Tag Archives: sponsor

Shelley Callahan | February 18, 2025En Español

After four wonderful visits to our affiliated sites in New Orleans, I couldn’t believe our trip was coming to an end as we arrived at our fifth and final school, Samuel J. Green Charter School. As we had done with all of our other visits, Maria met Shayne, Renée, Kristen, and me in front of Samuel Green before we entered.

As we made our way down the walkway, Renée noticed that the name Samuel J. Green Junior High School was carved into the building above the entrance, and commented to Shayne that it was so cool that the name of the original school was the same, even after the charter school system had been put in place so many years ago.

Our final school visit

Shayne agreed, telling us that it was unusual in New Orleans for schools to maintain their original names. It was also common for many charter schools to change their names multiple times, so this was indeed a special circumstance of Samuel Green remaining its namesake. Unlike some of the other schools we had visited as well, Samuel J. Green was not a newer school, and had some of the classic charm of an older, more established school building.

We all entered the school and checked in at the front desk, and then were greeted by our volunteer coordinator, Theressa, who escorted us to her office and resource center, where we chatted for a bit about the school and our sponsorship program.

Samuel Green is located in the Freret Corridor of New Orleans and serves students from all over the city from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. Theressa told us she loves the Children Incorporated program and the sponsors, and it is a delight to help the kids at her school. As with our other schools, she said that affording uniforms is the biggest issue for families with kids at Samuel Green. The uniforms cost roughly $60 each for pants or a skirt and a top, and some kids only have one uniform for all 180 school days in a calendar year. With sponsorship funds, Theressa is able to help ensure students have multiple uniforms, other clothing items such as jackets and long pants for colder months, and hygiene items and school supplies.

Theressa mentioned that the school also has a weekend feeding program for students so they don’t go hungry. Renée encouraged her to apply for our Hope In Action grant program to receive additional support for the feeding program or other needs that sponsored children might have, such as bedding or mattresses for their homes.

With sponsorship funds, Theressa is able to help ensure students have multiple uniforms, other clothing items such as jackets and long pants for colder months, and hygiene items and school supplies.

An edible garden to remember

Once we finished our meeting, Theressa brought in two of our sponsored children for us to meet, and then we took a tour of the school. We visited a few classrooms, the gym and cafeteria, and the cooking classroom where a group of students had just finished making guacamole with ingredients they had grown at the school.

Then Theressa led us outside, where I was stunned to see a vast garden filled with produce that the children helped maintain, and then used the vegetables and herbs to make food in their cooking class! This edible garden project, as Theressa described, was a huge success at the school, and something they were very proud to have as it not only taught children valuable skills like gardening and cooking, but allowed them to be outside and use their hands while learning, which can offer a good break from classroom learning.

As Theressa took us back to the front of the school, it was bittersweet to say goodbye to her and then to Shayne and Maria, who had been such wonderful hosts during our few days in New Orleans. Although our trip was coming to a conclusion, I couldn’t wait to get back to the Children Incorporated office to share stories, photos, and videos with our staff and our sponsors about all the fantastic work we are doing in the Big Easy, all thanks to the generosity of amazing donors.

***

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

Children Incorporated | January 29, 2025

Our volunteer coordinator, Heather, at Viper Elementary School in Kentucky, wrote to us to thank our sponsors, who were, and always are, especially a big help during the holiday season:

“Children Incorporated has been such a blessing for all sponsored students. Specifically, at Christmas, there was an abundance of students needing assistance this past year. I never have to worry about my Children Incorporated sponsored children getting help. I am blessed to have the funds to care for all of their desires and immediate needs. Parents know the funds are here when they need support, so they don’t hesitate to reach out if their child has outgrown a pair of shoes or if it is a change of season and the children need new clothes.”

“Not only me but the parents of these students will forever be grateful for the blessings Children Incorporated brings us.”

