I first met Rosanne Cash in the spring of 2012. Of course, I was already aware of her artistry, having been a big fan of her hit records “Seven Year Ache,” “Blue Moon With Heartache,” and “I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me,” and I was well-aware that she was the daughter of the iconic Johnny Cash.
I admit that I was initially a little star-struck to meet her, but since our initial lunch together twelve years ago, I have gotten to know Rosanne quite a bit better, and I have discovered that she is one of the nicest, most compassionate individuals one can hope to meet. She cares deeply about the state of our world, including the poverty and deprivation that bind so many children. I recently had the opportunity to chat with her about her decades-long support of Children Incorporated.
I appreciated the personal connection, the ‘family’ atmosphere, and the fact that the administrators actually knew who the sponsors and children were — it’s not a nameless and faceless enterprise where you send money and it goes into a black box.
– Rosanne Cash
A conversation with our long-time supporter
RON: Rosanne, according to our records, you started supporting Children Incorporated in September 1987, thirty-seven years ago. Do you recall how you initially discovered Children Incorporated?
ROSANNE: “It’s been a long time! I really don’t recall how I found Children Incorporated, but I remember feeling impressed with the obvious sincerity and humility of the mission. I was moved that it was founded by just one woman (Jeanne Clarke Wood), out of a singular desire to ease the suffering of children around the world.”
RON: And what led you to contact us, as opposed to one of the other, perhaps larger sponsorship organizations? What has kept you involved all these years?
ROSANNE: I appreciated the personal connection, the ‘family’ atmosphere, and the fact that the administrators actually knew who the sponsors and children were — it’s not a nameless and faceless enterprise where you send money and it goes into a black box. I like getting the letters from the children and knowing who I’m helping.
RON: You currently sponsor three children with us — two in Bolivia and a third in Mexico. You’ve sponsored many different children. What do you find most rewarding about child sponsorship?
ROSANNE: I know there is a real effect to my sponsorship. The children write and tell me what they were able to buy for themselves, how their schoolwork is going, what music they like, and more about their lives. They send pictures and I see them grow. I see, in real time, that my sponsorship matters.
RON: If you were asked to describe Children Incorporated in just a couple of sentences, what would you say?
ROSANNE: Children Incorporated is an organization with enormous heart and soul, fastidiously administrated, and has the welfare of the children they serve at the center of every decision and every dollar they spend. Their integrity as a charity is exemplary, and their service to the underprivileged children of the world reverberates through generations.
Rosanne’s latest music release is the 30th Anniversary edition of her classic album, “The Wheel,” available wherever contemporary music is sold and through her website, rosannecash.com.
Thank you, Rosanne, for all you do to help children in our program!
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.
For nearly two decades, our former volunteer coordinator at Menifee Middle and High Schools, Melanie, worked closely with children in our program who struggled having very little consistency in their lives outside of the support they received from their sponsors. Today, we hear from Melanie, who retired from her position last year, about how Children Incorporated was so important for her students during her many years as the school’s resource center coordinator.
“Working with middle and high school students, I have seen first-hand how not having the basic resources others do is detrimental.”
Melanie’s Letter
I have been at Menifee County Youth Service Center for over 19 years and have had the pleasure of working with Children Incorporated for most of those years. Working with middle and high school students, I have seen first-hand how not having the basic resources others do is detrimental. It’s a huge part of that age group to want to just fit in. I am so thankful for Children Incorporated and the sponsors we have for our students here. Because of them we are truly able to provide them with their basic needs so that they are able to come to school and focus on learning.
I have one middle school student in particular who would not even have the basic things we all take for granted without this program. He lives with a single father and two older siblings. Over the years, we have been able to provide the much-needed clothing, coats, and shoes for him. He is non-verbal, so I rely a lot on his teachers. They are wonderful with letting me know all his needs throughout the year and his wants at Christmas.
Because of Children Incorporated, not only are his basic needs provided for, but we were able to get him a few learning and educational toys to help him with his motor skills. Children Incorporated has been a blessing for this child who unfortunately may have otherwise fallen through the cracks. With Children Incorporated’s help of Hope In Action funds we have also been able to provide this student and his family with food each week through our Meals to Grow program. I cannot say enough good things about the difference that Children Incorporated and its sponsors have made in this particular child’s life. Thank you!
