Tag Archives: sponsor

Shelley Callahan | October 31, 2022En Español

Today we hear from Katalina, who writes to us from Richmond, Virginia, about how simple gifts are making a huge impact on children in our program.

Understanding Cardinal Elementary School

“The Children Incorporated program has been so incredibly helpful in assisting the children this year with their needs here at Cardinal Elementary School.”

“What has also made an impact are the extra gifts that were sometimes sent for either Christmas or a child’s birthday. With those gifts, I made sure to find out what the child wanted to make it extra special for them.”

“Cardinal Elementary School is a Title I school, meaning that most of the children attending are from low-income families; as a result, the entire school receives free breakfast and lunch. With most children at Cardinal coming from families that struggle financially, the ability to assist them with clothing and other needs throughout the year has been a huge help for the families.”

“Through their generous sponsors, children were assisted with clothing, shoes and even toiletry items. This was especially helpful during the winter months. Through these donations, the children were provided with warmer clothing to protect them from the colder temperatures that we get here in Richmond. What is especially heartwarming is that it’s not just the parents that are grateful, but the children as well.”

Helping Marcus and Katie

“What has also made an impact are the extra gifts that were sometimes sent for either Christmas or a child’s birthday. With those gifts, I made sure to find out what the child wanted to make it extra special for them.”

“Marcus* is a 1^st grader here at Cardinal and is everything that you would expect from a seven-year-old. He is sweet, funny, playful and loves dinosaurs. For Christmas, his sponsor sent a special donation, and I was able to purchase him a dinosaur toy. His mom allowed him to receive this before the holiday, and I was able to witness his face when I stopped by their home to drop off the gift. His face lit up instantly, and he was so excited.”

“Katie* is a 5^th grader here at Cardinal. She is hardworking and incredibly sweet. She is beyond grateful to her sponsors. In the fall, money was used to purchase her some clothes and boots for the winter, and the gratefulness she displayed was beyond her years. Her sponsor sent some extra funds for Christmas and then a few months later for her birthday.”

Cardinal Elementary’s newer school buildings offer students a modern and beautiful place to receive an education and additional support.

“Both times, I met with Katie to see what she would like, and her response was always ‘nothing too expensive.’ She is very conscious of price and doesn’t want to ask for too much. For her birthday, I brought her into my office, and we shopped together on Target’s website for some shoes and a jean jacket (she also needed a lighter jacket for the spring). When we found a jacket for $32, she started saying it was too expensive and that she did not need to get that one.”

Making the impossible possible

“I had to remind her that this was her birthday gift and that it was meant for her to choose what she wanted. When the jacket and shoes arrived, she immediately changed into them, and her joy at these simple things was just so heartwarming. Allowing her the opportunity to choose things for herself is something that is not always possible to do with her family’s means, and this program is doing so much to provide for a child that is just so giving and sweet with those around her.”

“These are just two of the children who are assisted by the program, and I think it so clearly shows the impact that the program has. Through the program, the children are given things that may seem simple to some but makes a world of difference in the life of a child.”

“In a much bigger way, the program allows the children to feel that they matter and that people care about their well-being and their day to day lives.”

“Having clothes that fit properly and are in good condition allow a child to better fit in with their peers and protects them from being cold or even too warm depending on the weather. It allows the child to not be an easy target for any other children to point out or make fun of, as children can sometimes do. Providing a child with something as simple as a birthday or Christmas gift, again seems simple, but these simple childhood pleasures that we often take for granted can make a huge impact. It allows the children to feel seen and cared for by their community.”

“Children Incorporated helps connect donors with children in need. In a practical way, the program helps to provide the children with physical needs that may be obstacles to coming to school on a regular basis. However, in a much bigger way, the program allows the children to feel that they matter and that people care about their well-being and their day to day lives.”

*Names changed to protect the children.

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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

Shelley Callahan | October 30, 2022En Español

As a sponsor or donor with Children Incorporated, it is likely that at some time you have communicated with our Sponsorship Director, Steve Mitchell, whether by email, on the phone, or even by mail.

Steve is an incredibly dedicated member of the Children Incorporated family, who plays a crucial role in making sure our sponsors feel a personal connection to our organization and the children they support.

“It’s been a great ride along the way for almost 24 years, and I have had the honor of working with some of the best, good-hearted people along the way.”

-Steve Mitchell

I spoke with Steve recently to ask him a few questions about his time with our organization to shed some light on this special person, and to show just how much he does for Children Incorporated, our staff, and our supporters beyond his role as Director.

SC: When did you first start at Children Incorporated?

