I love the letter-writing feature of Unbound's sponsorship program! I started sponsoring young adults and college students when I myself was still a student, so it was like having a pen pal in a part of the world I have never seen. We always max out the word and photo limit! Especially during covid I received so much help from others that I wanted to share that in some way. Some of my sponsored friends have also been moms of little ones, and it means so much to me to be able to help them finish their education after choosing life for their babies. I do feel like I have developed a friendship with many of my sponsored friends.
Unbound lets you choose a child in poverty to support. My first child died of AIDS in Africa. Then I chose a girl and put her through High School and some University and then she got a good job and became self-supporting.
These two photos are my current girl. The on on the left is her "Before" photo from when I picked her. The one on the left is her "After" photo, after she was sponsored, which allowed her to go to school!
With Unbound you can choose the country, male or female, and age.
I have been donating to Unbound ever since I finished my education and got a job. It is one of the best nonprofits I have found.
I have sponsored many children through Unbound for 21 years. It has been a wonderful humbling experience. Attached is a letter and photo from one of the children I sponsored from a child to a young man.
Previous Stories
I have been sponsoring children in the Unbound program for 19 years. I have had a great experience. The children have written letters to me. They are very appreciative. But more than that, I feel Unbound is very upfront if the child's family is not upholding their responsibility to be sponsored. In 19 years, I only had one child who left the program. Unbound immediately notified me and asked if I would want to fund another child or monthly payments would stop. This charity has definitely exceeded my expectations!
Unbound is the greatest. We have visited our children 4 times, and loved being in Guatemala and meeting them. The staff was very friendly. Unbound doesn't just help them, they help make them self sufficient. Helping with business loans, etc. I can't say enough about them. If I lived close to Kansas City, I would volunteer there.
Previous Stories
Unbound is a trusted nonprofit. The funds help our sponsored boy pay for funds to remain in school, provides crops and small farm animals for him to care for. This can be food for his family and to sell. Unbound accepts extra funds for a party and gift, which often is much needed shoes, according to his letters. Small efforts can change lives and make a huge difference.
Previous Stories
Unbound actively works to engage each Sponsor with their sponsored recipient. They understand that poverty is more than financial or economic for any one family across the globe. Or better stated, prosperity is the sharing of resources across the globe, resources that include embracing our neighbors’ dignity and self-worth. True prosperity includes willing the good of the Other. Inbound encourages regular correspondence between a Sponsor and his/her Sponsored as a means to build relationship and share “willing the good of the Other”. My wife and I have tithed ever since we were married and have supported many charitable organizations through the years. We consider Unbound to be the gold standard among charities, financially and beyond.
My husband and I have sponsored an elderly woman and a young adult over the past 20+ years, beginning as Christian Foundation for Children and Aging. There has always been transparency in how our contributions are used and also I enjoy the contact through letters with the sponsored individuals. It makes it personal. There is also the opportunity to make a trip to visit the sponsored person; we have not been able to do that but it is great that an effort is made to provide such an experience. We are kept informed about how Unbound's efforts are changing and improving lives, helping local people work together to strengthen their communities.
We started donating to UnBound about 5 years ago. I love that so much goes to help the families and communities in need.
I have donated to this charity and have helped several children for over 20 years. It is a wonderful feeling to know this Christian organization distributes the largest percentage of my donation to the intended recipient compared to other charity groups that use greater ratios for corporate benefits.
I have been sponsoring children with Unbound since 1987. In 1989 I went to volunteer with one of the programs in Venezuela for a year. I was amazed to see that nearly every penny donated was used for the sponsored children and their families. So when I returned, I kept sponsoring. So much has changed as they have grown but the constant focus has been helping the communities in need all over the world. Unbound has stuck to their grass roots beginnings and sees those they help as people, not numbers.
I have been a sponsor through Unbound for about 14 years. It has been a wonderful experience knowing I am helping a young person to get an education and support for the person's family. My first child was from India and when she aged out of the program I got another child to sponsor. The process was easy and now I am sponsoring a little girl from Honduras. Whenever I've had a question about my sponsorship, I've had excellent response from the Unbound team.
We have been an Unbound sponsor for more than 20 years. During that time, we have been a part of helping children and their families around the world. Unbound believes in the dignity of the person and promotes education as a way to help people achieve their potential. We are proud to be a part of the Unbound family.
I have been sponsoring for over 15 years. I went on a Mission Awareness Trip to meet my sponsored child and it was a life changing trip. Unbound is one of my favorite charities because they truly “ walk the talk”, with respectful simplicity, honoring the native peoples’ customs and culture.
I have sponsored multiple children through Unbound for more than 20 years. I have traveled on three trips to meet with my sponsored children and their families in their homes. On these trips, I have personally witnessed the effectiveness of Unbound’s programs for desperately poor people. The recipients are served with love and dignity. It is an amazing, cost conscious and effective program.
I enjoy working with this non profit organization that helps children and their families get the education they need.
We were privileged to sponsor a 3 year old girl in the Philippines and share in her journey to young adulthood. We cherished our communication with her over more than 20 years. We are excited to get to know another child in Costa Rica and hope to visit him soon.
I firmly believe that UNBOUND has the best way to connect w individuals/families around the world with my support -and letters back and forth from the young people and families who are so grateful and making something of themselves to pass it all on --better than just sending funds to a big fund that does help folks
Over ten-plus years I have sponsored from one to four people at a time through Unbound, including several children, several young adults in academic programs, and one elder. These people have lived in Central America, South America, India, and Africa. I have always been kept informed about the sponsored people regularly.
From the beginning, I find out the person's family history and environmental stressors and advantages. I get a recent photo of the person. Over time, I can correspond with the person as much as I want. When I can't correspond, a volunteer will write in my place. Annually, I receive an update about the person's environmental situation, as well as a new photo. Even when the person has to leave the program, due to a family change or a new job, I am allowed to send a goodbye letter.
I feel that Unbound is one of the top agencies worldwide, in the use of its money, in setting realistic and achievable goals, and in transparency and accountability. I would recommend this agency to anyone, wanting to do effective international help with your money!
UNBOUND has allowed us to help a number of disadvanteded youth and their families to rise above the systemic poverty from which they have suffered for so long. An assist, a "leg-up", is all it has been from us.. The true effort has been theirs! They are to be applauded for their choice and their effort. That has been the true difference!
We were totally unaware of this amazing nonprofit organization until a visiting priest introduced our parish to Unbound. We immediately picked out a young girl living with her family in Peru. Several other people became sponsors that evening as well. We are proud to be associated with this organization.
I started with two sponsored friends and shortly increased to six. I am so impressed with the caring, responsive staff at Unbound. They make correspondence with my sponsored friends very easy, so I get to hear directly from them and their families how my sponsorship is helping. I often receive photographs showing items purchased or repairs to a home. Unlike donating to many not-for-profits, I get to see and hear directly from those who are benefiting from my gifts. I expect to include Unbound in my estate plan to help them continue their valuable work.
Unbound is a part of my life for 3 years now. I've learned a great deal about this special group. I am extremely impressed with the personal way they help so many people in so many ways, along with steadily improving the process of communication to sponsors, and sponsors with their youth/elderly. I believe they are key to helping meet their basic needs while teaching and improving their lives and build independence. It's a great way for anyone to know they can make a difference while getting the most aid possible from their donation dollars. Thank you, Unbound leadership and all that make this a lifesaving effort.
I went on 2 trips to Mexico to visit my sponsored children. I was overcome with the respect and compassion and efficiency of the Unbound staff. The planned trips were informative and so enjoyed by the sponsors as well as the community. We participated in passing of the basic necessities that the family's had requested.
And the communities planned dances in native costumes and many activities.
They can do so much with just a little assistance. Wonderful.
Love the personalization of having a specific individual to sponsor and get to know and the accountability of writing letters. The communication received from unbound is edifying and encouraging.
I've been with Unbound for more than 15 years now, and I am so happy that they found me! They are so dedicated to the children and elders that benefit from this program. And they have excellent communication with us sponsors. I also appreciate that more than 90% of what I give gets to my sponsored friends. An excellent organization, worthy of support from whomever can help!
They care for the people in need of assistance and for those sponsoring them. Unbound does try very hard to keep communications between the sponsored person and the sponsor. As a sponsor I appreciate that. Unbound's goal is to bring the people out of poverty by offering monetary assistance and guidance.
I have been sponsoring a boy (now young man) for about 10 years. He is 17 now and wants to be a police officer. I’m so proud of him. It’s such a wonderful feeling to actually personally know the recipient of my charity and to see the improvement in his life.
I sponsored a child in Guatemala from 2016 to 2022 and watched in awe as Unbound nurtured and coached the family to become self sufficient by raising crops and chickens locally. Despite having no mail service during the entire 6 years, Unbound staff translated each and every letter to/from my sponsored child, delivered photos and copies of the letters electronically, and answered every phone call I made with care and expertise. Unbound has earned my respect and trust over the years by delivering hope and a better life to every person it serves. Unbound stands at the pinnacle of professionalism among nonprofits.
Lord, thank you for trusting me to share your gift of light with people living in darkness and poverty. Let me be light to people near and far. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
Peter Tate
Rockville, Maryland
I have sponsored children and elderly around the world through Unbound for over 10 years. My family and I had the opportunity to visit three of our sponsored children in Guatemala in 2018 to see first-hand the programs and community benefit of Unbound's efforts. I am truly impressed with the impact of this organization and am grateful for the connections I have with the families I sponsor.
Unbound truly is a blessing and amazing organization that helps so many children and elderly around the world. I’ve been a sponsor for over 20 years and my sponsorship has now helped 4 children attend school, help their family provide food for their children, and other basic needs. I’m so proud to be a part of this giving organization.
Unbound gives updates on sponsored individuals and encourages communication between donors and sponsored individuals. Also sends pictures of sponsored individuals.
UNBOUND is the most fantastic non profit organization I have ever come in contact with! The overhead monies are minimal compared to other non profits and the organizational skills behind the program are
absolutely amazing. The personal ontact we can have with the people we sponsor is awesome and I commend all the folks involved!
I traveled to Guatemala with Unbound to meet my sponsored child. It was a life changing experience to see the impact they had on these humble but joyful people, leading them out of poverty. The difference between them and other charities is they give them a hand up not a hand out..
My husband and I have supported Unbound since 2009. Over the years we have sponsored 15 children and elderly and found Unbound to be well organized, thoughtful, trustworthy and caring. We have met 8 of these sponsored friends in 3 different countries and the wonderful work Unbound does is more apparent each visit.
Unbound is a top tier nonprofit organization. It manages to find the right balance between oversight and and allowing self-determination for the families that it serves. I have always felt that my donations are utilized to derive the maximum benefit for those in need.
Unbound connects us around the world. Their digital newsletters are so informative and easy to move through. The ability to support someone is very meaningful to me. I appreciate the ability to write the person I support. I also appreciate how unbound immediately notifies me with and program concerns because of a country’s politics.
We “adopted” Johnathan in 2017 after learning about Unbound from a speaker at church. We’ve “watched” him grow from a 3 year old with asthma to a young man playing soccer and telling us stories in is letters. Hopefully, one day we will meet him in person through one of their travel opportunities.
7
I have been sponsor for23 yrs a d the richness in the lives that unbound does with dignity and grace to those who are in need is God's hands
We have been a sponsor for two children in Costa Rica and we are grateful to Unbound for the opportunity to sponsor these children. They are both doing well and we have contact with them through letters. Although one of the children recently became ineligible for Unbound, I told him we would always remember him and keep him in our prayers. The letters are meaningful and help us to see the children grow and prosper.
I had the opportunity to visit the children in Costa Rica in 2019 and it was a wonderful experience. I met them and their families and developed a special bond with them. On this trip I witnessed firsthand the numerous benefits of Ubound and the positive effects the program has on the lives of the participants.
Unbound benefits the recipients but also the sponsors. It provides a feeling of gratefulness that we are able to help make life better for the children and their families and provide a better future.
We have been a sponsor of a young man in the Philippines for eleven years. We have been blessed to watch him grow in so many ways during that time, through letters, cards and photos. We have encouraged him and his siblings in their studies and prayed for him and his large family in their struggles. We have also celebrated their strength through Covid and the many victories they have achieved as a family. In return we have received many beautiful and thankful letters from our young man praying for our well being and for our large and growing family. We are so happy and grateful that many years ago a speaker for Unbound came to our church and told us about this wonderful organization.
As a sponsor of a young boy in Guatamala, I am very impressed with the work being done by Unbound for the families. I am always so happy to get a letter from him, and feel certain that he and his family are truly being helped by my support. I am thankful that I am able to make a difference in the lives of just one family in need.
I receive frequent updates about my donation, and I see frequent correspondence from my sponsored person. I know that greater than 90 percent of my donation goes directly to my sponsored person. This is a wonderful organization helping those most in need, and I know my money is being put to good use.
