursue nursing. And there’s Ricky, who visits the resource center almost daily — sometimes for a pencil, sometimes for deodorant, and sometimes simply to say hello. At Wolfe County Middle School, coordinators spoke openly about how difficult middle school years can be for children living in poverty. “Most are desperate to fly under the radar, and to fit in with their peers,” the report explains.

New clothes and shoes do more than meet physical needs. They ease embarrassment, reduce bullying, and help children feel accepted during years when fitting in feels incredibly important.

Food insecurity remains a constant concern throughout the county. While a local food pantry has helped, transportation barriers and long wait times often prevent families from accessing help consistently.

At Campton Elementary School, the Family Resource Center serves as a lifeline for struggling families. Coordinator Becky Dickey and assistant Tom Yeager maintain food supplies, hygiene items, and a clothing closet for students who may come to school without weather-appropriate clothes, properly fitting shoes, or clean outfits.

Sometimes the needs are urgent and immediate. During one visit, a student came into the resource center wearing shoes and pants that were far too small. She left excitedly carrying heart-covered leggings and sandals she had chosen herself. That moment captured the heart of sponsorship in Eastern Kentucky: meeting practical needs while also restoring dignity.

At Campton Elementary, 87% of students come from low-income families.

There’s seven-year-old Jacey, who loves horses, unicorns, and caring for chickens on her family’s small property. Her father works hard doing handyman jobs and small farming projects, but inconsistent income makes supporting six children incredibly difficult. “There are so many reasons they need a well-stocked closet,” Becky explained.

At nearby Rogers Elementary School, coordinators shared stories of grandparents raising grandchildren on small Social Security checks, families living in mobile homes, and children whose sponsorship support has become “a lifeline.”

Breathitt County: Poverty, Flood Recovery, and Resilience

In neighboring Breathitt County, many of the same struggles continue.

The county remains deeply affected by generational poverty and, more recently, by the devastating 2022 Eastern Kentucky floods. Even four years later, flood damage remains visible across the region — damaged homes, boarded windows, warped siding, and families still struggling to rebuild. At Breathitt County Junior/Senior High School, coordinator Kelli Gross described how poverty affects every part of students’ lives. “Some students are staying up all night to make sure a parent doesn’t overdose,” she explained. “Others are taking care of younger siblings late into the night.”

For some students, school simply cannot become the priority it should be because survival at home comes first. Many families rely on government assistance, low-paying retail jobs, school system employment, or nursing home work. Grandparents raising grandchildren is common here as well. Kelli shared that some middle and high school students had “never been inside a store before and didn’t know how to shop for themselves.” Through sponsorship shopping trips, students slowly gain confidence — not just in choosing clothes, but in themselves. At Jackson City School, sponsorship has become woven into the culture of the school itself.

Unlike many schools where students may feel embarrassed receiving support, coordinator Ashley Combs explained that students openly celebrate the program and talk proudly about their sponsors. Ashley described one student with an insulin pump who used to hide the tubing beneath long sleeves, even during warm weather, because he felt self-conscious about the adhesive patches on his skin. With consistent access to supplies and support, he eventually grew more confident. Recently, she saw him wearing short sleeves at school for the first time. “It felt like a small but meaningful victory,” she shared.

At Highland-Turner Elementary School, sponsorship helps children navigate the vulnerable years before transitioning into much larger schools. Coordinator Linda Oaks emphasized how meaningful sponsor relationships become for students. One student proudly shared that she named her black chicken “Smudgy” after her sponsor’s cat because she feels so connected to the family who writes to her.

Those relationships matter deeply.

Children Incorporated doesn’t simply provide clothing and supplies. It creates consistent, caring connections in places where many children desperately need stability and encouragement. At Breathitt Elementary School, coordinator Amanda Miller described how students “light up” when they hear something has arrived from their sponsor. For children being raised by grandparents or living in financially unstable homes, those moments mean more than sponsors may ever fully realize.

A Home Visit That Told the Whole Story

One of the most moving moments of the trip came during a home visit with grandparents Jack and Marilyn Fugate. Now in their late seventies and early eighties, the couple is raising four grandchildren after their daughter passed away from cancer in her thirties. Their only income comes primarily from Social Security.