SM: I started working at Children Incorporated on May 7, 1999.

SC: What was your first role with the organization?

SM: Mrs. Wood, the founder for Children Incorporated, interviewed me and hired me the same day. I was shocked and grateful since I had four children and needed the work. I was told that I would be working in the mail and filing department.

SC: How has that role changed over time?

SM: Wow, my duties and job assignments have certainly changed over the years. After working a couple of years in the mail and filing department, I then had the privilege of working with Mrs. Renée Kube in the Appalachian region and then moving into the position of manager of the Native American division. After several years, I was asked to be the sponsorship manager for the international division of Children Incorporated.

My most recent change was in December 2019 when our caring president, Mr. Ron Carter, asked if I would oversee the entire USA and International sponsorship department as Sponsorship Director when my colleague, Mr. Chuck Smith, moved into retirement. So, yes, it’s been a great ride for almost 24 years, and I have had the honor of working with some of the best, good-hearted people along the way.

SC: What is a day in the office like for you?

Upon completion of of our newly renovated office, our staff dedicated the building to Steve thanks to all his hard work.

SM: A day in the office….honestly, it changes constantly. Since I also oversee the maintenance and oversight of our office building, sometimes I may be investigating why the phone system isn’t working to shoveling snow in the winter months off the front steps and walkway. However, a “typical” day would be addressing the emails from the sponsors and donors along with assisting with any issues the sponsorship team members may bring to my attention. Time flies when you’re having fun!

SC: What is the most rewarding aspect of working with Children Incorporated?

SM: There are several, but I would have to say when we purchased our current location right outside of Richmond, Virginia. With the good leadership of our president securing a great price for the building, we then had the daunting task of renovating the almost 6,000 sq. ft. building with three floors.

Our deadline was just under three months and with the help of all staff pulling carpets to painting walls, along with hiring a few needed contractors for the larger tasks such as replacing the worn-out HVAC systems, we met our goal and moved in on time. It was a great achievement for all the staff. It was rewarding indeed.

SC: What is one of the most challenging parts of your job?

SM: Probably having to handle some of the building maintenance work. Finding a loose wire in a wall can be difficult, but we work through this as well. I have a great counterpart, Mr. Chuck Smith, who assists me as we tackle these issues.

SC: What is one of your fondest memories of your time with the organization?

SM: When I look back, I still remember having some really great conversations and hearty laughs with our founder, Mrs. Wood. I still miss talking with her and learning from her. Another incredible person I had the privilege of learning from and getting to know.

SC: What do you enjoy doing when you are not at the office?

SM: That’s an easy one. Enjoying time with my wife and family. I also really enjoy traveling with my dear wife of 35 years. We love seeing the world and finding new places to visit. The world is a great place to see with the ones you love!

***

How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

You can sponsor a child with Children Incorporated in one of three ways: call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with one of our staff members; email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org; or go online to our sponsorship portal, create an account, and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Shelley Callahan | October 23, 2022

As a part of our ongoing Stories of Hope blog series, we want to share with you our October 2022 Impact Report as a way to say “thank you” to all our supporters who make our work possible.

Beyond what you already provide to children through our sponsorship program, your donations to our Special Funds and Special Projects allow us to help families and communities as well, often in times of crisis.

YOUR IMPACT AROUND THE WORLD

Just in this past month, your donations have:

Beyond what you already provide to children through our sponsorship program, your donations to our Special Funds and Special Projects allow us to help families and communities as well, often in times of crisis.

– Provided food for 25 children at the Dandora Community Center in Kenya

– Provided funds for backpacks for children at Martha Jane Potter Elementary School in Kentucky

– Provided funds to purchase meals for one full month for students at Kids Hope Ethiopia

– Provided funds for warm clothing for students at Fallsburg Elementary School in Kentucky

– Provided funds for meals for children for an entire month at Fortune’s Children at Parang in the Philippines

– Provided food for 25 children for a month at St. John’s Community Center in Kenya

– Provided funds for flood relief for families with children at Jones Fork Elementary School in Kentucky

– Provided funds for food, water, hygiene items and household items for children whose homes were damaged by flooding at Buckhorn Combined School in Kentucky

– Provided funds to complete a greenhouse project at St. Michaels Special Education School in Arizona

– Provided funds for menstrual hygiene items for girls at Santa Isabel Ana Seton in Guatemala

– Provided funds to help with flood relief efforts for children and their families at Hindman Elementary School in Kentucky

From all of us at Children Incorporated, thank you all for all you have done in just this month to help families living in poverty!