My husband and I have sponsored children through Unbound in several countries for probably 20 years. A few years ago we traveled to India with Unbound to visit the four girls that we sponsored. Not only did we meet these four grateful families and their girls but we learned about the excellence of the Unbound program. They have three major priorities. The first is educational. Their sponsored children must receive an English education so that they can proceed to higher education. The next priority is the financial sustainability of the family. The mothers meet monthly and through the use of their own funds, donations and small loans from Unbound the mothers work on their livelihood. We met mothers raising chickens, pigs, silk worms, sheep, making bricks, having stores, sewing and much more. The third priority is character development. We learned first hand how the Unbound program raised the whole family up.
We correspond with the children that we sponsor several times yearly, trading letters and photos. We are so proud of them.
I have supported Unbound for over 38 years. It's hard to explain all the wonderful things this organization does to help the less fortunate in just one letter but I'll try. These are real people helping others to break the chain of poverty by providing them with an education, medical assistance and technical skills to develop their God given talents to support themselves and their families and to help their communities. Over the years I have sponsored many children in various countries: Kenya, Philippines, Bogota Columbia, Valparaiso Chile, and others. The children are usually around the age of 5 years old and are sponsored until they finish school and get a job or get married! We write to each other all the time and Unbound volunteers translate our letters into our native language. When they cry, I cry with them. When I am happy, then they are happy. Through our letters and pictures we become family. All of my sponsored children ( I have three right now) are called my Godchildren and I am their Godmother. There are sad times but mostly good times when we share our life's stories with each other. By sponsoring a child or elderly person, I promise, it will change your life for the better! The sponsorship fee does so much to help change lives. Please consider doing this, you will not regret it. If you need any assistance all you have to do is call Unbound and talk to a real person, not an answering machine and they will always be willing to answer your questions and if they don't know the answer, they will research it and get back with you. They are an awesome organization and I am proud to be a part of it! A James #ASC1143
We have sponsored children through Unbound for over 25 years, and traveled to Guatemala twice- once to meet our sponsored child through an Unbound-organized trip. We have been so impressed by Unbound's commitment to not only feed the hungry and clothe the naked, but by their commitment to partner with sponsored children's families and communities through encouraging entrepreneurship and dignity in the process. By recognizing and honoring parents' knowledge of their own family's needs and allowing input on how best to use funds, they walk alongside a family thereby allowing much needed dignity in being part of the solution. A community of support is formed whereby sponsored families come together to network, problem-solve, and grow together. Prior to COVID19, my husband and I were proud to be ambassadors and spread the good news of their work.
My wife and I have sponsored a person since January, 2020 through Unbound. We took over the sponsorship of this person when my wife’s mother died. My wife’s mother had initiated the sponsorship of this girl years before. We were pleased with how Unbound functioned, and we enjoyed sending pictures and emails back and forth with our sponsored person.
Then on August 12, 2022 (with no prior notice), we received an email informing us that our sponsored individual was “no longer part of the program.” We were shocked and worried that she had died or had broken agreements, until we read the next sentence saying that Unbound was no longer going to serve our sponsored child’s region. They did provide an explanation for their decision, but they gave us no opportunity to write a final email to the young lady, and it appeared that her sponsorship had simply been terminated (even though our monthly gifts continued). Attached to our email was a letter (and translation) from this young lady, dated August 1, 2022. She wrote a beautiful letter thanking us for all we had done. Clearly, we would have at least wanted to be sure that we could write a farewell back to this young lady.
I contacted Unbound and voiced my concerns. I noted that my wife had actually written an email on August 7 before we knew of the termination, and the Unbound rep could only say that our sponsored young lady would “probably” receive this. Moreover, the Unbound rep said that our sponsored young lady would only “probably” get any final email from us if we chose to write one, and that there would be no way to insure that this happened. Moreover, whereas I did not mention it, the Unbound rep did not discuss returning our latest designated monthly gift, even though it was apparently given after our young lady was terminated.
I believe that this event demonstrates poor practices, based on the understanding that people commit to sponsoring children with the expectation that they will be able to continue this sponsorship until the child/young person completes all education (this is what we were told). Thus, to simply delete this sponsorship, especially with no notice so that we could ensure that our farewell email would reach this young lady, seems analogous to closing a service station—with unfixed cars still in the garage—and leaving in the middle of the night. Given that we were told Unbound was closing entire regions, we assume that other donors had the same upsetting experience that we did.
At the very least, I would assume that any reputable NGO would seek to complete its existing agreements regarding existing sponsored youth while stopping the initiation of new sponsorships, thereby facilitating a smooth and ethical transition from a region. Whereas the Unbound e-mail speaks of a “timeline” for their closing of regions, we were not apprised of anything until after the fact.
I give two stars with this review and not one star because—up until these recent events—I believe that Unbound was providing a good service, enabling us to sponsor someone with whom we developed a warm email relationship. These recent events, however, significantly damage my confidence in Unbound, and we will no longer be supporting this organization.
I first heard of Christian Foundation for Children and Aging /Unbound approximately 25 years ago when two representatives for CFCA, ie: ( husband and wife,) came to our church to speak about the importance of sharing our blessings with others. The husband happened to be a math teacher I had in a summer school program which my parents enrolled me in many years previously when I was in high school. This man turned out to be one of the best teachers I ever had in all my educational years. Knowing he was endorsing this program, I had no reservations to sign up. Thank You Mr. R.
The many many letters and photos that I have received over the years from those that I have sponsored have been very touching to me and you truly know that your monthly support is really making a difference in individuals and family's, from education, food support, and many other programs that Unbound offers. Please know, Unbound is a nonprofit that you can truly trust and feel great about.
One of my favorite scripture passages is from 2 Corinthians chapter 9 verses 6-7 & 11-16.
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. You should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver... You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and many will thank God for your gifts, which they receive from us. For this service you perform not only meets the needs of God's people, but also produces an outpouring of gratitude to God."
Thomas O
We first heard about Unbound (then CFCA) at our church in the early 2000's. We decided to sponsor a child and found it so fulfilling that we soon started sponsoring more. We have now been sponsoring nine children for several years. It is a wonderful experience watching these kids grow up and hearing of their journeys along the way. It is especially gratifying knowing that by helping these children get educated, entire families will be lifted out of poverty. This is a wonderful organization.
My husband and I have been sponsoring children for almost 30 years. It is so satisfying to be able to help others and to hear from them directly. We have corresponded with all the children over the years, and have even heard from Moms and Grandmas! It nice to hear about “our children’s” activities and their progress in school. We’ve called the Unbound offices from time to time and always spoke to someone who answered our questions to our satisfaction. This is a wonderful organization of which we are proud to be a small part!
My wife and I have many blessings in our lives. From being healthy, well educated and satisfactory careers. When the Unbound Priests presented the program in our church we sponsored two children. We had pledge our time and monetary talents to the church for over 30 years because we understand the importance of supporting and sustaining the work and services it has to offer to our community. We also feel the satisfaction it provides to assist the church with its evangelization programs and activities. That’s why we enjoy supporting other organizations such as Unbound who are dedicated to help children and adults in their needs. We encourage everyone to help organizations such as Unbound with their work by donating what they feel is appropriate in their hearts and their budget.
We are so grateful to have been introduced to this outstanding non-profit during a church service about 13 years ago. The reality of our blessings truly hit home, especially after reading through the folios that cataloged the story of each child, and their social and economic challenges. After prayerful consideration we chose to sponsor a child from Guatemala, a young boy. We corresponded many times a year, and it was so life-giving to receive these updates. Recently the boy choose to drop out and we the sponsored an elderly women from the same country. We were privileged to visit and see first hand the work that Unbound does in these under developed counties. The stories and hard work we witnessed connected with our hearts and to our own stories. I also shared that we sponsored a second child from Columbia who touched our heats. The two sponsored individuals write back that they are grateful, blessed and excited to know they have a "sponsor" to assist them. This is what life is all about to give back after truly being blessed from God. Louis & Diane
In 2004, I learned about the Unbound program, which assisted children and elders to overcome the limitations of poverty and empowered individuals through education from a visiting priest at my church. I was inspired to sponsor girl in Philippines and boy in Kenya. Since then, I have added 4 more youth sponsorships: El Salvador, Madagascar, and Kenya. By sharing our life journeys through letters, and photographs of families, a friendship was formed with my sponsored youth and their families. One of the highlights of my life was to meet my sponsored families on mission awareness trips to Philippines and Kenya. Mission awareness trips are the icing on the cake. A sponsor can see the benefits and outreach of the Unbound programs as well as feel the depth of gratitude that the families have for you. The rewards of sponsorships are truly a blessing.
I discovered Unbound quite by accident when a priest spoke to our parish about his sponsorships and the people he had met through Unbound. I was attracted to the idea of being more directly connected to the people served by Unbound, and so I began. My husband soon joined me and now we sponsor two children in Latin America. Although we haven’t been able to visit, we feel very close to them through the letters we exchange. And we look forward to the day when travel might once again become a possibility.
We have been on 2 mission awareness trips , and have been able to see firsthand how Unbound uses our contributions to support our sponsored friends and their community. It is impressive how much they do with the money!
We have sponsored a child from age 7 through college, and that is very rewarding.
We will always be supporters of Unbound.
I started with sponsoring a little girl in Guatemala in 2001. And we were fortunate to meet her and her family on a trip once. Then we added an older woman and eventually an older man. We then changed locations and presently sponsor a boy from India and an older man from Costa Rica whom I have also been able to meet. Even without seeing all of them face to face, in my heart I know them. This has allowed the people to remain in their own culture to get food, medical, and educational assistance. And it has allowed me to grow in learning about other cultures and the challenges of living that are all over our world. So grateful for this experience. Dorothy
I have sponsored through Unbound for 17 years. During this time, I have participated in 4 international trips with the organization to meet sponsored friends and visit their local communities. Each interaction leaves me in awe of the work done as it empowers with focus on long term, sustainable results. It benefits not only the sponsored but the sponsors as it builds connections and relationships. I have been gifted by the relationships Unbound has formed.
Over the years, I have sponsored 13 children and adults. I was able to meet three of my sponsored children, one in Kenya that I sponsored through his schooling, beginning at age 11 because he was an orphan and hadn’t been able to attend school until sponsored. After I met him, I continued to sponsor him through college. He will always remain in my heart and prayers.
I have sponsored children through UNBOUND for 22 years. Over 92% of donations are used for the clients (vs admin or funraising expenses), which puts them in the top tier of charities. It is wonderful to send and receive (electronic) letters for our sponsored children. UNBOUND does good work and I am proud to support them.
Don't donate to this organization if you just want to write a check and forget about it. This touches your heart and soul. And connects you with anothers' heart and soul, Our first sponsored child is a adult now. He calls me Mom and we are still in-touch, even talking live via facebook messenger. The other two boys we currently sponsor are young and sweet and they and their family are so so appreciative of our support. The letters written back and forth provides a special connection that allows us to know what life is like in other parts of the world. Also that we are truly making a difference and sharing our hearts not just our money. The program is simply amazingly well done and easy and life changing for all involved! I plan to donate to this program for the rest of my life!
We began sponsoring a young boy, monthly, in Columbia, several years ago. He lived in a high crime area. When he said he was interested in going to college, we budgeted to help with that. We were ultimately able to help send him to college, on approximately $1600 per semester (less than most people's house or rental payment per month!). A couple of semesters before he graduated, he let Unbound know he had saved enough money to continue paying for his education to become an accountant, and he wished us to put his monies into helping another Unbound person. We are so proud of his family and work ethics. Without Unbound, he would likely have been a crime victim or a gang member.
I have been donating to Unbound for years. I know I have made a difference in my friends lives when I hear from them and find out about their studies and activities and ways they have been able to earn a living for themselves and their families. It is easy and rewarding.
Thank you so much Unbound for your mission. Through your platform, I am able to extend God's grace and Jesus' love to other people and children that in dire need of support for basic necessities to continue their education. What I would really like to do is help people in my presence but having a young family with two small kids plus full responsibilities at work I find it hard to dedicate a quality time at the moment and volunteer to help other people but through your platform I can at least help with the resources despite of my busy life. Thank you and may God bless you more.
I've recently been diagnosed with a short term memory disability, so my memories are not very clear. But one thing that remains crystal clear is that everytime I'm told how impactful our generosity has been on those we sponsor, nothing is clearer to me and my wife the impact on those who we sponsor doesn't even scratch the surface of the impact they have had on us.
Shortly after beginning to sponsor Dany, I was informed that Dany's father passing away. Although not an overly emotional individual, my career did teach me to see through the non-sense, identify the root problem and it's solution and then GET IT DONE. Knowing the needs of Dany's family was likely becoming desperate without the father, I contacted Unbound and asked about the youngest sibling in Dany's family group. That turned out to be Abner. We immediately chose to sponsor little Abner as well; another blessing for us.