Jack proudly showed staff the barn he built himself decades ago, once filled with horses he trained and showed throughout the Southeast. Dust-covered trophies still line the shelves inside. Then he walked visitors to the home he also built with his own hands. The couple spoke with deep gratitude for the support their grandchildren receive through Children Incorporated. “It was clear that the assistance makes a meaningful difference — not just in meeting basic needs, but in easing some of the daily pressure they carry.”

That sentence could summarize the entire trip.

Sponsorship is a source of hope

Across every school visit, one message remained clear: sponsorship matters deeply.

It helps children arrive at school prepared to learn. It eases pressure on caregivers already stretched thin. It provides confidence, stability, and encouragement during difficult seasons of life. In places like Wolfe County, poverty is not simply about income. It affects education, transportation, nutrition, emotional well-being, and future opportunity.

But sponsorship creates a connection powerful enough to interrupt that cycle.

Through the support of compassionate sponsors, children in Eastern Kentucky are receiving more than clothes or school supplies. They are receiving reassurance that someone believes in them, cares about their future, and wants them to succeed. And for many children, that hope can make all the difference. What they found was not a lack of love or determination among families. Instead, they witnessed the ongoing realities of generational poverty, limited opportunities, food insecurity, and the daily challenges that children face simply trying to attend school ready to learn.

***

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:

SPONSOR A CHILD

Community Support, News, Stories of Hope, Kentucky

Read More

written by Renee Kube

Renée oversees Children Incorporated’s work in the United States – from the rural southeast and southwest to our urban areas in New Orleans, Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Virginia. She works closely with our network of more than 100 volunteer coordinators at each affiliated site. For sixteen years, Renée managed our sites in the Appalachian Region before taking her current role in 2010.

» more of Renee's stories
Rachel Luginbuhl |

Our Spring 2026 Newsletter is Here!

Your compassion is doing more than meeting needs: it’s changing what’s possible. From delivering life-sustaining meals to over 7,000 children, to empowering young leaders in New Orleans and expanding access to specialized education across the globe, your support is creating real, lasting impact. Whether it’s helping a child stay nourished, confident, or prepared to learn, every act of generosity is an investment in their future.

Working to Fight Food Insecurity

This past October, your compassion took a seat at the table for thousands of children. As global food insecurity continues to rise, our CEO, Liz Collins, mobilized an emergency boost of $25 per child across all our affiliated sites. The scale of your impact is staggering – over 7,000 children received the extra nourishment they needed to grow, learn, and thrive. You didn’t just send a donation, you sent a lifeline.

What You Helped Provide:

  • A week of school meals for one child.
  • One month of weekend food packages for a family in need.
  • Supplies purchased for the sustainability of community gardens.
  • Nutrition support for multiple unsponsored children in a high-need area.

Female Empowerment​ Opportunities ​in New Orleans

At Arthur Ashe Charter School, a remarkable group of young women is proving that with the right support, the future is bright. In “The Ladies of Tomorrow,” an 8th-grade sisterhood, students cultivate empathy and strengthen their emotional health.

Because of your contributions to the Hope In Action Fund, these young leaders had everything they needed—from project supplies to professional clothing—to make their mark this year.

Your generosity empowered them to:

  • Speak Up: They wrote, directed, and filmed two anti-bullying commercials for the weekly school news broadcast.
  • Give Back: The Ladies of Tomorrow mentored the next generation by hosting reading sessions for the first grade classes.
  • Celebrate Culture: They choreographed and led a powerful performance for the school-wide Black History Program.

Seeing Impact Through Letters

Writing to your sponsored child is a fun and informative way to learn more about their life as well as see the progress brought by your generosity. Some children write more than others, and patience is essential in allowing children to express themselves. We ensure at least one letter a year is delivered to our sponsors.

Educational Therapy in Puerto Rico

Success for a few of our children at Iglesia Bautista requires more than just a standard classroom setup. Through your gifts to the Hope In Action Fund, we recently provided targeted educational and therapeutic grants to ensure every student has the tools they need to grow.

These grants are changing the daily lives of families:

  • Consistency in Therapy: One student can now practice her therapeutic exercises at home with the same equipment used by her specialists.
  • Advancing Education: A young boy was able to trade his “little kid” map for an advanced version that shows every country, matching his growing curiosity and skill level.
Your generosity transforms a child’s potential into real opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.