“One particular parent couldn’t thank me and Children Incorporated enough for not only the sponsor providing funding but for allowing her daughter to pick out her own clothes and what she liked and would actually wear. Another parent remarked on how her child’s day was made after receiving the new clothes and shoes she picked out and the positive impact this program had on the whole family. Not only me but the parents of these students will forever be grateful for the blessings Children Incorporated brings us.”

your impact through hope in action

Sponsorship is one of many ways you help impoverished children every month. Additionally, thanks to contributions to our Hope In Action Fund in the last month, we have been able to:

– Provide funds to replenish the food pantry for children and their families at Westover Hills Elementary School in Virginia
– Provide funds to purchase hygiene ties and household supplies for a family in an emergency at Foundation Preparatory Academy in Louisiana
– Provide funds to purchase nutritious meals for 30 students at the Dandora Center in Kenya for one month
– Provide funds to purchase daily meals for 100 students at the St. John’s Community Center in Kenya for one month
– Provide funds to purchase nutritious meals for 25 students at Kids’ Hope in Ethiopia for one month
– Provide funding to purchase nutritious meals for 25 students for one month at the Fortune Children’s Center in the Philippines
– Provide funds to replenish the food pantry at River City Middle School in Virginia
– Provide funds to purchase meals for 30 students at Santa Isabel Ana Seton in Guatemala for a month
– Provide funds to purchase a basic washer and dryer for a family in need with a student who attends May Valley Elementary School in Kentucky
– Provide funding to purchase bedding, bed frames, and mattresses for two students at Wrigley Elementary School in Kentucky

…and so much more! Thank you to our supporters for all that you do! We couldn’t do our life-changing work without you.

***

How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

SPONSOR A CHILD

Children Incorporated | January 13, 2025

Beyond sponsoring a child, several other ways to support our work exist. Two of the most important ways we need your support is by either becoming an ambassador for our organization or hosting a fundraising event. Both of these important volunteer opportunities offer you, as a supporter, a way to get involved in our work with no or limited financial commitment and greatly help children in need around the world.

Become an aMbassador

One way Children Incorporated has grown as an organization over the last 60 years is through our current sponsors and donors, who share information about our sponsorship programs with their families and friends as ambassadors of our work.

If you have any other questions about how you can get involved in our work, please contact us today!

We have an abundance of informational materials that we are happy to share with you as well if you are interested in becoming an ambassador for our organization. As an ambassador, we ask that you be engaged with our activities and campaigns and show a strong commitment to our cause and a willingness to advocate for our work with a broad and active social network.

Please contact us today to request an informational packet or visit our Accountability Page for more information about our organization that you can share with others.

Host a Fundraiser

Additionally, if you would like to host a fundraiser for our organization, that would be much appreciated. If you would like to host a fundraiser for Children Incorporated, please get in touch with us today for information and support. Here are a few fundraising event ideas that can either be in person or online:

Host an auction
Peer-to-peer fundraising through an online platform such as GiveButter
Ask a local restaurant to donate a portion of sales to Children Incorporated
Host a Trivia Night
Host a Golf Tournament
Host a 5K Run
Host a bike ride
Host a film screening
Host a concert
Host a bakesale- And so much more!

If you have any other questions about how you can get involved in our work, please contact us today! We would be happy to discuss the many ways in which you can support our work beyond sponsorship.

***

How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

SPONSOR A CHILD

Children Incorporated | December 22, 2024

As the holiday season often means sharing what we are grateful for, we would like to share letters of gratitude from our volunteer coordinators as part of our monthly Impact Report. Thank you, our loyal supporters, for everything you have done this holiday season and throughout 2024 to help children in need.

“I can’t tell you what a gift it is to see students and families’ lives transformed, and I cannot thank you enough for the difference they have made.”

Becky’s Letter

My school district is one where almost 70% of students are classified in the category of economically disadvantaged. So, from a resource position, things can feel a little overwhelming. This is where Children Incorporated comes in to alleviate some of the financial burdens for students who are enrolled in the program and help to eliminate the non-academic barriers that these students face.