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HOW do I MAKE A DONATION TO CHILDREN INCORPORATED?

You can donate to Children Incorporated in one of three ways: call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with one of our staff members; email us at hello@children-inc.org and a staff member can assist you with making a donation; or online to our donation portal, create an account, and chose a particular fund in which to make a donation.

DONATE

Shelley Callahan | October 10, 2022En Español

In late July of this year, we reported on the massive flooding that occurred in Eastern Kentucky, which devastated many of the communities in which we work. Storms followed by rising water damaged homes and schools, leaving families of our sponsored children without a place a live — and in dire need of emergency relief.

In the first week after the flooding, our Director of U.S. Programs, Renée Kube, sent $1000 to each of the 43 Family Resource Centers at our affiliated schools in the countries and cities with the worst flood damage, all thanks to previous donations to our Hope In Action Fund.

By early August, further contributions to our Emergency Flood Relief Fund totaled more than $22,000.

Helping families through an emergency

By early August, further contributions to our Emergency Flood Relief Fund totaled more than $22,000 as our donors generously supported our efforts to get aid to Kentucky as quickly as possible. We were able to disburse these funds to communities to support clean up and recovery efforts and replace destroyed items that children will need for the upcoming fall and winter months.

Many of our affiliated sites in Eastern Kentucky have been devastated by flooding in July.

We are just now starting to receive thank you letters from our volunteer coordinators, as they have been working around the clock, tirelessly helping rebuild their schools and communities, all while helping to ensure children in our program, who are already living in poverty, are receiving basic needs through this disaster.

A letter from Kelli

Today, we want to share a letter of gratitude from Kelli at Breathitt County Jr.-Sr. High School, who wrote to our donors to say thank you for the support:

“I want to say thank you so much for the Flood Relief Funds. My students, families and county as a whole have suffered so much from this flood. I was able to go to Walmart and buy brand new items for the students. Girls asked for underwear and bras and comfortable clothes. The boys also asked for underwear, as well as socks and hoodies to stay warm.”

“While we had an outpouring of donations after the floods, a lot of items were used and were not always the right sizes for my students. The new items were taken to the students and families that were displaced and living in the homeless shelters. Thanks again for your generosity. You don’t know how much it was appreciated.”

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How Can I Support Families in Eastern Kentucky?

You can help families in Eastern Kentucky by donation to our Hope In Action Fund. You can make a donation 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 click the link below to be directed to our online donation portal.

DONATE

Shelley Callahan | October 2, 2022En Español

When Shirleen Joe first contacted Children Incorporated this past summer, she mentioned to our sponsorship department that she herself was a sponsored child growing up.

Children Incorporated Director of Development Shelley Callahan emailed Shirleen Joe to ask her more about the sponsorship experience and how being a sponsor herself has been.

“I was a Native American child sponsored through my school back in 1972. I still have contact with my sponsor today. I’ve even considered her my stepmother, which she accepted, so now I call her “Mom.” I want to become a sponsor now to pay-it-forward,” wrote Shirleen.

“I asked her how she sponsored me when I was a child and she was glad to give me the information about Children Incorporated, but said she wasn’t aware if the organization still existed. After doing research, I came to find out that you all still do exist. I was so grateful!”

After she signed up to become a new sponsor, Children Incorporated’s Director of Development Shelley Callahan emailed Shirleen Joe to ask her more about her experience growing up with a sponsor and how she feels about our sponsorship program.

Shirleen Joe as a young girl in New Mexico

SC: Tell us a little about your background with Children Incorporated.

SJ: Back in 1971, I was attending a local boarding school when I was only 8 years old. I was informed that I had a “sponsor.” Not knowing what was going on, I was given a pencil and paper and was told to write a letter to her. I later came to find out that it was through Children Incorporated that an individual had volunteered to help me with basic needs.

SC: What state was your boarding school located in?

SJ: It was located in Crownpoint, New Mexico.

SC: Can you tell US just a little bit more about what your childhood was like?

SJ: In our native tradition we are required to introduce ourselves in our native language and in the proper manner like: “Hello, my name is Shirleen Joe, I am of (maternal clan) the Tohdicheenie Clan (Bitter Water). I am born of the (paternal clan) Ma’ii desh gish nii Clan (Coyote Pass People) also known as the Ah shii nii Clan (Salt People). My father was the late Herbert F. Martin and was employed as a Heavy Equipment Operator with the local BIA Facility Management until his passing in 1979. My mother is Etta J. Martin, a home maker.