COORDINATOR SPOTLIGHT

Serving as the Family Resource Center Coordinator at Salyersville Grade School for the past three years, Kelly Simpkins has embraced her calling to support children and families in a rural community with limited resources. After being encouraged by the school’s principal to apply, she stepped into a role that allows her to make a meaningful difference each day.

She shares that Children Incorporated is an invaluable partner, providing essential support where few other resources exist and helping meet the needs of the most vulnerable students. Grateful for the ongoing encouragement from the Children Incorporated team, she remains focused on her hope that the children and families she serves will overcome generational poverty, achieve self-sufficiency, and grow into happy, healthy, and thriving members of their community.

Building Futures in El Salvador

Located near the Civic Center in San Salvador, El Salvador, stands the Laboure School, one of our affiliated sites. The school currently educates over two hundred of the capital city’s boys and girls from first through ninth grade. Due to damages from earthquakes over recent years, a large section of the school was condemned. The rest of the school, though safe, is in desperate need of improvements.

With the government’s increased focus on public safety and security, fewer funds have been available for health and education purposes. That meant we had an opportunity to help. We are thrilled to announce that with Children Incorporated supporters, like you, we secured funding for the remaining amount needed to build a new school.

Luis Bourdet, our Director for International Programs, has diligently worked with Laboure School administrators to obtain building designs and estimates, submit permits, and create project timelines. We are waiting on one more civic permit approval and hope to break ground early-to-mid-May 2026.

This is the largest building project that Children Incorporated has funded, and we are excited to partner with the Laboure School administrators and the San Salvador Civic Center community. We will keep you updated with the progress!

Maximize Your Impact with a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)

Think of a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) as a simple and flexible way to support the mission of Children Incorporated. 

How do I contribute to Children Incorporated from my Donor Advised Fund?

  1. Login to your Donor Advised Fund account through your DAF sponsor, such as Fidelity Charitable, DAFGiving360, or Vanguard Charitable.
  2. Recommend a grant to Children Incorporated
  3. Provide Children Incorporated’s tax ID (54-0761510) to your DAF sponsor or advisor

Have questions about how to get started or how to link your existing DAF to our mission? We are here to help! Please reach out to Steve Mitchell, our Director of Donor Development, at 800-538-5381 or via email at smitchell@children-inc.org  to discuss how a DAF can be a powerful tool for your legacy of giving.

READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER

Rachel Luginbuhl |

When a child is sponsored, they can count on consistent support for their most pressing needs. This stability ensures that meals, clothing, and school supplies are not just occasional gifts, but ongoing resources they can rely on. With that security, children are able to focus on their education and personal growth, opening doors to a brighter future.

End of the school year in the U.S

In the U.S, students are preparing for the end of the school year. That means prom for the high school students, graduation for our seniors, and for students with years to come, the anticipation of what will be needed for the summer months. Our volunteer coordinators are hard at work providing students with all the necessities for the break. We couldn’t be more grateful to their dedication to the children in our program!

“Summer” Break in the Philippines

Students at the Fortune’s Center in the Philippines are now on their “summer break”, with classes resuming in June. Their letters to their sponsors highlight the excitement each child has to express their accomplishment with their sponsor, as well as their thanks for the assistance to come this far. Sponsors are the reason our students will be prepared for their upcoming year, thank you for your assistance to them!

Exciting Updates

Because of your sponsorship and donations, this month we have been able to:

  • Send a group of seniors on their Senior Field Trip, allowing for inclusivity.
  • Replenished Eastern Kentucky school food banks for the upcoming summer months, ensuring students have nutritious food even when school is out of session.
  • Provided urgent aid for a recently enrolled student who does not yet have a sponsor. The student received shoes that fit, and appropriate seasonal clothes for the upcoming summer months.
  • Purchased educational and expressive enrichment items for a non-verbal student, to allow for increased personal freedom during the time school is out of session.

 

Unsponsored Child Highlight

Chloe* is just about to begin her new school year in June in the Philippines, and a sponsor can be the difference between staying ahead and falling behind. Her parents both rely on inconsistent daily labor to provide for their children, which can not meet all their needs. Becoming a sponsor can be the reason for a child’s success.

 

 

 

 

**********

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