We sponsored both Dany and Abner for several years. During those years we would receive letters from both telling ourhow our sponsorship allowed them to actually get a floor in their house. I was also informed how they used the same funding to allow both boys to go to school, buy school clothes and supplies as well as provide a bed for several family members, a family dining table and allow them to purchase nutritious food not previously available to the family. It seemed like everytime I began to feel a little down about something personally, I would get an e-letter from Dany, Abner or both. My day could go from a zero to hero when their letters arrived.
But change is inevitable. Unbound began a drive for people to sponsor more of their "senior" friends requesting sponsorship. That let me to Basilio from Bolivia. Basilio was considered a "senior" even though we were within months of being the same age. Basilio turned out to be an absolutely wonderful person to sponsor. We had many similar interests and were able to relate to each other on a more personal basis. My wife and I were sponsoring a pair of brother from Guatemala and a senior from Bolivia and doing so was both a privilege and a joy.
Things that occurred over the next few years included:
1. Dany graduating and becoming ineligible for continued sponsorship. As a result, working directly with Unbound, we were able to continue to fully fund Dany and Abner's family. This was somewhat difficult because the COVID-19 pandemic and created a staff shortage at Unbound field offices that resulted in Unbound being forced to pause the "Sibling Swap" program. As mentioned, working with Unbound we were able to keep the Panzay family whole financially while waiting for the "Sibling Swab" program to be reinstated.
2. Learning of some of Basilio's special needs. First and foremost, Basilio was no longer able to hear causing him to withdraw
My journey with Unbound began in 2017 after a presentation at our local parish. I was particularly impressed with the dedication and joy that emanated from the speaker that I waited anxiously throughout the liturgy to find a child to sponsor. I have a dear friend who was born and raised in Delhi and I was determined to honor her by choosing someone from India. When my husband and I got to the display of photos, Kartik stood out as though God had led me to him. He lives in Delhi and has the same birthday as my dad. Although he was 4 years old at the time, his mother faithfully wrote on his behalf with messages filled with thanks and gratitude. I now receive letters from him dictated to an Unbound translator. It has been a joy to see photos of Kartik and his family, to know that he is thriving and happy and being cared for through Unbound.
Several years after my partnership with Kartik, I felt a strong urge to sponsor another child. In searching through the photos/bios of candidates, I was struck by a beautiful little girl from Guatemala who had been waiting for over a year to be sponsored. Through our correspondence, which began in 2019, I have discovered that Cindy's outward beauty shines through in her loving heart as well. Her letters are always filled with optimism and faith and I am humbled by the joy with which she approaches life and the happiness she brings to me.
Today's gospel reading reminds us to share what we have with others. I am ever grateful to the Unbound community for allowing me the opportunity to support these two exceptional children, to be with them as they grow. Surely there can be no better way to share your gifts with those who need and graciously appreciate your efforts.
Unbound is sponsorship on a deeply personal level. One can, and preferably does, correspond with the sponsored person. To read how dedicated, humble, and grateful these families are is grounding. They focus on what they have instead of what they do not have and teach us true love and dedication. I have sponsored about 20 children over 20 years (up to three at one time) and each child has a special place in my heart.
We are very pleased to give a hand up to the 2 children we sponsor. And we appreciate their letters to us. We consider them our foster children.
I have been a sponsor with Unbound (formerly known as the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging) for approximately 15 years or so. During that time, I have supported a total of 6 families and currently support 3 families in Nicaragua, as the other three have migrated from the program due to "graduation", movement to other areas, etc.
What has always been most impressive about the program to me is first and foremost, the expense ratio of 92.9% (last three years average, which means that 92.9% of donations go to the recipients). Secondly, it is a two-way street in that families must be committed to educating their sponsored child in order to stay on the program and to receive the support from Unbound. With three sponsored children, I contribute $40/month/family to support their needs. Thirdly, what has been the most reinforcing (and fun!!) to me has been the correspondence between the families and myself. I write to them and they write to me. Until recently, due to some issues specific to Nicaragua politics, I was able to write email letters to each family every other month, and that correspondence has helped to develop a bond that indeed will last forever.
Lastly, some years back, I decided to make a Mission Awareness Trip to Nicaragua to see first hand how the program works. And it was so positive, that if there had ever been any question about the authenticity and the value and the work of the Lord in this effort, that was totally disspelled.
In total, I am of course a big advocate for what Unbound does, and as is often said, those of us who contribute and are able to help others, we receive more back than what we give. Indeed, the value to the recipients and to those of us who support is well beyond the dollars and cents of our efforts.
Sincerely,
Michael S. Noone (Unbound Supporter - ASC609402
15077 Thoroughbred Drive
Fishers, IN 46040
Our family has supported Unbound for many years. We currently sponsor four children from Africa and South America and have been incredibly blessed by the communications and photos we are sent. The letters are always very personalized and offer great insight on how their lives are going and how our support is making a positive impact. Unbound is a wonderful organization that truly cares about the individuals they serve. We would encourage anyone to join in Unbound's mission of making life better for those less fortunate!
I love that with Unbound, I can step into the lives of others around the world through letters. It is like having a pen pal that you get to assist along the way.
My relationship with Unbound began quite a few years ago when they did a presentation at a church, I was leading the parish mission there. After encouraging the parishioners to participate, a voice said." what about you?" Being a counselor at an all boys Catholic school, I sponsor two boys, who have now become responsible young men. I have seen how without proper food, education and family support, many young men can become victims of the streets. The young men I sponsor are from Columbia and Guatemala, places where gangs troll the streets recruiting young men to this life of violence, fear and death. Francisco and Juan have exchanged letters and photos all along their journey. I am happy and proud to make a difference.
It can be difficult as an individual to think that we can make a difference in the world. Unbound lets me help in a very real tangible way! I support a child and an older person and I am so blessed to correspond with them and have them pray for me and my family. This organization is excellent and you can trust that the dollars you send go to the people you are informed you support. I highly recommend it!
I have been a sponsor of Unbound for over 20 years. From day 1, they have offered the absolute best services, care and resources to the communities they serve. As a sponsor, the experience has been magnificent! The Unbound team has always had a representative who answers calls within just a few rings, always cordial, honest, and knowledgeable. My experience with my sponsored friends have lasted years, and each of them (6 by now) has given me incredibly rewarding feelings of mutual care, respect, and love.
I had been a sponsor with Unbound for some years when I started the new sponsorship of a widow in Guatemala. It was shortly later that I had the opportunity to visit with her. It was early in my visit that we went into a church for some brief prayer. When we came out she displayed notable tearing. I asked her if it was the smoke from that candles that bothered her eyes. She said that she just received the first of her monthly food deliveries and was so happy that she would not have to suffer with hunger again. Years later she is the same but also now wears shoes for the first time in her life.
I was introduced to Unbound at mass in 2002. I raised my hand when the visiting priest asked who would like to sponsor a child. I was handed a packet of information and a photo of an adorable four year old boy from Uganda, Paul. I sponsored Paul for the next 16 years. We exchanged many letters and photos and I watched him grow into a wonderful young man with a bright future ahead of him. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I now have four more sponsored friends in Kenya and Uganda and I am so proud of each one of them. I am so incredibly blessed to be connected to their lives in such an impactful way. You will never regret sponsoring a child through Unbound. I would encourage anyone to do it themselves.
We have sponsored children thru Unbound almost 20 years. We actually saw 1 girl age out of the program. We sponsor 2 children and believe Unbound is the best way for our assistance to directly reach the children. Our greatest joy comes from the pictures, letters, drawings, and greetings that we receive from them. These letters are the most anticipated mail we receive. The program was presented to us thru our parish. We decided to contribute to Unbound because it was a way to reach children in other countries.
I started supporting Unbound in 1995 when I graduated from college. I had known for a long time that once I got my first real job, I would support Unbound because I wanted to support children around the world who had loving families but really needed financial help. I have a son and there's nothing more heartbreaking to a loving parent than not being able to support their children financially. I am so fortunate to be able to help through this great organization and I feel as though I have multiple children and families around the world as a result.
We really appreciate the opportunity to share e-letters and photos with the Unbound children and families we sponsor. We enjoy watching the children grow up through their photos and they enjoy our e-letters with our pictures of family and our pets. Our contributions help them climb out of poverty which is so rewarding. Unbound is doing great work helping others and we are glad we can help.
Instead of sending an anonymous donation to support one or more anonymous needy individuals, Unbound makes it possible to connect to an actual young or old person and enter directly into their lives through personal letters and photos, info about their families, and best of all, their hopes and dreams for the future.
Fifteen years ago, at the request of our aging parents, I, my sister and my husband traveled to El Salvador to meet the girl my parents had sponsored for many years. We participated in the 8-day program, visiting many projects before meeting our parents' sponsored girl. We were appalled at the incredible poverty we witnessed, and extremely impressed with the solid assistance the Salvadorans received through what was then CFCA. The gratitude of the sponsored girl and her family moved all three of us. What a wonderful afternoon we spent talking with them and getting to know them.
What we witnessed inspired us to sponsor for ourselves. Currently my husband and I sponsor two persons, my sister, two, and we convinced our other sister to begin sponsoring. one child. We were able to meet the children we chose to sponsor before leaving El Salvador. While one of them is no longer able to participate in Unbound, we still sponsor Meylin who was two years old when we met. We write letters to each other frequently. We have watched her grow up. She is thriving in school because of the program. I think of her as a granddaughter now, and would like to visit her again. She does not remember our meeting at all. In addition we sponsor a disabled 80 year old man in Guatemala. His granddaughters write letters to us to report on his health and activities.
We will continue to sponsor through Unbound because it is efficiently run and a large percentage of the donated money goes into the people it is intended for.
My wife and I have helped fifteen+ children and adults through Unbound/CFCA over the last 30 some odd years.
It is especially gratifying having sponsored children 5 or six years old all the way thru grade school then high school graduation and on to college in some cases.
Hearing from those we sponsor with their letters and photos, gives us such a sense of closeness to them.
Thank you Unbound for allowing us to help those less fortunate.
I’ve sponsored children with Unbound for years now. I’ve been able to see pictures of them growing up and their letters are so special. It is easy to sponsor someone and their heartfelt gratitude is a gift.
My husband and I have been sponsoring through CFCA/UNBOUND for 20 years. I have read several of the other stories here and I have not had any bad experiences with UNBOUND. The reason we sponsor is to help families that are in need an especially to assist children in other countries get an education.
I am still very excited to get the yearly pictures and the frequent letters of the kids we sponsor. I think it depends on where your sponsored child lives and the age of your sponsored child to determine how many letters you get from them every year.
We usually sponsor 4 to 5 children all the time and have because I can't turn down a situation of a child where one of the parents has died or 1 of the parents has moved away and is not supporting the family. Those are the situations I look for and want to sponsor that child.
I have sponsored one older lady and she was a delight. She has since passes away, but, she would write to me and tell me how she had breakfast at her church with other sponsored older people and how she enjoyed what things my sponsorship provided for her.
One time I had a family write that they had received a goat because of my sponsorship. Little thing mean a lot to people.
I have a big frame in my home with current sponsored children's picture. They pray for me and I pray for them.
I've helped several get through the 'university ' as they call it.
I would never trade my extraordinary experiences that I've had from sponsoring UNBOUND children. NEVER.
I actually heard about Unbound at church. I started researching it on line and saw so many amazing stories and positive reviews about Unbound. I decided to sponsor a young girl. I liked the interaction between us which made me want to sponsor another young girl. I feel the young girls in these countries are probably the last to get school money over the boys. That is why I chose girls!
I am so happy helping the little I can. Getting and sending letters to them is such a highlight! I have no regrets at all!!
Unbound is one of the non-profits that actually does what they say they are doing! Check it out!! You will not be disappointed!!
I was looking for a nonprofit that helped people in need in foreign countries and made a great difference in their lives. I found exactly that in Unbound. Over the years I have helped teenagers to get on track with their lives and elderly people to stay in their homes and maintain a dignified lifestyle. At first I started with just one family then after a short time I decided to support two families. Unbound really lives up to their mission statement and I highly recommend this nonprofit
We are so grateful to have been reintroduced to this outstanding non-profit during a church service about 5 years ago. The reality of our blessings truly hit home, especially after reading through the folios that cataloged the story of each sponsee, and their social and economic challenges. After prayerful consideration we chose to sponsor 2 children, a young girl in India and a young boy in Tanzania. We correspond a few times a year, and it is always so life-giving to receive these updates. Recently the girl, who is about 10, asked how we decided on sponsoring her. I shared how we met her through church, and that her story of having a single mom connected with our hearts and to our own stories. I also shared that we sponsored a 5 year old boy from Tanzania. She recently wrote back that she is so excited to know she has a 'sponsor-brother' in Africa, and that she will be praying for him. THIS is what life is all about.