***
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.
Children Incorporated |
Here at Children Incorporated, we know that sponsoring a child in need is extraordinarily rewarding, so we want to provide you with a guide to walk you through the process.
In order to make your decision as easy as possible, here you will find the answers to sixteen of the most common questions we receive about sponsoring a child in Africa.
The sponsorship relationship enables an individual sponsor to help support a child in need by means of monthly contributions. Monthly sponsorship donations go towards providing basic necessities such as school supplies and tuition fees, food, clothing, and access to healthcare, among other services, so that a child living in poverty has the opportunity to overcome the barriers that keep them from attending school, getting an education, and succeeding in life.
2. What is the role of A sponsor?
A sponsor’s friendship and encouragement are priceless to a child in such circumstances. Indeed, many children value the relationships they establish with their sponsors as much as they value the financial support they receive from them. There is an opportunity to build a relationship between sponsor and child that can be quite profound.
3. How long can I sponsor a child in Africa?
Many children value the relationships they establish with their sponsors as much as they value the financial support they receive from them. There is an opportunity to build a relationship between sponsor and child that can be quite profound.
Typically, sponsorship lasts until a child turns eighteen years old, graduates from high school, or moves out of our service area. Due to the transient state of many families and the difficult circumstances of the regions where they reside, we cannot predict or guarantee how long a child will remain in our sponsorship program, although every effort is made to provide services to children for as long as possible.
When a child leaves the sponsorship program, another child is selected for you to sponsor that is equally in need, in the hope that you will accept the new sponsorship.
4. Who implements or administers the child sponsorship program?
Our program is implemented by on-site volunteer coordinators who are typically administrators at the sites with which we affiliate. Our coordinators have direct access to the children they serve at their schools, homes, orphanages, or community centers — and sometimes even on a daily basis. As such, they are familiar with the immediate needs and family circumstances of each individual child in their care.
5. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SPONSOR A CHILD In Africa?
With Children Incorporated, it costs $35 a month to sponsor a child living in poverty. Our sponsorship amount is lower than other sponsorship organizations because we work with volunteer coordinators around the world, which helps us keep our costs low while also maximizing the amount of money we are able to send to the children in our sponsorship program.
6. WILL MY SPONSORSHIP HELP A CHILD GO TO SCHOOL OR HELP WITH THEIR EDUCATION IN africa?
Yes! Absolutely — your sponsorship will help a child go to school or help with their education. Children Incorporated provides basic necessities such as food, clothing, healthcare and educational support to children living in poverty in the U.S. and abroad. These essentials, so often taken for granted, are vital to a child’s growth and success in school. Each year, we give thousands of children in need all over the world a chance at a better life by supporting their education.
7. ARE THERE NON-RELIGIOUS SPONSORSHIP ORGANIZATIONS?
Yes. Children Incorporated is a non-religious sponsorship organization. Children Incorporated is an independent charity. We have no religious or political affiliation. Our goal is to assist as many children living in poverty as possible, and we respect each child’s religious and cultural heritage.
8. Who most directly benefits from my financial support?
When you sponsor a child, the beneficiary of your support is your individual sponsored child. The families of children in our sponsorship program receive additional or indirect benefits from their child’s sponsorship, but our focus is the one child. Sponsorship is intended to address the unique and individual needs of each child so that his or her specific needs are addressed.
The child-focused approach to fighting poverty is distinctly different from the broader community development approach. By changing the life of one child, you are giving him or her the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty, which can eventually lead to the transformation of an entire community — and even a nation.
9. WILL I RECEIVE UPDATED INFORMATION ABOUT MY SPONSORED CHILD IN AFRICA?
Yes. You will receive updated information and an updated photo, although the frequency may vary depending upon the child’s location. The typical progress report includes information about the child’s grade level in school, hobbies, and interests.
10. May I send packages to my sponsored child in Africa?
Due to high customs duties and the likelihood of loss, it is not recommended that you send packages to sites outside of the United States, as their receipt cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to send an additional gift, it is recommended that you send a monetary gift to our headquarters in North Chesterfield, Virginia.
