Tag Archives: opportunity

Shelley Callahan | November 19, 2024En Español

After visiting the second of three of our affiliated sites in Mexico, it was time for Ron Carter, Yefiny Mena, and myself to travel from San Miguel de Allende to Guadalajara, where we would be meeting with our volunteer coordinator at the La Luz Home.

Remembering the visit before

When I was at La Luz two years ago with our Director of International Programs, Luis Bourdet, a few of the children at the home stood out to me — most specifically, a small boy named Christian. Christian was only 3 years old at the time, which was younger than the other children there, who usually were 4 to 14 years old. He was allowed to stay at the home at such a young age because his older brother was there as well, and La Luz works to keep siblings together as much as possible since these children already have had challenging lives, with one or both parents in jail or otherwise unable to take care of their kids.

In the morning, after we arrived in Guadalajara, we were scheduled to visit the home. Isabella, who works at La Luz, and Liz, our volunteer coordinator, picked us up at our hotel. Along with them in the La Luz van were a few children — including an older Christian! Just as I remembered him, Christian was smiling ear to ear and excitedly chatted with us as we made our way through the city.

Seeing La Luz Again

When we arrived at La Luz, the children filed out of the van and hurried inside, eager to show us around. We started our tour of the home by visiting the boys’ dorm. No longer a small boy with a limited vocabulary, Christian talked in detail about the boys’ lockers, the art supply closet, and how the kitchen was organized, including showing us where they kept their pet rabbit’s food.

We then left Christian and the other boys behind to play in the courtyard, and continued our visit of the home with Liz, who showed us the central kitchen, the laundry room, the girls’ dorm, the study rooms, and the events hall.

Getting to see a glimpse of Christian and the other children growing up in a healthy environment was the most wonderful end to such a special trip to Mexico.

Liz explained that 25 children currently lived at the home, along with five sisters who were full-time staff members. A social worker was also at the home during the week to support the children and conduct home visits as needed. As Liz explained, some of the children have caretakers to go home to on the weekends, and some live at the home all week long. All the children attend local public schools, which are only a few minutes away by van.

Why sponsors are so important

Liz told us that the home is funded by a local hospital located next door, and although this ensures they can maintain the building and feed the children, there aren’t a lot of funds left over for other basic needs. Because of this, our sponsors, according to Liz, are incredibly helpful in ensuring the children have school uniforms, school supplies, and hygiene items while living at home. From everything I could see, this group of children was incredibly happy to have such a wonderful place to live where they had a caring staff and were surrounded by their peers.

Before the day ended, the children performed songs and dances for us, and I couldn’t help but notice just how delighted Christian was to be showing us the routine that he had practiced with the other kids. Getting to see a glimpse of Christian and the other children growing up in a healthy environment was the perfect end to such a special trip to Mexico.

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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 one of our staff members; email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org; or go online to our sponsorship portal, create an account, and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Renee Kube | September 30, 2024En Español

Our affiliated school, Arlie Boggs, is a kindergarten through eighth-grade school with a small population of just 128 students. It’s located in the community of Eolia, in the southeastern part of the county. It’s in a rural area, sandwiched between Bad Branch State Nature Preserve and the Virginia state line. There is a lot of poverty in this community — 84% of the children come from low-income families. The children are also struggling academically. The test scores average 33% in reading and 17% in math.

“Thank you so much for this! It has helped lift a tremendous burden that some of our families were facing.”

This is an older school that sits on a hill right next to the road. In the foreground is the Family Resource Youth Services Center trailer. This is a new affiliation for Children Incorporated with a new volunteer coordinator, Miranda. When I arrived to visit the school, Miranda welcomed me warmly and offered to give me a tour. We walked around the building and grounds, talking all the way. Miranda showed me the STLP [Student Technology Leadership Program] station. She is the faculty/staff sponsor for this program, which teaches participating students to use technology to help their fellow students. Miranda helps the students with their broadcasts to the classrooms.

partnering to help children in need

We then entered the middle school wing of the building. Like most kindergarten through 8th grade schools, older and younger children have separate areas. The playground is behind the school, at the top of a hill, and is usually accessed by these stairs. After a recent storm caused downed branches and some damage, caution tape was put up, and the stairs cannot be used until repairs can be made.

In the meantime, the children access the playground by taking a longer walk to the far end of the grounds, climbing the hill, and going in the far gate. The greenhouse needs hand tools, soil, seedlings, and other supplies, and Miranda is interested in applying for a Hope In Action Program grant from Children Incorporated to get some additional support.

Miranda shows Renée some of the classrooms while she visited Arlie Boggs Elementary School.

Also, during the tour, Miranda took me to the office of the two workers with Partners for Rural Impact. I had not yet heard of the organization. She explained that its mission is to ensure that rural students have the opportunity to fulfill their educational aspirations.

The organization is presently working in three states: East Texas, Appalachian Kentucky, and New Hampshire. In the first two states, the organization offers a “Cradle to Career” Partnership, and in New Hampshire, the organization offers a statewide Family Engagement Center. In Kentucky, the organization is partnering with Arlie Boggs, and Miranda said that two workers were placed at the school to collaborate with her on many goals, and they are mutually supportive. I plan to learn more about this organization.