To say that I am simply grateful for this program does not seem like adequate appreciation for the amazing things Children Incorporated does for those in need. The kindness and generosity of sponsors will forever be remembered by these students and myself.

Sincerely,
Becky
Johnson Central Youth Services Center, Kentucky

Denise’s Thank You

Flat Gap Elementary School is located in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and has seen firsthand how much it means to have the basic needs of elementary students and families met. I am genuinely thankful to Children Incorporated and the sponsors we have for our students. Because of the sponsors, we are able to provide students with basic needs so they can focus on their education, and we are able to form bonds with those families.

I also can’t thank the sponsors and donors enough for giving our students the opportunity through Hope In Action Funds. These funds have helped our school with several family literacy nights, family game nights, reading programs, and other literacy events. I can’t tell you what a gift it is to see students and families’ lives transformed, and I cannot thank you enough for the difference you have made.

Thank you,
Denise
Flat Gap Elementary School, Kentucky

Melania’s Note

On behalf of the Crossroads Elementary School Family Resource Center, I would like to thank you for allowing our students to participate in the Children Incorporated program. The students have benefited tremendously from the sponsorship program, which has allowed me to provide clothing, shoes, hygiene items, and school supplies to sponsored children throughout the school year. Witnessing the smiles on their faces when they receive what I have bought them is such a heartwarming experience. Not only are the enrolled students appreciative, but so are their guardians.

As the Children Incorporated volunteer coordinator, I feel that the program has brought me closer to the families in need. It allows me to talk to them more often and learn about the difficulties they face dealing with the everyday struggles of rising costs of necessities. Participating in the program enables them to open up with me, and through those conversations, I can tell they are forever grateful for the sponsors.

Sincerely,
Melania
Crossroads Elementary School, Kentucky

your impact through hope in action

Sponsorship is one of many ways you help impoverished children every month. Additionally, thanks to contributions to our Hope In Action Fund in the last month, we have been able to:

– Provide funds to purchase warm clothing for students at Oak Grove/Bellemeade Elementary in Virginia
– Provide funds to purchase emergency supplies for a student at Kimper Elementary School in Kentucky whose family had a house fire
– Provide funds to purchase nutritious meals for 30 students at the Dandora Center in Kenya for one month
– Provide funds to purchase daily meals for 100 students at the St. John’s Community Center in Kenya for one month
– Provide funds to purchase nutritious meals for 25 students at Kids’ Hope in Ethiopia for one month
– Provide funding to purchase nutritious meals for 25 students for one month at the Fortune Children’s Center in the Philippines
– Provide funds to help the family of a student at Johns Creek Elementary School after a house fire
– Provide funds to purchase meals for 30 students at Santa Isabel Ana Seton in Guatemala for a month
– Provide funds to provide disaster and emergency relief to the family of a student at Hindman Elementary School in Kentucky after a house fire

…and so much more! Thank you to our supporters for all that you do! We couldn’t do our life-changing work without you.

***

How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

SPONSOR A CHILD

Shelley Callahan | December 22, 2024En Español

As Luis Bourdet finishes his visits to our affiliated sites in India, he travels to Bangalore to the Parikrma Home. Here, standard educational practices are combined with Montessori school practices, and the overall success rate of students is incredibly high.

Visiting Parikrma

“I arrived in Bangalore, a city full of trees and gardens, and perhaps the city with the most order when driving that I had been to in India on this trip. Driving is truly chaotic and challenging in India for those who have not traveled there. Most people walk on the streets, and thousands of bikes and mopeds move without any order. Even animals are common on most boulevards and streets within the city limits,” said Luis.

“The school has a very efficient format for learning and a success rate of graduation above 95%, which is much better than the national average of 8-24%.”

“Our affiliated site, the Parikrma Foundation, operates in this city. They have four schools (Kindergarten-12th grade) within slum areas of the town and a Junior College (a school preparing students for skill training programs and professional university careers). The system of education they utilize in those schools is very distinct, unique, and compelling. It combines Montessori and the typical Indian public school system curriculum. The school has a very efficient format for learning and a success rate of graduation above 95%, which is much better than the national average of 8-24%. Most students come from slum areas and, therefore, are migrants from different states, for which the Foundation implemented all English education. This favors their students, as most higher education is done in English.”

Remarkable Schools for Children in Need

“The system was introduced to some public schools in the area after great success with the support of the local government. The children I met were very confident and well-educated. Although they keep some common Indian customs, primarily due to space, of sitting children on the floors during the early years of school, older children have desks.”

“The school has modern equipment in labs, video communication for class interactions, and classes taught for mental, physical, emotional, and psychological development. They also teach the children to support the community through opportunities like cleaning the little lake in the neighborhood, protecting street dogs, supporting issues at slums, and assisting other people in need,” said Luis.

Our sponsorS helping

“These schools are truly remarkable. Children in India do not usually interact with adults, but not at Parikrma. During my visit, children were assigned to take me through the facilities and coordinate presentations. I learned during my time that families could not afford to take the children to school daily, or they may live too far from the school, so they solicit that their child live in the hostel, and our sponsors really help with the children having their basic needs met at the hostel.”

“The sponsor support ensures that children boarding at the hostel have food, hygiene items, school supplies, and sufficient bedding. The children appreciate this opportunity because they live under challenging circumstances with their own family and in a slum area, where housing is under standards and very poor,” said Luis.

***

How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

SPONSOR A CHILD

Shelley Callahan | December 8, 2024

As he continues visiting our affiliated sites in India, Luis Bourdet, our Director of International Programs, meets with our volunteer coordinator at the J. Calvitt Clarke Home, who discusses how our sponsors are helping to keep young children from having to work instead of getting an education.

“The children come from rural communities around the area, but they may not have a school available near their villages. Therefore, they come to Dornakal for education.”

About the J. Calvitt Clarke Home

“The town of Dornakal, located about 100 miles east of Hyderabad in the southeastern Indian state of Telangana, is a region where poverty is extensive, especially in years when droughts destroy the rice harvest,” said Luis.

“Since so many families cannot adequately provide for their children’s education or basic needs, our affiliated site, J. Calvitt Clarke Home, serves as a beacon of hope. The home serves impoverished children in this region while also investing in their futures.”

“I visited the J. Calvitt Clarke Home this past summer, which is one of the oldest facilities in the Dornakal Diocese. I met with our new coordinator, Mr. Prabhakar, who told me about how the home provides boarding and school support to a little less than 40 children. The children come from rural communities around the area where they may not have a school available near their villages. Therefore, they come to Dornakal to board full-time during the school year and receive an education,” explained Luis.

How sponsors are making a difference

“The students at J. Calvitt have a busy schedule during the day, just as in the other homes I had visited during my time in India. The children are fed early in the morning and then sent to school. After school, they have a short time for recreation; then, it is time for homework. This hostel is for boys, and they are happy to be able to get an education, as most parents work in the fields, and the children would be there helping if not for being here and attending school.”

“All basic needs for the children are covered through the Children Incorporated program sponsor support. I did notice that the facilities need some improvement, as the dorm is large and could accommodate more children, but they would need more support to grow their attendance. The dorm was updated with the help of Children Incorporated some years ago, but without any maintenance, it needs upgrades, painting, and repairs in some areas. It has a large U-shaped main building, with a locker room and toilets at each end of the building and the dorm and homework room in the middle. The dining hall building is also used for homework,” said Luis.

“Regardless of the need for repairs, the boys are very happy in the home, and the support they receive from their sponsors is immense. I truly believe that our sponsors are the reason these deserving children are able to go to school and develop into educated young men.”

***

How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

SPONSOR A CHILD