Around the turn of the Century, I was touched by my best friend, Jesus, to become more involved in philanthropy and Catholicism. Having grown up poor, albeit blessed, loved and cared for, I felt drawn to CFCA (now Unbound) where children were being taught to learn, and apply that learning to better their and their family's lives. Thus, my wife and I "adopted" our dozen children, and over the years since, some have graduated but we always replaced each of them with another. It has been a blessing for us, and for our adopted children, and we can't thank the staff at Unbound enough for what they do all over the world. May God Bless you!
I've been helping 3 children in the Philippines, Guatemala, and Mexico for about 7 years, and was able to visit 2 of them in person. We exchange letters and photos throughout the year. When Cami and I met, (I had been helping her for about 7 years), we both hugged and cried, and we did so again when we departed.
I was attracted to Unbound because, unlike most charities who assume from their point that they know what individuals and families need. Instead, Unbound meets with families, individuals, and local groups to ask the what would help them. They also create groups of families, mothers/children, husbands, etc. who support each other. In one group get-together when I was visiting one of my children, the lady next to me said "I'm so grateful for Unbound. Since my husband is part of the husbands group, he doesn't beat me any more."
I have come to LOVE my children and consider them part of my family. I feel so very blessed to have discovered Unbound: it does as much good for me as for the children.
I began sponsoring a child from Guatemala in 1992 because I was truly impressed with Unbound's commitment to "teaching people to fish" instead of solely providing services, although they do that exceptionally, too, while also adding to the communities in which they serve. When my son was in 7th grade (he's now 30), I took him on Mission Awareness trip, where we met Brenda, who I had been sponsoring from the beginning. It was such an emotional and happy meeting that remains a highlight of my memories. Since then, as my sponsored children have "graduated" from the program, I've continued to sponsor at least two children at a time. I remain impressed with Unbound's model, especially during our chaotic times.
I have been with Unbound for several years and sponsored 2 sisters in the Philippines.
They are now grown adults so I'm now going to sponsor 2 more children.
Unbound helps people to help themselves and they are TERRIFIC !
We have sponsored children for 25 years and love that we correspond 4 times a year. We have also been blessed to go on Mission Awareness trips where we spent a day with our sponsored child and their parents. This is always so touching and you hate to say goodbye at the end of the day. They also take us to villages to see how the people live. They love to entertain us which is great fun. Our donations mostly go to the families, 93%. We started with 1 child; he was going to be out of the program since he was 20, so we got 2 boys that are brothers. Last time we were there, we started sponsoring a little girl. We cannot say how impressed we are at the service Unbound gives their clients
A representative from Unbound came to my church 20 years ago and I found my first child to sponsor in Bolivia. I was able to sponsor her all the way through nursing school. After she graduated, I chose two girls from Africa and I continue to sponsor them today. The best part of sponsoring is getting letters. My sponsored children always put a smile on my face and are so grateful for the gift of being supported. It really makes a difference in their lives. Unbound uses almost every penny donated toward their programs. They tailor their programs to give what is needed the most. My children have gone on to sponsor children themselves because of our experiences through Unbound. To date, we have sponsored 5 children and look forward to many more.
I became a donor more than 14 years ago. A donor spoke at my church and I decided to sponsor a child. When I read how happy he was to get help I decided to sponsor another child. I am happy to help the poor and Unbound has some who are very poor. I now sponsor 5 children and 1 elderly woman.If you can afford to sponsor someone I believe Unbound is a great way to make the world a better place.
About 11 years ago my parish church had a speaker from Unbound, a Catholic charity come speak to us about the work they do in many countries in Central and South America. After mass, I walked out to see the displays that showed people of different countries and different ages. I spotted a picture of a young 18 year old woman named Maria Elena who lived in a very small village tucked away in the Andes. My heart went out to her as soon as I saw her picture. So I decided to sponsee her. Several years later, she had a little boy and I decided to sponsee him, too. It has been so rewarding for me to see their lives change with a little support. For what I would pay for a few luxuries a month, I could change the lives of Maria and her family. I love receiving letters from her and her son who is now school age and receiving an education. I love sending letters to both of them virtually and share things about my life and family with them.
After being an educator myself for 34 years, I realized that with just a little effort, all of us can change the course of a life. Please consider doing the same. It is very rewarding.
I first sponsored when I was in high school. I now sponsor two people, and I am so thankful Unbound allows me to do so. I love the pictures and letters I receive. I also appreciate the updates about Unbound I am emailed regularly.
I was ordained a priest in 1994 and that changed my life. But a few months later something else changed my life - possibly in a more profound way. My friend Deacon Rich, who I have known since I was a child, and who I love and trust deeply, told me I should become a sponsor through this organization. He thought it would be good for me and my Christian journey. He was so right!
It is interesting that I got this invitation to tell my story while I am working on my homily for this Sunday where Jesus reminds us to not store up earthly treasures but to be rich in what matters to God. I have spent the last two or three hours reflecting on how my experiences with Unbound have formed my heart. I have travelled with Unbound many times, bringing teens and adults on awareness trips and have met many of the staff and people who are served by Unbound.
I guess the best way to describe what Unbound has done for my life is to quote a woman who travelled with me to El Salvador. On the last day of the trip she told me, "I consider myself a very good person with a very good heart. There is a part of my heart that I didn't even know existed that is beating rapidly with life because of this experience. unbound has done the same for my heart.
I am so pleased to say that I am part of the Unbound worldwide community of compassion.
These pictures are from The 40th anniversary celebration at Unbound KC with two dear friends from Unbound Santa Ana (El Salvador)
My wife and I have been members of Unbound for quite a few years, starting back when they were called CFCU. Our first supported child was a young woman from Kenya. She was a delightful person and we communicated regularly with her. I remember that we were told that our $40/mo. contribution effectively doubled the family income. After about 3 years, however we received notice that our sponsored young woman had been expelled from the program for not being accountable. When I questioned this decision via email with Unbound I was given sufficient information to conclude that accountability is very important to the organization. As a former businessman, accountability is very important to me for my charitable giving. I want to know that my giving, small as it is is being put to its intended use.
Over the years we have kept two sponsored youth supported continuously through Unbound. We receive regular communication with our sponsored young people. Over the years, we have been part of all but one of these young people go on and be successful and leave the program to support themselves. There is no better feeling than receiving a letter from one of your sponsored kids advising that they have been able to achieve success through sponsorship with Unbound.org and no longer need support.
I give Unbound my highest recommendation as a way to directly help young people in poverty stricken areas find success.
I have sponsored children in the Unbound program for close to 30 years now. It has been tremendously rewarding! Reading their letters and seeing their photos as they grow touches my heart with tears of joy. Sharing my story and photo with them gives them a huge thrill. It’s heartwarming to know that through the Unbound program, my donations are turned into food, clothing, school books and other necessities for the children and their families that they would otherwise go without. Thank you Unbound for extending my hands and love to my sponsored children. I donate to several charities but my Unbound experience is the most rewarding. I wish the same experience for all who wish to lend help to their neighbors throughout the world.
My family has sponsored children since my oldest was born over 24 years ago. Each child that came along to our family, we sponsored another child. We have 3 biological children so we sponsor 3 children. It is so wonderful to get the letters from children to learn how they live. It has taught our children so much about being grateful for what they have. Most importantly, when the children's letters tell us that they are praying for us, it just warms my heart. They have so little but they have faith and they share it freely. It's God at work!
As a retired educator whose own children are grown, I was finding myself lonely about not having meaningful contact with students. I was also searching for a way to give back to God some of what He'd generously shown to me. I found a boy from Nicaragua whose name is Joseph, my father's name. I found myself sharing a lot of interests with him like studying and piano. I am so very proud of him. I then sought another child to sponsor and found Fatuma, a girl whose birthday is the same day as my mother's. With both of these children I feel a strong bond and share their photos with my own grandchildren. Whatever monetary support I can give is returned to me many times over each time I receive a letter from these lovely children. All of this is made possible through Unbound. Thank you for enriching my life.
My wife and I have sponsored a number of people for many years. It is amazing to us how far our donations go in other countries. We have sponsored both young and old in countries like Honduras, Philippines, Nicaragua, and others. These people are so loving and grateful for our support that they are actually doing more for us than we are for them! Our country is so blessed. How we define poor in the United States and how these people define poor are world's apart. Many of them struggle just to find food every day. But it's just not the physical support, but more importantly the spiritual support about Jesus Christ. Our sponsored friends are so thirsty for the Good News. By sponsoring a person, we can then accomplish two goals: Physical and Spiritual. It can't get much better than that!
James and JoAnn Knerr
My family has been blessed to be a part of the Unbound program for over 11 years. Our family of 6 started sponsoring a young boy 11 years ago and this year he graduated from the program with an accounting degree. Although it was sad as we will no longer communicate with him, we are so proud of his accomplishments and so happy we could help support him and his family along the way. We are now sponsoring a new young boy that needs assistance. Several years ago we also decided to sponsor a young girl in the program. We love to receive letters and pictures from them and learn about their families. We pray for them and they pray for us - what a gift. Being a part of this program has meant so much to us- we hope it is life changing for the families we sponsor - we know it has been for us.
Unbound has changed our family’s life. What started as a small monthly donation that we really didn’t think about much grew into a lifelong friendship with our sponsored “son”. He is like another son to us. We love him dearly and he has done fantastic in high school, we now support him in college and he just finished his 2nd year of nursing school with flying colors. We’ve been able to help his family in other ways too. Most importantly, we look at each other as family, pray for each other, and Alex has a bright future he is excited about. He knows he will be able to support his own family. This whole experience has shown us how much we can help others and how important it is to share our blessings, not just give of our leftovers. We sponsor a second child now, helping her through high school and are able to help rebuild their home in a small town in Kenya. Her letters speak of hope now. Jesus asks us to love our neighbor and Unbound enables us to do that in the most beautiful way. It is an organization that is honest, dedicated, and changes lives in a long term sustainable way teaching people how to improve their situation. It is the light of the Gospel in today’s difficult culture.
Unbound is top-notch! I started sponsoring a wonderful girl from Guatemala in the early 2000's and have been so blessed by the experience. She is now graduated and has a job as a nurse in a hospital. My life is forever changed by sponsoring children through Unbound. I highly recommend them! They do so much good and it shows in my sponsored children's faces.
My wife and I have been a part of Unbound for nearly 20 years now. A Catholic priest came to our parish to promote the program and we were moved to adopt a child. It is s much fun to send and receive letters from these special children. Several years into the program we were asked to assist a priest who was coming to our Cathedral to promote the program. At that point we were inspired to add a second child. Then just last year we decided to sponsor our third child. The three children we are now sponsoring come from Madagascar, Colombia and Uruguay. If adopting one of these children or elderly persons at Unbound is something that you have been considering my wife and I wholeheartedly recommend that you do it.
My family has been sponsoring individuals through Unbound for over 20 years. It is an honor and a privilege to have a relationship with individuals who live very different lives. Unbound makes it easy to establish an enduring connection with our sponsored friends (to do date we gave sponsored 5 people) through letter writing and trips. We learn so much from our friends, especially about humility and what is most important in life. We're grateful to Unbound that it provides us with such a unique opportunity to forge life-changing bonds of the heart that last a lifetime. Unbound's work is changing the world one relationship at a time.
I've sponsored children in Guatemala and Kenya and have even traveled to meet my sponsored friends in the past. I've been able to witness firsthand the incredible difference just a little bit of financial support and encouragement has made. I've seen the material things that my friends chose to purchase with my support (a bed, clothes, the home they could afford to rent, chickens). I've also seen the confidence and joy on the faces of all of the children in the family and their parents, simply because they have the opportunity to participate in leadership activities, community groups, trainings, and be an active part of their local economy.
Best of all, though, is what I have gotten out of sponsorship. It changed my life to know that my sponsored friends and their families truly wanted to know me, and welcomed me and loved me just like I was a long lost relative.
I highly recommend Unbound and encourage anyone to learn more about sponsorship.
Previous Stories
My family began sponsoring when I was 10 years old, and here I am 27 years later still sponsoring. I love the way Unbound approaches eradicating poverty. They give decision-making power to and respect the dignity of the families in the program. Personally knowing my sponsored friends, learning about them through letters and photos and trips to where they live, makes it all feel so real. And with 92% of expenses going to program support, I know my contributions are going where they are needed most.
We began our journey with Unbound and our beloved Prossy, now 11, in Uganda during the pandemic. I had many, many questions about Unbound and their sponsorship protocols, and whether through emails or phone calls, my questions were answered promptly, kindly, thoroughly and professionally.