A letter from Miranda

A few months after returning from my trip, I received a letter from Miranda, thanking our organization for the support we we able to provide to students at the beginning of the school year:

Dear Children Incorporated,

This year, we didn’t have the budget to make sure every family and teacher was covered for supplies. Because of your donation, we are able to provide all students and teachers with the items they need for a great school year. I was able to purchase pencils, paper, folders, Kleenex, hand sanitizer, markers, clipboards, and other basic items. Thank you so much for this! It has helped lift a tremendous burden that some of our families were facing.

Best,
Miranda

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How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

SPONSOR A CHILD

Shelley Callahan | September 15, 2024En Español

As our Director of International Programs, Luis Bourdet, continues his visits to our affiliated sites in India, he discusses his time at the St. Mary’s Girls’ Hostel, where young women from rural areas are offered the chance for a well-rounded education while having a safe place to live.

“Our program support is crucial in providing food, covering home expenses, and funding educational activities for the children.”

A history of the home

“The St. Mary’s Home for Girls is located in a large city about one hour away from Dornakal. It was formerly a home for polio rehabilitation patients but has now been converted into a hostel for children who want an education but live in rural areas where schools may not be available,” said Luis.

During my visit, Ms. Esther Celina Moses, the Children Incorporated coordinator for the St. Mary’s Girls’ Hostel, shared some important updates. She mentioned that more children are seeking help from our sponsorship program, as the pandemic has severely affected the city’s employment opportunities. Our program support is crucial in providing food, covering home expenses, and funding educational activities for the children. This really showed me just how much of a vital role our organization plays in supporting the hostel and the children it serves.”

Needing Additional Support

“Despite the challenges, the children are resilient and are making the most of the opportunities provided at the home. I told the coordinator that the facilities need some improvement and let her know that she can ask for support from our organization for things such as improvements so the girls have an even better situation while living there. The children seem happy to be there and glad to have the opportunity to be educated. After meeting the girls and having a meeting with Ms. Moses, I left the facility for the day after a small cultural presentation from the children in the program,” said Luis.

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How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

SPONSOR A CHILD

Shelley Callahan | September 8, 2024En Español

During his ongoing visits to our affiliated sites in India, Luis Bourdet recently visited the St. Paul’s Home for Girls – Kothagudem. He was impressed by the high standard of the dorm, which he considers one of the best among our regional partners.

UNDERSTANDING ST. PAUL’S

“My next visit was t0 the St. Paul’s Home for Girls – Kothagudem, located in one of the largest cities in the Dornakal Diocese work area. The Church of South India compound here is large and contains a girl’s hostel supported by Children Incorporated, another hostel for boys supported by another organization, a large church, a school, and other facilities within the largest compound area, perhaps as big as the Diocese office,” explained Luis.

“They thanked Children Incorporated for the permanent support to the children and for education, as they see this as the only way to have a decent life in India after the pandemic.”

“We were told that the church is the largest and most significant contributor to the Diocese regarding offerings and parish members. For this reason, the girls’ hostel, run by the pastor, Rev. Jesudas, with the direct involvement of the former coordinator at St. Paul’s Home, Mrs. Samson, is perhaps one of the best facilities for the children. St. Paul’s was transferred to this location because the local government demanded that all private hostels have a school facility for the children to attend within their compounds.”

“St. Paul’s didn’t, so the program was transferred to this facility not far from the original town. We lost some of the original children during the transfer, but some could transfer to this new facility. They had an old dorm here at Kothagudem, and it was fully upgraded during the transfer. This new facility has a new construction, with toilets and rooms in great shape and covered with tile and modern construction. The cots provided by Children Incorporated some years back were refurbished, and an additional area for schoolwork was added. The children are very happy to have sponsors here,” said Luis.

Helping children in need

“The entire support from Children Incorporated sponsorship here is utilized to provide food, shelter, education, and all other basic needs for the children. The local community has been instrumental in supporting the girls’ hostel. When a need for maintenance arises, or any other need that cannot be covered with Children Incorporated support appears, they are always ready to provide it. This collective effort is the reason this home stands out.”

“After discussing financial reports with our coordinator, and other aspects of the program, I had a short meeting with the local community leaders, where I thanked them for the additional support they gave the children. They thanked Children Incorporated for the permanent support of the children and for their education, as they see this as the only way to have a decent life in India after the pandemic. They indicated that the children will be good providers to their families in the future instead of people depending on the community,” said Luis.

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How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

SPONSOR A CHILD

Shelley Callahan | August 11, 2024

As she continues visiting our affiliated sites in New Mexico, our Director of U.S. Programs, Renée Kube, visits the Mariano Lake Community School, where she meets with Barbara, our volunteer coordinator.

VISITING MARIANO LAKE

“During my visit, Barbara had just received Hope In Action Program funding based on a request where she told me she could use things for the dorm, such as books and arts and craft supplies.”