11. May I write to the child I sponsor?
Yes! Corresponding with your sponsored child can be a delightful experience. Your sponsored child is encouraged to write to you as well.
12. What should I write about?
The children enjoy learning about the lives of their sponsors. Writing about your own family (children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, etc.) is always a good place to start. The children also like to learn about your part of the world, what you do for a living, your hobbies and interests, and about any pets you may have.
13. Is it possible to visit my sponsored child in Africa?
It is possible to visit sponsored children; however, it is not guaranteed that all of the sites with which we affiliate are open to sponsor visits. Circumstances vary from area to area. Contact our office to find out if a visit is possible.
14. Are there reviews of child sponsorship organizations?
Yes. Before you choose an organization with which to sponsor a child, we highly recommend that you visit these websites to gain a better understanding of charity backgrounds and performances: Charity Navigator, GuideStar, Give.org and Charity Watch.
Children Incorporated is very proud of our reputation and reviews that recognize the work we are doing for children. Visit the following links to see our ratings:
15. What are the best child sponsorship organizations for sponsoring a child in Africa?
Well, we are obviously a little biased about this question; but as we mentioned above, we highly recommend that you visit the various websites that provide assessments and ratings of nonprofit organizations before you make any donations. We believe that Children Incorporated is the best child sponsorship organization.
16. What are the pros and cons of sponsoring a child?
The pros: you get to make a fundamental difference in the life of a child in need, and the effects of your sponsorship can last a lifetime. There are no real cons to sponsoring a child, but as you follow the progress of your sponsored child, you may at times feel that you wish you could do more.
Although we are not always considered to be an emergency relief organization, it is amazing how quickly we actually can respond to helping children and families in our programs when sudden needs arise. Today we hear from Michelle at James D. Adams Middle School about how our Hope In Action Fund has come to the rescue for her over the last year, especially when needed after devastating flooding in Eastern Kentucky.
“We cannot say a big enough ‘thank you’ to Children Incorporated for being one of the very first to reach out and help us.”
Michelle’s Note
“What a year it has been here in Floyd County! We came out of the challenges of COVID-19 thinking it may be a more normal school year, only to get hit by one of the most destructive floods that we have ever seen. Despite the challenges, I am so proud to have been on the front lines here working with my fellow resource center coordinators to help people make it through those early days when they had just lost everything they owned.”
“As our community always does in times of crisis, we came together, and we used what we had to make sure that our people were taken care of. We cannot say a big enough ‘thank you’ to Children Incorporated for being one of the very first to reach out to us and help us provide necessary clothing and shoes for families who were living in emergency shelters after the flooding. As always, your assistance was invaluable and so appreciated.”
“Immediately after the flooding, I quickly filled out a Children Incorporated sponsorship application for one of my students, Nicole*, who was living in a shelter. She and her mom had just moved to the area when the flooding happened. I was so thrilled with how quickly she was able to get a sponsor, and with the additional funding through your Hope In Action Fund, I was able to get her clothing and other needs while she and her mother were living in a camper at the state park. Now, with the help of many resources, she and her mom have an apartment and are getting back on their feet. She has also been matched with a truly wonderful sponsor who has sent her some really encouraging letters which I have loved sharing with her.”
“Children Incorporated has also helped us in a major way this year with one of our students named Peter.* Peter is an intelligent young man who unfortunately has a terrible home life. His mother has basically left him here in Kentucky and moved away, and he has been going from relative to relative trying to find a place to stay.”
Thanks to their sponsors, children at James D. Adams Middle School receive basic needs items all year long.
“Despite the situation he is in, Peter continues to be a great kid who so many of us see real leadership potential in. His guidance counselor came to me and asked about sending him on a trip that they take every year to the state capital where they participate in activities that teach them about government, and I just knew we had to make a way for him to get there. I emailed Children Incorporated and explained the situation, and you all were able to help us get the needed funds to send Peter on the trip. We also were able to use some of the funds to help him present his project on lizards at the state science fair. Without this extra help, I don’t know if either of these activities would have been possible.”