I about fell out of my chair with amazement and gratitude when I was told by Prossy - with a photo included - that after just a few months, my truly modest donations had funded a two-stall outdoor toilet system, the communities first. Remind me of my wants?
Prossy told me about their birds (we both love birds) and crops and gardening and her friends and family - including the tragic loss of her oldest brother. Conversely, she was very happy to tell me that she has learned how to carry water on her head: It's a big help to the whole family.
I've encouraged Prossy to read and read and read, since she wants to become a nurse, or maybe even a doctor. I've also encouraged her to learn, if at all possible, some English - both for her benefit, and more selfishly, so that we may more easily communicate if/when I/we get to Uganda - or she comes here.
Count me as one of the truly blessed to play my albeit small role in helping others via Unbound.
Dan Hammond
Prairie Village, KS
For the last 25 years I have been a donor and have sponsored three children. Mwiti from Kenya, Perusi from Uganda and now Denisse in Bolivia. My husband and I have four children ourselves and when we first started sponsoring, it was to teach our children how to give back. They wrote back and forth to Mwiti and learned that sharing some of their allowance could make a huge difference in someone else's life. It was a sad day when we learned he was graduating from the program and we were sending our last letter to him. By then our four children were off to college but I wanted to continue so I requested that I could sponsor a young girl who had been having trouble getting sponsored because I believed in empowering girls and wanted to make a difference. Unbound told me that Perusi's first sponsor had stopped so I was anxious to make a difference for her. We worked with Unbound to make sure we could pay for all her educational needs and even paid for her to go to a technical college. One of our nieces from here did a work-study program at a college in Uganda and Unbound worked with us to arrange for our niece Amy to actually meet Perusi and bring her a Bible from us. That was very special to be able to make that connection! After Perusi graduated the program and after I sent my last letter to her, I still get emotional talking about it, I again asked this wonderful organization to help me sponsor a young girl and we found Denisse in Bolivia. Then the pandemic started and Denisse wrote to me and told me how she and her two sisters were sharing a cell phone to do their online schooling. Again Unbound allowed me to make a difference and send them enough money to buy a laptop for this family. There is such beauty in being able to thread the thread and connect willing donors with needy children and Unbound is wonderful at this "weaving together" of lives. I have done volunteer donorship drives at churches to support them as well because I really believe in the mission of Unbound. I put together a binder with many many letters and pictures of our sponsor children and share that with parishioners who come to the table, especially children, because it was a very important learning experience for my four children. All four of my children have gone on to be very generous in their adult lives. And I thank Unbound, CFCA as it was called back in 1996, for being a tool to help us raise our children to reach out to the poor and marginalized. I encourage everyone who reads this review to sponsor a child and make a difference in not only their lives but yours.
Dede
Through a presentation at our church 15 years ago, my wife and I were fortunate to be introduced to Unbound and to sponsor our first child, who was 6 years old at that time. We feel so blessed to have had that opportunity to see our sponsored little girl blossom into a wonderful young lady. Unbound has been with us every step of the way, helping her to send letters, translating them for us, sending photos of her at least once each year, plus making it easy for us to send letters and photos to her. They have helped us help our sponsored little girl through some rough times. The good that Unbound is doing for these sponsored children and aged adults is remarkable. That is why we sponsored another little girl 7 years ago, thereby doubling the joy and love we receive from our sponsored children. Unbound has been magnificent in helping us receive that joy and love. We highly recommend you invest such a small amount of money and time in order to receive those blessings.
We have welcomed the opportunity to sponsor a young person since our daughter Teresa was stillborn in 2002. A spokesperson came to our church explaining the program and on walking past the table of children, it was no coincidence that the card that caught my eye on the corner of the table shared a birthday with Teresa. We have sponsored more than one person over the years and mourned the loss of one of the non-profit’s early founders, Bob Hentzen. As a child-advocate, as a physician for children and as one who has served in the non-profit sector, it has been my privilege and pleasure to support and be a part of the work done by Unbound.
Through Unbound we are blessed with an extended family. Through letter writing we keep close contact. With one young student we share our interest in meteorology. It is so much fun asking him if he knows the meaning of some words in the field and getting his responses. With a college student we share our interest in early childhood education. Our older adult likes telling us about her grandchildren. What joy they bring to us.
Thank you Unbound for all you do to enable us to be with our world wide family.
Worked for Unbound for about 11 prime years of my work life from 2009 to 2020.
Unbound was more like a family than a work place.
Unbound is a dynamic organization that accepted positive change with open arms.
Unbound never compromised on its core values.
Thought me to be more professional.
Love you Unbound.
I was a sponsor since 2017, and sponsored multiple chiildren at the same time. When Covid occurred, my family had four deaths almost all at the same time. We had to end our sponsorships, but were told it was "okay" and we could come back at any time. Six months later I attempted to sponsor one person (not the five I was sponsoring before) and I received a call from a very rude woman named Amy saying I was too risky and irresponsible to sponsor so they weren't going to let me be a sponsor anymore. I spent a lot of money on my sponsorships, even as far as sending them extra money on birthdays and traveling to the country my first sponsor child lived in through a awareness trip. This was just not okay.
I became an UnBound sponsor in 2018 after a presentation given by a visiting priest at my Parish telling us about the work of UnBound. I hesitated at first because it seemed like a big commitment and I was unsure how it would work out. However, once I saw a photo of a precious little Colombian girl aged 5 I knew I had to give it a try. Today I sponsor a total of seven UnBound children in Colombian and it is the best thing I have ever done. I love to receive their letters and photos and enjoy corresponding with them very much. Once travel restrictions lift I hope to meet them all via an UnBound Sponsor trip!
I have been a sponsor through Unbound for 30 years. I have visited my sponsored children and elderly several times and know first hand how much the sponsored child or elder benefits from our help. The Unbound organization is very well run and has an outstanding record of work in communities. My first sponsorship 30 years ago was a two year old boy in Guatemala. I met him in person when he was four years old. I was able to sponsor him throughout elementary school, high school and one year of teachers training. After completing teachers school he went to work in a remote village where there was no running water and no electricity because he “wanted to make a difference”. While teaching he commuted 5 hours one way on weekends to Guatemala City where he attended the University. He is interested in going into public service after he gets his law degree so he “can continue to make a difference, but on a national level“. When he was 28 I saw him again. Tall, well educated, sincere, caring, thoughtful, a delight to know. The most significant thing he ever said to me was “thanks to you I didn’t have to go to bed hungry very often”. Our few dollars go so far and do so much for these very poor. Who can live with the thought that a child cries himself or herself to sleep because they are hungry?
I have sponsored children in Guatemala through Unbound for 20+ years. I can't put into words how rewarding this experience has been. Not only have I made personal connections with families in another country and culture, but I have learned so much about their world and their lives. There is no doubt in my mind that Unbound has taken the right approach in allowing families and communities to make some of their own decisions in how to use the aid they receive, thus empowering them to improve their lives in the most meaningful way. The opportunities provided to visit sponsored communities are a real blessing to those who can take advantage of them. Unbound has made a real positive difference in so many lives. I have no hesitation in continuing to support this wonderful vibrant organization.
We enjoy learning about our sponsored girl's progress over the last decade and praise the inclusion of Elders as well as additional countries in Unbound.
Join, sponsor - the world will be a better place and you will feel blessed!
I have been a donor for many years to a mature lady raising a family in Guatemala. She is an inspiration, writing encouraging and gratuitous letters regularly, even though I have been somewhat lacking in my letter writing.
Unbound is life-changing for both the people it helps and the people who are sponsors. We got to know our first sponsored child through letters when she was just 5 years old. So many letters and annual photos. 15 years later she earned an associates degree in nursing and we received our last letter from her. She had "graduated" from the Unbound program. She thanked us for our support and we wept. Two more girls have entered our hearts through the Unbound program and we look forward to their graduations as well. There will be smiles and tears.
I have sponsored children through Unbound for nearly 30 years. I love all the children whom I have sponsored. The program is very frugal with their money. They are very good about keeping me informed of my sponsored child. I hear from my sponsored child several times a year, and get a yearly photo. They are very good stewards of their money. I highly recommend them.
Unbound continues to impress me even after sponsoring for over 10 years. I've now visited my sponsored child 3 times and have been able to see in person that Unbound is a progressive, empowering and value-oriented organization. I feel confident encouraging my friends, family and local church to sponsor too!
We have been sponsoring several people over the years and it is very gratifying to see our sponsored partners grow and be educated and see the role the mothers play in supporting each other. We feel gratified to see the community enriched by Unbound's organization and the decision-making left to the local groups. We feel blessed to be part of the process.
My initial child lead to a mission trip where I learned all the good this organization does. I love the fact I can communicate with the sponsored person. I have both children, teens and adults and have taken two mission trips where I learned how lives are so vastly improved by our donations. We often complain we don’t know how to improve the life of others but education for the youth and supplemental support in food and events for the elderly. UNBOUND is FANTASTIC about both. I learned from a stranger who delivered food staples to elderly each month and told me how blessed they were. He was a tour guide on a side trip on a cruise I took. It was nice to hear how wonderful UNBOUND is. I have no trouble supporting this agency.
I sponsored a child for a couple years but ultimately stopped my sponsorship. My issues were with communication. Sending letters back and forth with the child took months. If, for instance, she sent me a letter in January talking about Christmas, I would receive the letter in maybe April. She would receive my return letter to her in late summer. You can only communicate a couple times per year at that rate. In the 21st Century, with email and all other modes of communication, that seems desperately wrong. In addition, I never had clarity on where my money was going. My understanding is the $40+ I sent every month paid for the school and allowed the family to purchase very small items like a dish drainer. I could be wrong; I simply don't know.
I have worked in human services and fundraising myself for 15+ years and can say firmly that Unbound operates like a very poorly-run charity in the 1980s. They really need to get with the program - update their services, enter the 21st century, and communicate with their donors transparently.
We have been sponsors for about 20 years and sponsored 2 children. We enjoyed sharing our resources and communicating with the children. The reason for the rating is that the organization states their Core Values but doesn't honor them. In particular our concern is with honesty and transparency. Rather than allow sponsors to be honest and transparent in communication, they shut down anything that is not politically correct in their estimation. That is not being honest and transparent. We cannot support a "Christian" organization that does not honor its core values. We regret to resign as sponsors after so many years, but we cannot support their behavior.
In 1995, my husband and I started sponsoring a little boy named Kevin. Throughout the years, we corresponded back and forth and then the correspondence stopped. He would have been about 18 years old at this time. I called to inquire about it and was told that he left the program to help his father. Recently, I found Kevin on Facebook and began communicating with him. He said that CFCA kicked him out of the program because he couldn't afford transportation to the programs, that there was some trouble with the local promoter (Mario) and he was 15 when all this happened. I'm curious as to why CFCA wouldn't have provided transportation and why CFCA would continue taking my money for 3 years after my sponsored child was booted out of the program. I think there could be trouble at the local level and I think this should be investigated. According to my calculations, CFCA/Unbound owes Kevin $1200. I hope they make it right.

Unbound 12/18/2020
Linda, thank you so much for your longtime support of your sponsored friend, Kevin, and for you sharing these concerns with us. Accountability is very important to us and our records don't match the timeline Kevin shared with you. We are showing that Kevin was retired from our program in 2014 around the age of 20. There are instances in which a sponsorship would end, but neither age of the sponsored friend nor lack of access to transportation would be one. We are confident that Kevin received his benefits throughout your entire sponsorship, but we’ve sent your message on to our International Programs team so that they are aware of your communication with Kevin. Thank you again for your support of Kevin and for sharing your experience with us.
It is hard to put into words the fulfillment I get as a sponsor with Unbound. It is an amazing organization that is a true example of how God’s love works. I am excited for the day I get to meet those that I am sponsoring, one for going on 10years!
I am a youth in Uganda who completed my A level now going to University but the fees is a problem ,Please help me because I may sit home this year.
Thank you
Unbound is like no other nonprofit organization that my family has ever supported. You can see and read about either a child or a senior from all over the world. My family chose First a young girl in Nicaragua and when she became an adult we chose a young boy from there. We have learned so much corresponding with them over the years. Unbound does an amazing job with coordinating activities, education and funding. We are blessed to be a part of it and even when times were tough over the years, we made sure to always provide this support. It is truly the least we can do for our brothers and sisters striving to live around the globe.
I can't say thank you enough to unbound (before CFCA) and to my sponsor, I wish I could say how thankful I and my family to you in person. From 2006 till 2013, thank you for all the learnings and experience. I will always be grateful to be part of this organization. More power Unbound
I have been sponsoring since 2010, and now have 4 children that I sponsor in Kenya and Uganda. I have also taken 2 mission awareness trips to Guatemala and Kenya & Uganda. I have never had any issues, and am most impressed with the percentage of money that goes directly towards helping the children and elders. (This includes the compensation of upper management). I receive letters from my children throughout the year, as well as updated pictures. I would sponsor more through Unbound if I had the means. I am fully confident in their model of support, and that everyone has the best interest of the children and elders at heart.
My children and I sponsor an elderly woman in Madagascar and two children in Mexico. Unbound has given me the opportunity to involve my kids in not only learning about other cultures, but the invaluable opportunity to actively participate in giving back. We are all excited to receive letters from our family across the country. And it is truly a gift for us to be able to help other families when they need it most. Unbound shared with me that our sponsorship of one child came exactly when it was needed. The father of the young child was about to go find more work while he was sick to provide milk and other essentials for his young child. A bag of food showed up that day as a result of our sponsorship. This was shared with me by an Unbound employee. One little boy refers to us as his angels because he knows that we help him, but he can't see us. The gift is truly ours. We get back more than what we are giving. Unbound is well run with caring people and I would recommend it to anyone without hesitation.
We love being part of Unbound!
It has been a part of our family for many years. Each of our children have a sponsored friend, as do my husband and I. Unbound is an awesome organization. They are so caring and helpful! Communication with our sponsored friends is easy and convenient. Unbound helps so much! We feel like we are making a difference thanks to Unbound.
I was a beneficiary of the unbound group from my pre-school all the way to my college.Through the unbound benefits we were able to put food on our table ,Dress well and attend school like other children of our age then.I did well in highschool and got a scholarship to take me through college.
Today i can attest that i am a certified Banker and financial analyst all thanks to cfca/unbound kenya.
Early this year, I had the opportunity to take an awareness trip to Guatemala to meet my mom’s sponsored friend. We spent a week visiting local communities and learning about the work that Unbound is doing. I was so inspired by the children we met who were both shy and curious and quiet and outspoken. At one lunch, a young scholar student gave a speech about how Unbound had contributed to his studies and his ultimate goal of attending a four year university. We had the opportunity to share meals and converse and interact with the families. I admire that Unbound has centered the work of the mothers through CODIs, providing accountability and accessibility for the sponsored members and their families. I respect that the Unbound staff was incredibly transparent with their allocation of funding, as well as welcoming feedback to improve the business model. The experience was so positive and inspiring, that I decided to sponsor a child myself. I was even able to meet my sponsored friend on the last day of our trip, as he and his mother were not far from the city we were in. Unbound is an incredible organization that focuses on preserving the autonomy of its sponsored members and their families. I highly recommend this organization.
I sponsor two wonderful people in El Salvador and had the opportunity last year to visit and see first hand how amazing this organization is. The ability to make a difference in people's lives and their whole communities is incredible to see.
They're efficient, loving and supportive.
I had really never heard of the organization until my aging mother told me about a "brother" that I had. I was intrigued and started to question her, thinking she must have dementia. It turns out that she had been sponsoring a young man in India for many years. My siblings and I had no idea! She began to share his letters and photos and we thought it was wonderful. She lived on a small, fixed income, but she faithfully donated to his education and his family. When she passed away a few years ago, as the oldest daughter, I was in charge of settling her affairs. I couldn't decide what to do about her "other son." I contacted the organization, explained the situation and asked if I could take over for my mom. I knew she would like that and she would have wanted me to do it. I supported that young man, and now I support a young girl in the Phillipines. I am thrilled to be associated with such a wonderful organization. Now when my siblings tell me I'm turning into my mother, I just smile and say "thanks."
My Unbound sponsorship began with a four year old girl in Western Honduras. She is now 20 and studying law. I have been providing her and her family support all these years. Now I provide a scholarship.
Women in villages in Honduras and elsewhere have no role models and their lives are programmed. Many end up pregnant too soon and in toxic relationships. A dead end life. What Unbound provides can’t be measured, really. The chance to work hard and get something in return.
These are fragile communities that are at the edge of society and vulnerable to corrupt governments, illness, and the ravages of nature.
I’ve gone three times to Honduras to spend time with my sponsored friend, her family, and her great supporters the Unbound staff. Because of Unbound she has a vision for herself, she is confident, and may achieve greatness.
It’s not often that an organization like Unbound gives you the opportunity to change a life. It sure changed mine.
It's difficult to summarize how much I adore and appreciate Unbound. I began sponsoring children through their program when I was 18 and have continued to do so for 11 years. The method in which Unbound facilitates communication between sponsors and their sponsees helps both parties learn about each others' lives in a safe, welcoming, and very real way that has opened my eyes to the realities of other countries and helped broaden my perspective of the world. I gain a sense of fulfillment through donating to Unbound since I know my money will have a long-lasting and strong impact with this organization. I'm happy to have contributed to the growth of such a well-orchestrated organization and could not recommend them enough.
Our family learned about Unbound during a presentation by a couple involved with the Charity after Church.
We sponsor 2 children. The 2 children are of similar age of our 2 oldest kids. It has been fun to learn about them, their families, and to see them grow. Unbound also supports seniors, which helps poor seniors as they age.
Unbound makes it easy to write letter online. They provide translated letters from the sponsor children and or families - depending on the age of the child being sponsored. We've also received pictures, which are fun to get.
Unbound keeps cost low to deliver 93+% of donations to the families. I am impressed with their philosophy to empower the families in directing the money to how it is most impactful. They promote education and betterment of the community. They are making a difference and helping promote a greater understanding of one another.
i look forward to supporting this charity for many more years. If you haven't, please consider supporting Unbound's mission.
Thanks,
Joe
I've been an Unbound supporter and donor since 2017 when I heard a missionary priest in church talk about this wonderful program that helps give poor children and elderly the chance at a better life through financial support and encouragement. Having no children myself, I felt called, and after Mass I went over to the table and saw pictures of all the beautiful children. I tell you it was not easy choosing just one, but it's all I could do. And so I sponsored my first child, from Colombia, and we have been writing back and forth every since. I enjoy receiving pictures of him every year and seeing how he is growing up. It gives me much joy to know I can do a little something to give a child a better life. May God bless all the poor children around the world. Thank you Unbound for all the good you do, God bless you!
I have been an Unbound sponsor for 12 years. I travelled to 5 countries with Unbound's mission awareness week to meet my Unbound friends.
What a wonderful experience. The local Unbound staff works with our sponsored friends to see that our contributions are wisely spent. Each sponsored person was delightful and grateful for the financial.and moral support.
UNBOUND IS THE BEST.
Diane
Clearwater Fl
I have been a sponsor for more than 30 years and a volunteer for more than 10 years. It has been an honor to sponsor friends from Chile, Honduras, Nicaragua, Rep. Dominicana & Perú. It was very rewarding experience to visit twice my friends in Nicaragua and to visit the Unbound headquarters in Kansas to meet many of their employees and volunteers.
My second niece Bridgette has the most beautiful heart. It's because of her that I befriended Elizabeth from Ecuador through Unbound about six years ago.
When I lived closer, I used to go to the same parish as Bridgette, my older sister and her family. One day at Mass, a priest from Unbound was speaking of the children and elders needing help. Bridgette and I were looking at the photos after Mass and she asked me if I would let her help me pick out "my child." (How can you say "no" to a sweet then eight-year-old niece? I've never learned how :-)).
Bridgee thought Elizabeth was a good fit for me because we both had brown eyes and hair, she has the same middle name as her big sis/my goddaughter and she (Bridgee) and Elizabeth are about the same age.
It's been almost six years ago now since I've befriended Elizabeth and it's been such a blessing to exchange letters and photos with her, watch her grow up and succeed, and help her and her family through Unbound. Fellow aunts, be sure to listen to those wise nieces in your lives, especially those with big hearts like Bridgette's :-)
We have been sponsors with Unbound for more than 20 years. This incredible organization has enabled us to truly make a difference and to follow our sponsored child from toddlerhood to adulthood. After our sponsored child graduated from the program, we chose to sponsor another young girl and an elder.
Our family has been blessed to sponsor with Unbound since 2015. We sponsor a child in the Philippines and an elder in India. Additionally, I have traveled on three Sponsor Awareness trips with Unbound to see their work firsthand. I can't say enough not only about the character and excellence of Unbound in their shepherding of our donated resources, but also about their role in helping our family come into closer relationship and solidarity with other families around the world. Highly recommend!
We have sponsored a child in Guatemala for the past 10 years. She is now 16 and studying to be a teacher. We receive letters and photos regularly and she is always so grateful. It warms our hearts to see her grow and know that we are a part of her journey. Unbound has been excellent in keeping us posted when events affect her country and program. This is a very worthwhile charity that works directly in the communities to strengthen families, support mothers, and educate children.
I have been apart of Unbound for many years (it was still called CFCA). Being able to bless families around the world in a direct way is priceless. The charity has very low overhead so almost all I donate goes to the family. I have developed life-changing relationships with my sponsored families.
I have been sponsoring my child for about ten years now. It has been wonderful to watch this young, tentative boy grow into a confident, well rounded young man. I am so happy that I have been able to help him on his journey to responsible adulthood.
I love getting letters from him and hearing how he is doing in school and how he helps his family. Getting pictures of him as he has grown is an extra bonus!
I'm glad that I listened to the Holy Spirit as he guided me to make a difference in the world, one child at a time.
Fabulous charity. We have sponsored a young man Milton from El Salvador for 16 years. He was 3 years old when we started our relationship with him. We regularly received letters & he us studying to be a policeman. We love him & feel so proud of him.
I have been helping a young girl from the Philippines for three years. Her mother writes letters and sends photos of her daughter, and she can pay for her daughter's schooling with my monthly donation. I first heard of Unbound through a retired priest who came to tell the parish about it three years ago. I was impressed with their record of very low overhead. Many who work for it are volunteers. Almost all the money goes to the beneficiaries.
Unbound has enabled us to help out a little girl in Guatemala who has a lot of promise to grow up and improve her life and many others.
The personal connection between the elderly person and her family and me, the Unbound sponsor, is unlike any other charitable endeavour - it's so positive and definitely a two way benefit. I love that I'm not just sending money.
Best value in eloping keep families together by helping a child and the family.
Very little wasted money. No glam no glitz, just serious people who know how to get things done.
Rules can make it tough for children and family to stay in program, but maybe we need a world with more rules, less anything goes.
Efficient, noble and excellent follow up.
If you save just one child, together we can save the world..
En el mes de julio viajamos mi esposo y yo a Guatemala con un grupo de 36 personas a visitar a nuestros ahijados, fue una esperiencia única, que a mi en lo personal me cambió la vida, conocí personalmente a mi ahijado que hoy tiene 16 años pero lo padrino desde que tenia 5 años y sentir su agradecimiento y cariño me emociono mucho ya que solo había platicado con el por carta. Esta oportunidad que unbound me dio de conocerlo fue maravillosa, hoy puedo decir que ya no soy la misma persona. Gracias unbound In the month of July my husband and I traveled to Guatemala with a group of 36 people to visit our godchildren, it was a unique experience, which personally changed my life. I personally met my godson who is now 16 years old. but I have been a sponsor since I was 5 years old and I feel his gratitude and affection, I am very excited because I had only talked with him by letter. This opportunity that unbound gave me to meet him was wonderful, today I can say that I am no longer the same person. Thanks unbound
I have been a sponsor for close to 14 years and at present have 3 children that I sponsor. I love this organization and i know the funds are well managed. I have been on a couple of mission trips with them and have seen first hand all the good that these caring people do. I like that they allow the sponsored families to make decisions on where they can best use their sponsors funds. I have received letters from my sponsored children who comment on how wonderful they are treated by the staff.
I have watched my sponsored child grow up, hear about her trials in school and in life and hear about the hope, preparation and optimism her and other sponsored children get from being in the program. We exchange letters and pictures. It's a great program.
Creo firmemente que unbound es una organización con un potencial y una manera hermosa, bella de brindar apoyo a todos aquellos que la necesitan, y para los que trabajamos en ella una escuela de Vida... fui parte de esta organización y puedo decir que fue la mejor experiencia en el campo laboral, donde la mejor paga, fue la gratitud y esa sensación rica, de sentir impecable esa paz y satisfacción al trabajar por los necesitados, y aprender de ellos... unbound la llevo siempre en mi corazón... y les comparto que estoy en la creación de una fundación en mi país VENEZUELA... unbound ya no esta fisicamente en venezuela pero si en 3700 apadrinados, muchos trabajadores y familias de esta gran escuela unbounbarquisimeto- venezuela tierra donde fluye leche y miel.
What an incredible organization to be a part of! This has given me the chance to be a part of a young girl's life for many years now whom I may never actually meet face to face, but it has been a blessing to be a part of her life journey!
Iam a widow,Iam the chairlady of a widows group by name starlight widows and orphans support group.Iam kenya kisumu city.Iam really intrested in this organization.keep it up. Thanks
I am absolutely delighted at what I see as a well-run and well-structured nonprofit. It is my pleasure to be a participant in their charitable works and I hope to be able to continue on for many years.
We have sponsored several children since 2000, and currently have 3 in Colombia. As we finish our awareness trip, we realize the incredible work that Unbound continues to do, and saw firsthand the impact it has had on our boys. Being able to receive letters and pictures from our boys has meant a lot...seeing them and holding them for the first time brings the reality of their lives into focus for us. We highly recommend taking an awareness trip with Unbound. Your lives and worldview will change!
We have been sponsors for over 7 years. Recently, we added another child to our sponsorship, allowing our 7 year old to choose her and make her a lifetime penpal. We are so blessed by Unbound and the connections it's allowed us to have with special children all over the world. We know that the lives of those families are equally blessed as well. We pray this charity can grow exponentially and increase it's impact each and every year.
I have been a sponsor for 10+ years and Unbound does incredible work. I have loved getting know my sponsored friends through letter writing, but have also had the opportunity to meet them by going on mission awareness trips to Honduras and Kenya. Sponsorship really does change their life as I was able to see firsthand! The in-country Unbound staff does a wonderful job working with sponsored friends in the country and making sure they receive the support they need to make life changing decisions with their sponsorship benefits. I cannot recommend this organization enough!
Previous Stories
My husband and I sponsor three children, two in Kenya and one in Honduras. We have been sponsoring for four years and love receiving letters and pictures from all of them! We hope to have the opportunity to go on a Mission Awareness trip sometime in the near future to see the work happening in communities first hand.
This year we hosted a "sponsorship weekend" at our church in Houston. The staff at CFCA was very easy to work with and helpful in preparing for the event. At the end of the weekend, 84 children and aging were sponsored! The 84 people who were sponsored that weekend have had their life changed!
Our family has been sponsoring different children, young adults and an aged individual for about 15 years or more. It has been very gratifying for our family to learn about different cultures around the world. Unbound makes it very easy to sponsor and transition to another individual when they leave the program or for whatever reason. We feel our sponsorship dollars are well spent and are used for the many needs of our sponsored individuals.
I have sponsored a young woman from Kenya, through Unbound, and have watched her grow from a young 7year old to sweet 16. I have learned about her country, her family and of course her beautiful self. We communicate through email on the Unbound website and it warms my heart and fills me with gratitude when I see how my sponsorship has helped her, her family and her community. Thank you Unbound for your caring, creativity and integrity. I am proud to be a part of you.
We have supported twin boys in Guatemala through Unbound since 2005. The boys were 3 and are now 16. I had confirmation through pictures as well as letters that they received gifts that were mailed to them. Pictures of the boys wearing or holding gifts and pictures of what my sponsorship money had provided for them. They are still in school and active in their church. They have raised chickens, sheep and cows and now each boy has a pet dog. I am confident my money is well spent and the majority of my money is going to sponsor the boys and not for overhead cost or salaries.
We have been sponsors of a few different children for over 20 years with Unbound and are continually impressed with their efficient operation and the many hours that volunteers put in to make this great program work. It is a wonderful charity and helps us to help people we would never know how to reach otherwise. We have loved getting to know our sponsored children through their letters.
We have sponsored multiple children through Unbound for over 33 years. We believe in their model of helping families, allowing them to make choices that they believe best as they break through the cycle of poverty. We appreciate the emphasis on education and support for the entire family. Unbound has worked with us so that we could help three of our sponsored children continue their education post high school. Unbound is a fantastic program that is transparent with their financials and we continue to be amazed at how much they accomplish with the sponsorship amounts that they receive.
We have been sponsors for almost 17 years now. We have sponsored young children, teens and elders. We are currently sponsoring a boy in India who will be turning 12 this year; a young woman in the Philippines who will turn 20; and an older woman in the Philippines who will be 72 years young. We look forward to receiving their letters. It is amazing to see the growth in them with each letter they write. They grow in confidence, their health improves and their happiness also improves. They are filled with gratitude and love. We wouldn't miss it for the world!
Incredible organization! I have four sponsored children from Unbound. I love that we are able to communicate through letter and really get to know the children as well as provide mental support. Also I receive pictures for my sponsored children and get to know how much they have grown. Constant communication allows us to connect and build a relationship. Although I have never met them, we still build a bond. Unbound also host awareness trip which sponsors and sponsored children actually get to meet in person.
I've sponsored 3 children through Unbound and really feel I make a difference. I love the letters and pictures that each one sends and feel a real connection. I know they each enjoy my letters too. Definitely recommend Unbound.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Unbound. You can easily look at their numbers and see that they are a great non profit organization. They are open, honest, easy to contact, willing to answer questions and get great ratings. It is harder to put in to words how they impact lives. I know that my sponsorship has changed the lives of my sponsored friends. I hear it from them in their personal letters. I see it in their photos. I read it in mailings and blogs and on social media. The most special thing for me is travelling to meet them. I have formed amazing bonds with the children and their mothers and grandmothers. It's family!
This organization has changed my world view. It has changed the way I view solutions to poverty. Unbound allows me to help people while allowing them to make their own choices about what is best for them and what is best for their families.
We sponsor a boy who shares my husband's birthday, and a girl who shares my birthday. Fun! Love the Unbound system, the Unbound commitment and most of all, the Unbound results. This organization is an excellent steward of our donations. They have earned our trust and support.
We have been unbound sponsors for 17 years. In these years we helped a Rwandan boy get a job in construction, two girls from India become seamstresses, a boy from Kenya graduate from college and become a teacher, a girl from Uganda graduate from college with a nursing degree and a boy from Tanzania become a mechanic. Right now we are sponsoring six more, from Kenya, Bolivia and the Philippines. We love all the mail we receive from them, but our favorite one is the "final letter", with "Thank you, I made it!" It's the best feeling in the world!
Previous Stories
I have been sponsoring since 2009 and have been beyond impressed with not only the work that Unbound does but the people working for them, both in the states and in the projects. Everyone truly cares and wants to help empower those in poverty through ensuring they have a voice in their own future and through personal relationships.
Today we received notice that one of our sponsored children has graduated from school and started working! We are thrilled to be supporting an organization that is changing lives and building futures.
Our 'little' girl from Costa Rica is now almost 17. Her family has been able to move from their tin roof house to an apt. In the city. She has graduated from Unbound's program. We will miss her dearly but we have a new little girl from Guatemala. We are so excited to see this little girl grow under Unbound's sponsorship. Wonderful organization.
We started sponsoring a child 2 years ago from Lima, Peru. We send and receive pictures and letters and get updates several times a year. I love this program and feel like they are making a huge difference in the world.
Unbound has been a wonderful organization to work with while sponsoring my child! I signed up about six years ago and have been working with them ever since! They made the process very easy and allowed me to help make a difference in the life of the child I sponsor in Ecuador. Compared to other well known charity organizations, Unbound actually donates close to 100% of the profits to those in need which is not as common as one may think. I get letters from my sponsored friend, Mayerly, and Unbound makes this process especially easy. Since she only speaks Spanish, they translate the letters for me and there is never an issue understanding what we are saying to each other. Sponsoring a child through Unbound has changed my life in ways that are unexplainable. I am given so much joy and have learned so much from having this experience and from making a new friend! If you are looking for an organization that will make an impact on both your life and the life of someone in need, Unbound is the right choice!
My husband and I have sponsored a child through Unbound for 15 years . This winter we had the opportunity to travel to Guatemala for anU nbound experience. We had the thrill of meeting our now young woman and spent time with her Mom and sister. Yuri will graduate from college in Nov. she would not have achieved this life goal without. Inbound. We were so delighted and enlightened by the Awareness trip that we have became ambassadors and will be giving
Presentation.
I highly recommend Unbound!! We have been sponsors for a number of years now, and we have been impressed with the impact our small financial contribution makes in the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves. We absolutely love getting letters from our little sponsored boy in the Philippines- he is so charming and funny and brings a smile to our faces. Thank you, Unbound!!
Unbound has been part of my life for over 10 years. They’ve helped me helped so many amazing people. They’ve made me a better person. Unbound’s devotion to the poor is inspiring. They do it in a way that gives dignity to those they help. I strongly recommend them.
I love this org. I was never able to meet my two girls, however I loved getting their letters & pictures & seeing them grow up.
We sponsor a family in Guatemala. I got to meet them ladt year. What a fantastic experience. Want to know that you are making a difference in someone’s life, helpout.
We have sponsored a girl from Guatemala who graduates and went out into the world to work and help support her family.
The girl we support now is in Mexico and 11 years old. We’ve supported her since age 3. We had the privilege of meeting her, her mom and little brother this past October.
No words can express what a wonderful experience this was. To see the gratitude of the people and the love they have for their sponsors is overwhelming. It was the experience of a lifetime for me. We're hoping to go back again next year.
Fourteen years ago, we began sponsoring one 10 year old boy in the Philippines. He completed college and became a math teacher. We are so proud of him because with a little assistance from us through Unbound, and his own perseverance, he was able to achieve one of his goals. Now we sponsor three girls in the Philippines, one in Guatemala, and one in the Dominican Republic. Two years ago we took an Unbound Awareness Trip to the Philippines. We were in awe of the work that Unbound does with the families and communities they serve. We knew Unbound was an outstanding nonprofit, but after seeing how their organization is run firsthand, we sing their praises every chance we get. If you want to help a child reach his potential, we highly recommend partnering with Unbound.
Fourteen years ago, we began sponsoring one 10 year old boy in the Philippines. He completed college and became a math teacher. We are so proud of him because with a little assistance from us through Unbound, and his own perseverance, he was able to achieve one of his goals. Now we sponsor three girls in the Philippines, one in Guatemala, and one in the Dominican Republic. Two years ago we took an Unbound Awareness Trip to the Philippines. We were in awe of the work that Unbound does with the families and communities they serve. We knew Unbound was an outstanding nonprofit, but after seeing how their organization is run firsthand, we sing their praises every chance we get. If you want to help a child reach his potential, we highly recommend partnering with Unbound.
We have been sponsors for 13 years now. Praying , staying in touch with a special friend across the ocean is a unique, rewarding experience.
It gives our own 13-yr old much needed perspective.
Unbound has been awesome keeping us informed, encouraging us, and making sure we receive letters and pictures from our sponsored friend. God Bless you and the labor you do Unbound.
I went on an awareness trip last year and it has changed my life. I got to see how the mothers group ran and it was great. When I came home I sponsored a child and can’t wait to meet her.
We have been sponsoring for many years. Seeing how those we sponsor get an education and are able to help their families because of sponsors is very rewarding. The letters we receive are full of love and appreciation. The pictures and updates on their education makes us feel like we are part of their family. We like being able to send e-letters and getting letters from our sponsored children about their own family.
Unbound's mission is to walk with the poor and marginalized of the world.
It is a wonderful experience and opportunity to be a part of. Live life with an open hand rather than a closed fist. You will be blessed with the rewards.
I have traveled to Guatemala with Unbound and visited Julio. The joy I receive for contributing to Unbound and seeing Julio is without words.
Leave a legacy.
I love getting letters from my sponsored friend in El Salvador! We've never met but we are friends through letters. I know my sponsorship is helping her get healthcare and go to school.
What a beautiful ministry. Although I do not stay in close contact with my sponsored child, her letters and memory bring me to tears. We are all in need and Unbound bridges the gap between those that lack physical goods with those that lack much more. I will forever be grateful for their work.
I traveled to Nicaragua with Unbound to visit my sponsored friend. I'd worked and traveled with other non-profits but this organization blew me away. They were so organized and serve the entire community the sponsored friends are part of?
I've been a donor for over 12 years, and I have an uncle who worked for the organization for longer than that. This is truly a nonprofit that values who they serve and those who make the service possible.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE UNBOUND!! I'm so thankful for the opportunity to give back through an organization that truly focuses on our sponsored friends. Thank you Unbound!!
We have been sponsors for nearly 20 years and enjoyed a long relationship with one Guatemalan family. We have sponsored two girls who have "graduated" and now support their younger sister and we added another boy. We enjoy the regular correspondence and my teens write the letters now. Wonderful work in very needy areas with families who appreciate the love and encouragement.
I've been a donor for 15 years. They are absolutely first rate. Their blog postings are thoughtful and respectful of both the role of the donors and the role of the recipients. They understand the ramifications of the ministry to both. I have supported several people over the years and appreciate the fact that I can support a college student and an elderly person. It isn't all about cute kids that tug at your heartstrings and open your wallet. It is about developing a relationship over years where both parties learn and grow from each other. I believe my recipients have done far more for me than I have done for them.
When my student graduates in December with a reasonable shot at having a career as a medical professional rather than a lifetime struggling with poverty as a temporary laborer or a vendor, I will be comfortable that I made things truly better for my student and the extended family.