“Mariano Lake Community School is located about 60 miles south-southwest of Lake Valley. Whereas the Lake Valley area is rocky and has become more arid, the Mariano Lake area has sandy soil and more vegetation. There are several types of grasses, as well as shrubby plants and bushes.”

“The eponymous lake is across the road but is down a hilly area and is not readily visible from the school. At one time, people came from all over the area to fish, but now the lake is more of a marsh and is no longer suitable for fishing,” said Renée.

Barbara is pictured with one of our sponsored children at Mariano Lake Community School.

“This area was originally settled by the Navajo because of the abundant vegetation and because it is an ideal area to raise sheep, which is still the case hundreds of years later. Prized for their adaptability to the land and for their overall health and hardiness, Navajo-Churro sheep have a long history with both Navajo and Hispanic families in the region. The sheep’s ancestors were originally from Spain and were quickly acquired through trades and raids by the Navajo.”

“Today, they are important to the Navajo culture and economy. The meat sustains many families, and the wool is used for weaving. Mariano Lake is no exception; like other communities, many families keep at least a few sheep,” said Renée.

“Some families also came to the area years ago to work in the uranium mine, which, unfortunately, was closed in 1982 and is now a highly contaminated site full of hazardous waste. As a result of the mine’s closure, there are few job opportunities in the area. Most adults travel to work low-wage jobs in nearby Gallup or Crownpoint.”

Meeting with Barbara

“When I arrived at Mariano Lake Community School, I was met by our wonderful, long-term volunteer coordinator, Barbara. We strolled around the school so I could get reacquainted with it since my previous visit. Then we went into the teachers’ lounge for our meeting. Barbara said that, like so many other schools, the pandemic caused disruptions,” explained Renée.

“Barbara was so excited and grateful about the most recent donation from Children Incorporated donors and was happily making her spending plans.”

“When the lockdown began in March 2020, the dorm was shut down along with the school. Children struggled with remote learning at home, and many families experienced severe illness and death, which added further trauma for the children. Eventually, the school reopened to hybrid instruction, and then during the 2022-2023 school year, the school returned to fully in-person instruction, and masks were required. Masking is optional this school year, but many choose to continue, especially households with elders or people with chronic health conditions. Barbara kept on her mask throughout my visit, and so I did too.”

“Our coordinator told me that all the children enrolled at Mariano Lake have parents and grandparents who can scarcely make ends meet, and our sponsors’ support is deeply appreciated. During my visit, Barbara had just received Hope In Action Program funding based on a request where she told me she could use things for the dorm, such as books and arts and crafts supplies. Barbara was so excited and grateful about the most recent donation from Children Incorporated donors and was happily making her spending plans,” said Renée.

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How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

SPONSOR A CHILD

Shelley Callahan | July 1, 2024En Español

As he continues visiting our affiliated sites in India, Luis Bourdet visits the Grace Aaron Childcare Center, where students are very happy to be present.

“The town of Burgampahad, in the southeastern Indian state of Telangana, is where the Grace Aaron Childcare Center is located,” explained Luis Bourdet.

“Within this rice-producing region, which is susceptible to crop-destroying flooding and droughts, thousands of field laborers earn very low wages. Due to widespread poverty, only some parents can send their children to school. For this reason, the Grace Aaron Childcare Center serves as a beacon of hope. Founded by the Church of South India, this center provides nutritional and educational support for girls from the region’s most impoverished families.”

Luis meets with our coordinator

“Grace Aaron was a hostel in the past, and children used to live here as our sponsorship program supported them. Flooding from the nearby Godavari river has affected the facilities a few times, and a new disposition of the local government, where children could not stay at private hostels unless a school is present within the compound, has turned this facility into a childcare center,” said Luis.

“The children love to be here, and they welcomed me with some interesting local dances and a display of henna markings in their hands that were very impressive.”

“Mrs. J. Jesantha, a coordinator of the Dornakal Girls Hostel before, is now the person in charge at Grace Aaron. The building where the dorms used to be is now utilized as classrooms and a dining hall, with a new area/building being the main area for classroom work, meetings and homework.”

“The pandemic had something to do with the transformation of this facility as well, as parents migrated to the town but had no way to support their children and send them to school. The schedule here is busy as usual, and the children arrive at the center every day very early in the morning and are given breakfast and sent to a nearby school,” said Luis.

“In the afternoon, after returning from school, they are given lunch and dinner, provided with homework help and some recreational activities, and sent home after 7 p.m. The children love to be at the Grace Aaron Center, and they welcomed me with some interesting local dances and a display of henna markings on their hands that were very impressive. They are very grateful for their sponsors as well, expressing much gratitude for the support they receive, which ensures that they have school supplies, food, and other necessary items throughout the year.”

“After meeting the coordinator about the Children Incorporated sponsorship program, I then had a delicious meal with plenty of dhal, which is a favorite food of mine, before finishing my visit to this wonderful affiliation,” said Luis.

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How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

SPONSOR A CHILD