My parents, myself and all my siblings lived in a house called a hogan, which is a one room open space area for living. The furniture was located in certain areas against the wall to sort of make sections for the kitchen and sleeping areas.

The only ones that actually had a bed to sleep on were my parents. Myself and my three sisters slept on the ground on one big mattress and my three brothers also had their own big mattress to sleep on. In the morning we would take out those mattresses and hang them on the clothes line to air out for the next night.

I was one lucky individual to have a sponsor which personally felt like I had a foster parent who cared enough to individually support me.

A lot of things that I got were hand-me-downs from my older siblings. The only new thing that I received was usually from my sponsor sending me something like a gift. I was shy and timid as a child, until I became a teenager and obtained a permanent job that got me out of my shell. Now, I can give a public speech in both the English and Navajo (Dine’) language with no problem.

SC: What do you currently do for work?

SJ: I currently work for the Navajo Nation Food Distribution in Crownpoint.

As a young adult, I worked for Wendy’s Restaurant in Gallup, New Mexico; thereafter, I applied to and got hired permanently with the City of Gallup Police Department working in the Records Department. I put in a total of twenty five years and then retired from there, then stayed at home for two years before deciding I was ready to go back to work. I then worked for the Navajo Nation Division of Aging and Long Term Care Support, the Navajo Land Commission, the Navajo Technical University, and now I am at the Navajo Nation Food Distribution which is where I will remain until I decide to retire permanently from the employment life.

SC: What are some of your memories of having a sponsor growing up?

Shirleen Joe pictured with her sponsor, Karen

SJ: I remember that out of the hundreds of children attending the boarding school, I was one of the lucky ones that got a sponsor through Children Incorporated. My sponsor would send me letters and gifts for my birthday or for Christmas.

SC:What was your biggest motivation for becoming a sponsor yourself?

SJ: My biggest motivation was having six other siblings and losing my father at a young age, which was hard for my mother. I was one lucky individual to have a sponsor which personally felt like I had a foster parent who cared enough to individually support me. In knowing that, I decided to become a sponsor myself after becoming an adult and making a living on my own.

SC: What do you think are some of the most rewarding aspects of sponsorship?

SJ: Personally, I would say that no matter what kind of family life you’re going through, there’s always someone out there to help you financially, provide you with hope that everything will be okay no matter the circumstances, motivate you to know that you are able to face any challenges, and offer a life-long friendship. To this day, I still have contact with my sponsor. I consider her as my secondary parent and her children as my own siblings.

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How do I sponsor a child with children incorporated?

SPONSOR A CHILD

Children Incorporated | September 27, 2022

Located in the easternmost portion of Africa, Ethiopia is ecologically diverse, comprising desert steppes, highland plateaus, towering mountains, and tropical rainforest. Archeological evidence suggests that people have called this land home for tens of
thousands of years. With one of the first known alphabet systems, Ethiopia is truly a cradle of civilization.

Your support makes all our work possible for Ethiopian children in crisis.

Today, it is the world’s most populous landlocked nation. Its wealth of natural resources lends itself to Ethiopia’s primarily agriculture-based economy. Coffee is its primary export. However, in a land already susceptible to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and droughts, the turmoil brought about by political instability, lack of adequate medical services, and a general deficiency in human rights have plunged much of the nation into abject poverty. Diseases such as malaria, typhoid, and dengue fever are tragically common as many Ethiopians lack access to safe water and are not able to practice safe hygiene and sanitation. Lack of education is both a result of and a contributing factor to the widespread poverty plaguing Ethiopia.

Challenges for Children in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, children’s very lives and futures are at risk, as poverty leads to lack of educational and basic resources. Right now, vulnerable children in Ethiopia need your help.

Nearly 36 million children in Ethiopia are living in poverty
88 per cent of children in Ethiopia under the age of 18 lack access to basic services
Children from poor households and children in rural areas have far less access to clean water
than those from more affluent households
Less than 20% of children from very poor households finish primary school
Less than 25% of children living in poverty receive all basic vaccinations

Our Work in Ethiopia

Thanks to caring people like you, Children Incorporated has helped thousands of impoverished children in Ethiopia since 1964.

We work with our volunteer coordinators in local communities to provide health and nutrition, education, hygiene items, clothes, shoes, and other essentials that help children and families rise above the poverty in which they live.

Our strategy is to focus on individual children through our sponsorship program, ensuring they are receiving exactly what they need on a regular basis. Your support makes all our work possible for Ethiopian children in crisis.

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How do I sponsor a child in Ethiopia?

You can sponsor a child in Ethiopia 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 in Ethiopia that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD