1) What is the Child Sponsorship Program?

The Child Sponsorship Program is a global children's ministry of the United Church of Christ. Through this program, the United Church of Christ provides direct assistance to homeless or destitute children in 11 centers in Asia, Africa, Armenia, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East and the Philippines.

2) How much does it cost to join?

The cost of sponsoring a child varies from center to center. The lowest amount is $21.00 per month, the highest is $40.00 per month.

3) How do I join the program?

Contact Ms. Linda Lawrence, Administrator of the Child Sponsorship Program, Common Global Ministries at 216/736-3222 or email her at Lawrencel@ucc.org . She will send you a cover letter with a brochure which briefly describes each center and the monthly cost. You can send them the coupon, found at the back of the brochure, indicating the center of your choice, or you may write them with your choice. If children are not currently available from that center, they will notify you and inform you of other centers with children available. You can also opt to let them choose the child for you.

4) Are the centers government operated?

No, These are private centers that have long established links with a UCC or Disciples ministry and faith is the center's focal point.  The centers offer the children a religious foundation, socio-cultural development, and health support.  Depending on the laws of each country regarding charitable organizations, some centers also receive government aid.

5) How will my child benefit from the money I provide?

Your support will help provide children and elderly persons with adequate food, clothing, health care and/or shelter. In the case of school age children, your support may also help to pay fees, uniforms and books through secondary or vocational training school.

6) What is the payment schedule? Is it flexible?

Payment schedules are very flexible. Payments generally begin on the month the sponsorship begins. Sponsors can pay on a monthly, quarterly, bi-annual or annual basis. All they ask is that there be consistency in the schedule of payments, to help the centers plan accordingly.

7) Will I receive receipts and reminders?

Each time you send in a payment, the Administrator's office will send you a receipt for your tax records.  An invoice for next payment is enclosed with your receipt.

8) Can I sponsor a child for a short term?

Yes, and this is new: a child is eligible for a sponsorship until they are 18 years of age.  Many children come to the program a a teenager.  Please consider the sponsorship of an older child.

9) Will I receive information about a specific child?

Yes. They will send you a letter with a brief biography and photograph or "your" child. A copy of the letter is sent to the center so that they can process you as the child's sponsor.

10) Can I write to my sponsored child?

Yes you can! If the child is old enough to write, he/she will answer your letters. The center will translate the child's letter into English, if necessary. If the child is too young to write, the administrators will write and keep you informed of your child's progress. Sponsors generally receive a minimum of three letters and/or progress reports per year from their child.

11) Can I send my child gifts?

All of the centers share concern that special gifts for individual children may create distinctions and alienate the others. It is therefore suggested that sponsors consider: a) sending school supplies, such as paper, pencils, dictionaries, etc., which can be used by many of the children; b) sending a very modest gift, such as a t-shirt; or c) sending money earmarked as a gift and letting the center determine how to best use it for the child.

12) What happens to my child if I can't continue sponsoring him/her? Will they be "dropped" by the center?

No child is "dropped" by a center or refused services when a sponsor stops supporting them. The center will continue providing basic services to the child and the Child Sponsorship Program will look for another sponsor. However, the monies received through the sponsorship program allow centers to offer basic services to children who have little or no support.