“I also found out that one of our students, Rachel*, did not have a bed. A local furniture store donated a mattress so that her bed would no longer be on the floor. With Children Incorporated funds, I was able to get her a comforter set and blanket. She was so happy when she saw it! She said, ‘This is the one I looked at when I was at Wal-Mart, and my mom said we would have to wait.’ It truly was an awesome feeling to be able to help her in that way.”
“These are just a few of the ways Children Incorporated has helped me make it through such a difficult year. I am so thankful for our partnership and the difference it has made in so many of our students’ and families’ lives over the years.”
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.
Here at Children Incorporated, we know that sponsoring a child in need is extraordinarily rewarding, so we want to provide you with a guide to walk you through the process.
In order to make your decision as easy as possible, here you will find the answers to sixteen of the most common questions we receive about sponsoring a child in Africa.
The sponsorship relationship enables an individual sponsor to help support a child in need by means of monthly contributions. Monthly sponsorship donations go towards providing basic necessities such as school supplies and tuition fees, food, clothing, and access to healthcare, among other services, so that a child living in poverty has the opportunity to overcome the barriers that keep them from attending school, getting an education, and succeeding in life.
2. What is the role of A sponsor?
A sponsor’s friendship and encouragement are priceless to a child in such circumstances. Indeed, many children value the relationships they establish with their sponsors as much as they value the financial support they receive from them. There is an opportunity to build a relationship between sponsor and child that can be quite profound.
3. How long can I sponsor a child in latin america?
Many children value the relationships they establish with their sponsors as much as they value the financial support they receive from them. There is an opportunity to build a relationship between sponsor and child that can be quite profound.
Typically, sponsorship lasts until a child turns eighteen years old, graduates from high school, or moves out of our service area. Due to the transient state of many families and the difficult circumstances of the regions where they reside, we cannot predict or guarantee how long a child will remain in our sponsorship program, although every effort is made to provide services to children for as long as possible.
When a child leaves the sponsorship program, another child is selected for you to sponsor that is equally in need, in the hope that you will accept the new sponsorship.
4. Who implements or administers the child sponsorship program?
Our program is implemented by on-site volunteer coordinators who are typically administrators at the sites with which we affiliate. Our coordinators have direct access to the children they serve at their schools, homes, orphanages, or community centers — and sometimes even on a daily basis. As such, they are familiar with the immediate needs and family circumstances of each individual child in their care.
5. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SPONSOR A CHILD?
With Children Incorporated, it costs $35 a month to sponsor a child living in poverty. Our sponsorship amount is lower than other sponsorship organizations because we work with volunteer coordinators around the world, which helps us keep our costs low while also maximizing the amount of money we are able to send to the children in our sponsorship program.
6. WILL MY SPONSORSHIP HELP A CHILD GO TO SCHOOL OR HELP WITH THEIR EDUCATION?
Yes! Absolutely — your sponsorship will help a child go to school or help with their education. Children Incorporated provides basic necessities such as food, clothing, healthcare and educational support to children living in poverty in the U.S. and abroad. These essentials, so often taken for granted, are vital to a child’s growth and success in school. Each year, we give thousands of children in need all over the world a chance at a better life by supporting their education.
7. ARE THERE NON-RELIGIOUS SPONSORSHIP ORGANIZATIONS?
Yes. Children Incorporated is a non-religious sponsorship organization. Children Incorporated is an independent charity. We have no religious or political affiliation. Our goal is to assist as many children living in poverty as possible, and we respect each child’s religious and cultural heritage.
8. Who most directly benefits from my financial support?
When you sponsor a child, the beneficiary of your support is your individual sponsored child. The families of children in our sponsorship program receive additional or indirect benefits from their child’s sponsorship, but our focus is the one child. Sponsorship is intended to address the unique and individual needs of each child so that his or her specific needs are addressed.
The child-focused approach to fighting poverty is distinctly different from the broader community development approach. By changing the life of one child, you are giving him or her the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty, which can eventually lead to the transformation of an entire community — and even a nation.
9. WILL I RECEIVE UPDATED INFORMATION ABOUT MY SPONSORED CHILD?
Yes. You will receive updated information and an updated photo, although the frequency may vary depending upon the child’s location. The typical progress report includes information about the child’s grade level in school, hobbies, and interests.
10. May I send packages to my sponsored child?
Due to high customs duties and the likelihood of loss, it is not recommended that you send packages to sites outside of the United States, as their receipt cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to send an additional gift, it is recommended that you send a monetary gift to our headquarters in North Chesterfield, Virginia.
11. May I write to the child I sponsor?
Yes! Corresponding with your sponsored child can be a delightful experience. Your sponsored child is encouraged to write to you as well.
12. What should I write about?
The children enjoy learning about the lives of their sponsors. Writing about your own family (children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, etc.) is always a good place to start. The children also like to learn about your part of the world, what you do for a living, your hobbies and interests, and about any pets you may have.
13. Is it possible to visit my sponsored child in latin america?
It is possible to visit sponsored children; however, it is not guaranteed that all of the sites with which we affiliate are open to sponsor visits. Circumstances vary from area to area.
14. Are there reviews of child sponsorship organizations?
Yes. Before you choose an organization with which to sponsor a child, we highly recommend that you visit these websites to gain a better understanding of charity backgrounds and performances: Charity Navigator, GuideStar, Give.org and Charity Watch.
Children Incorporated is very proud of our reputation and reviews that recognize the work we are doing for children. Visit the following links to see our ratings:
15. What are the best child sponsorship organizations for sponsoring a child in latin america?
We believe that Children Incorporated is the best child sponsorship organization for sponsoring a child in Latin America.
16. What are the pros and cons of sponsoring a child?
The pros: you get to make a fundamental difference in the life of a child in need, and the effects of your sponsorship can last a lifetime. There are no real cons to sponsoring a child, but as you follow the progress of your sponsored child, you may at times feel that you wish you could do more.
17. How much does child sponsorship cost?
Our sponsorship rate is $35 per month, and may be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.
18. Will my sponsorship help a child go to school?
Yes — absolutely! We pride ourselves on our focus on providing educational resources for children.
After spending a little more than a week together visiting our affiliated sites in Sucre and Santa Cruz, it was time for me to depart and return home from Bolivia, as our Director of International Programs, Luis Bourdet, stayed to visit two more of our sites by himself — the Pedro Poveda School in La Paz and the the Lourdes School in Santa Ana del Yacuma.
“Our sponsors are providing their children with support, so that they have a sound education at Pedro Poveda.”
I had the pleasure of visiting Pedro Poveda in 2016 on my first trip to Bolivia with Children Incorporated, and I remember what a great affiliation it was, which it remains today. I have fond memories of visiting with our volunteer coordinator, Josefina, and I was excited for Luis to get the chance to see her again and get updates about how our sponsors are helping children in this part of the country.
Luis’ Visit
“Pedro Poveda is the only school in the capital city of La Paz affiliated to the Children Incorporated program,” explained Luis.
The study room at Pedro Poveda is available for children to receive support with their school work during and after school.
“This school is located in the area of La Paz called Villa Armonia, a section of the city that suffers from land movements due to bad drainage systems in this very mountainous area. Most homes, and even the school, suffer with constant deterioration and cracking of walls and floors.” “Families of our sponsored children at Pedro Poveda are very poor, and most are living in housing with the same issues.”
“The local government will not do anything to address this problem. At this moment, there is a section of the school with four classrooms that has been condemned because of this problem. The school goes from 6th through 12th grade, and children attend primary school at a government institution next door,” said Luis. “Our sponsors are providing their children with support, so that they have a sound education at Pedro Poveda.”
Help from our sponsors
“Children Incorporated support is utilized to provide school supplies and any fees the children need to attend the school. They are also provided with food items, clothing and shoes after all educational needs are met. While I was visiting, the children expressed the importance of our support so that they can complete their education. I am hoping to help them with repairs needed at the school if at all possible,” explained Luis.
“Beyond the education they are receiving, the school has tutoring programs, and also a program to support children from the area with special education needs. It also has a collection of textbooks and other resources to support many children with research and completion of educational projects.”
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.