I have sponsored children and elderly for over 15 years. I have made three mission awareness trips to meet sponsored children. During these visits we get an up close and personal experience of how our funds are used. Unbound has amazing programs to help families learn to help themselves. Education is huge, and not just for children. Elderly are also given the opportunity to learn. I also had the opportunity to spend a week at the office in Kansas City, KS. There, two of my friends and I spent the week learning this part of Unbound. As usual, we were treated as VIPs. Unbound is transparent, and good stewards of funds.
Been sponsors for 25 years; hope to do 25 more. Look at their stats:
https://www.charitywatch.org/ratings-and-metrics/unbound/171
My family has sponsored children through this organization for over a decade. I love the fact that they encourage us to have a relationship with the child while maintaining privacy. I also love that they are so transparent with where their funding goes, and with any changes that are made. It's a fabulous organization!
Simply, Unbound is all about the sponsored children and elderly in third world countries. What other charity organization can say that 92.7% of every dollar goes to the projects!!! I've seen their headquarters and my donation money is not supporting a fancy office but is going to the needy of this world.
I have been on a sponsor awareness trip and seen first hand how my sponsorship dollars are changing not only a family, but a whole community. Unbound gives them HOPE!!! Unbound "teaches them to fish" and does not just "give them fish."
Also, I think Unbound is the only nonprofit to provide sponsorship to the elderly who are not maybe as "cute" as the sponsored children. But sponsorship money is just as important - it means something as simple as arthritis medicine can be purchased by these beautiful elderly persons; also sponsorship means they are part of an "elderly support system" within their community - all I can say is seeing their smiling faces as I did in Guatemala just made my day.
Unbound should be listed as a top-rated nonprofit for 2017 because THEY ARE!!!!
My husband and I have been sponsoring through Unbound for approximately 20 years now. We have had the joy of connecting with, and supporting, many children. Receiving cards, letters, and photos from them brings such joy, (and tears) to our hearts. We are able to see the tangible and intangible ways we are helping to improve their lives and those of their families. Sometimes, when we want to help the world's situation, you feel so inadequate to do so. But, through Unbound, we know we mean the world to someone else. The best part is that we know they are being empowered to help themselves. This is not just a handout in an endless circle of poverty as a short term fix. Though we donate to many charities, this is the one that means the most !
We have sponsored friends through UNBOUND for the past 15 years. We have formed friendships with children in Honduras, Venezuela, and Mexico and have always been impressed with how UNBOUND works with the community to find out how to help and then to provide the support tip enable that community to grow. The local community makes decisions, forms work and banking cooperatives and organizes children's enrichment. In this way, the community grows its own infrastructure.
I have sponsored numerous children and elderly people over the past 12 years. I've also been blessed to have traveled to Nicaragua several times and have met my sponsored friends. What I respect about UNBOUND is that I KNOW that the money goes to the people as food, clothing, household needs, etc. What I also like about this organization is that it builds One-on-one relationships between people thousands of miles away. It is truly a walking together.
MY wife and I decided to sponsor a child from Guatemala through Unbound about 5 years ago and it has been magical, life affirming, and glorious to share our love with our child. We even had the opportunity to visit him, his family, and the whole Guatemalan based Unbound crew in the highlands of that country. The love and trust that we got to share with him and his family was profound and to this day we revel in the incredible feelings of love and concern for him and his family. We correspond frequently and share photos with him and it keeps us connected. The Unbound organization is exceptionally well run and we love how great they are in helping children and elderly around the world
MIÉ 6:10
Muy buenas tardes...
Mi nombre es Natalia Andrea Zuleta, tengo un hijo de 5 años con síndrome de dandy walker y epilepsia, llevo mucho buscando una fundación o alguien q nos pueda ayudar económicamente para darle a mi hijo lo que requiere, estamos afiliados a la eps cafesalud
La cual cada vez esta peor...
No están dando nada de lo se requiere ni con tutela... Si uds saben de alguien q nos pueda ayudar...
Tengo todo soportado, historias clínicas, en face hay fotos de mi hijo, pueden verificar, mi número de cel es 3212871255
We sponsored a young girl in Kenya for many years and heard from her regularly. She aged out of the program and we are now sponsoring her younger brother. Our first child just got married! More importantly, she got a job working in Nairobi and is fulfilling the dream she set for herself. We are hoping her brother can do the same. He works very hard on his grades and is very passionate about the environment and saving the animals of Africa. His letters bring joy to our lives. Both he and his sister confirm our contributions have made difference in their lives.
I have been a sponsor through Unbound for 11 years and currently have 3 sponsored friends in 3 continents. I have also been fortunate enough to have traveled on 4 awareness trips to meet my sponsored friends and to Unbound's headquarters in Kansas City. This is a tremendous organization impassioned about making a sustainable difference in the lives of the oppressed by empowering them and their talents. Every Unbound staff member I have worked with truly impresses and inspires me. Their system of sponsorship connects people of various walks of life in a truly unique bond that is life altering. Finally, I will continue to sponsor and encourage others to do so after witnessing the extent that the monthly contribution goes.
15 years ago, I began sponsoring an 11-year old girl named Reyna. Since then, that relationship has changed my life and led me on an amazing journey with Unbound. I have had the great pleasure of meeting Reyna in Honduras on three separate occasions and each visit not only strengthened my relationship with her but also gave me a first-hand opportunity to witness the incredible work the Unbound staff does with regard to loving and caring for all of those sponsored friends whom they serve in Honduras. I am, without a doubt, a lifelong supporter of Unbound and today I am happy to say that I have the privilege of sponsoring an Unbound child in every country where Unbound serves. I would never have been willing to make such a commitment if not for the confidence that I have in the leadership of Unbound and in the staff teams that work all around the world. They are all simply incredible and inspirational! Sponsorship through Unbound makes an incredibly positive difference in the lives of those being sponsored, but equally so for all those who shoes to become active sponsors.
At Mass one Sunday, a Priest from Unbound gave a Homily about his Ministry at Unbound. I've always wanted to be a sponsor, but until then wasn't able to make the financial commitment. I was orphaned at 15, when my mother was killed in a car accident. My family was split up, and I was on my own - literally.
I so wanted to help someone not to have to suffer the way I did. No body wants the responsibility of a teenager.
When I got to the table where all the children's flyers were, on the left - all by herself was a young teenage girl. All the others had been chosen, except for this teenager.
I noticed her name was April. My mother's birthday was in April, I picked her flyer up and began reading, her birthdate and my mothers were the same.
She was mine!
She always thanked me for "all" I did, but she didn't realize all she had actually did for me.
She has graduated college now and I have finished my commitment with her, but I miss her and her family.
Thank you Unbound for this beautiful opportunity!!!
Key word missing from my prior review, so adding my correction:
I cannot thank God ENOUGH for guiding me to Unbound and Unbound for providing me with the opportunity to sponsor my fellow man and woman. I am so very grateful. To all the wonderful people I sponsor, THANK YOU for changing my world!!!
"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." Unknown. This quote describes what Unbound sponsorship is all about.
I am currently sponsoring 20 children, youth and elderly throughout the world. When Unbound says, "You change their world; they change your world," this is the TRUTH. These 20 INCREDIBLE people have changed me in soooo many ways. I went from wondering whether I would ever find my purpose in life (I'm 57 years old) to knowing exactly how to change my heart and my life. And, I have.
I cannot thank God for guiding me to Unbound and Unbound for providing me with the opportunity to sponsor my fellow man and woman. I am so very grateful. To all the wonderful people I sponsor, THANK YOU for changing my world!!!
I was always called Uncle by the boy I supported in India. We were together until he graduated from professional school in computer engineering and began working. He can now help his siblings out of poverty. I now have a little girl in Africa and hope her life and her families lives will prosper, with Gods help and what monies I can provide. May God bless this charity.
Unbound is amazing! I've sponsored a little girl in El Salvador for the past 4 1/2 years. I even went on a trip to El Salvador with other Unbound sponsors to meet her and her family. The work that Unbound does to support children and the elderly around the world is truly awe inspiring. Thank God for Unbound!
My last sponsored child was with me from age 9 to age 24. I kept urging him to stay in school and he was able to do so. He recently found employment and I am so touched that I was able to help him, hopefully, step out of poverty. I now have a little girl for a pen-pal and to encourage and help to stay in school. It is wonderful to be able to reach across the world to others through CFCA/UNBOUND.
I sponsor an elderly woman. Her nephew writes to me regularly to tell me how she is doing and I write to her in return. I am grateful to have a way to share my blessings with someone so far away. Unbound makes that possible and keeps me personally involved with my foreign friend.
I have been involved with Unbound for so many years, I can't recall when it started. I know it was called CFCA at the time. I went on a mission awareness trip (and then a second) to check them out. There are so many scams out there that one worries. I don't have that much money but was willing to share with less fortunate. I was overwhelmed at the level of poverty these children live in and the amazing work of such kind, underpaid staff do. Their caring level is beyond imagining. I read in another review that the person was unhappy that the Christmas and Birthday money was pooled. I saw first hand what happens with this money. I was at a birthday celebrating at an area they run for the children of lepers. They are so abandoned by their society that they are worse off than the other deeply poor. These children mostly didn't have sponsors but all were given the same birthday gift of a metal dish and cup and a piece of cake. That's how poor. Being excited about a metal plate. And a piece of cake. And a loving touch from the few people on the awareness trip. How can one not want to share that birthday money rather than see their "better off" sponsored child get a special something. Every single employee I met along my 2 week stay was loving, kind, and gracious and seriously underpaid. Doing this because of the desperate need of the children. This organization is so needed in this world. We Americans have no idea of poverty. We have food pantries, clean water, no polio or leprosy. I am not a letter writer so I feel guilty that my 2 children, I have had 3 others over the years also, do not get encouraging letters, but I know that they have the basics and their families are being taught "to fish" not just being given "fish to eat". They may not hear from me often but I love my children, worry about them and wish I was a better sponsor.
I have been a sponsor for over 8 years. Initially I took on one young girl in Guatemala. After visiting her thru an awareness trip I came to realize how important well managed Unbound was. Slowly I took on more youth and elders. I had the privilege of meeting my teen girl in India on another awareness trip. I love corresponding with my friends and learn more about their lives. I am impressed that each sponsored person is visited regularly to insure funds are being used correctly. I am also impressed the who,e family benefits from the support. My initial girl has left the program since the family is now better off. She attends school no helped her mom learn to read. I cannot recommend this organization enough. I believe we change one life at. Time through support in Unbound.
Previous Stories
I sponsor thru Unbound and have taken 2 awareness trips. First one I went on to see if they really are as good as they say. Actually I found they are better. 90+% of the donation goes to support the sponsored and their family. This group has shown me how to change one life at a time and make a difference thru education, health care and support of the whole family. I highly recommend it.
We have been involved with Unbound for 9 years. We sponsor a teenaged boy and an older lady. I cannot say enough positive things about this organization! We receive regular pictures and letters. They work really hard to keep us in touch with them. It is a privilege to be involved with Unbound.
My husband and I became involved with Unbound when it was CFCA nearly ten years ago when we sponsored two children from Costa Rica. We delighted in the letters and pictures from them and finally were able to meet them during a Mission Awareness Trip to Costa Rica. I must say that visit is one of the highlights of my life. I will never forget the experience. I have been so impressed with the mission of Unbound and the high percentage of contributions that actually make it to the children. I later decided to sponsor another child, this time one from the Philippines.
I have also supported Unbound by being a sponsor advocate and bringing the message to local parishes. I even offered to help during a visit to Branson while on vacation.
The two children I originally supported are now approaching adulthood and I will continue to support them as long as they continue their education.
I highly recommend this non-profit organization for anyone wanting to reach out and help a child.
My WIfe Marlene and I have been sponsors with Unbound for 4 years now. We have been Blessed by God in so many ways. We have a house, 2 cars that run, food in our refrigerator and plenty of fresh drinking water, money in our pockets and in the bank, 9 grandchildren, we have our health, and most importantly we have our Faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus.
In the past history of the Bible they talked about tithing which is giving 10 percent of the first fruits of the field and flock. No where in the New testament does it still refer to this 10 percent of giving but Marlene and I want to give even more back to God by sharing the abundance with his less advantaged children and not only the physical gifts but that of our Spiritual gifts through our actions and prayer.
God has given us many many gifts and we will share these gifts with others because we don't need them all just for ourselves. We may not have millions of dollars but will share what extra we have with others. Erma Bombeck once said; When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single but of talent left, and could say to God, I used everything you gave me. Thats the motto of the Clark family.
Unbound has given us the opportunity to help others that are not in our neighborhood or even our own country. There are people all over the world who need the help of those that God has given more and we intend on doing just that.
Unbound has allowed us to sponsor a child in Uganda. We write letters and send photos and receive letters and photos. We even get our 9 grandchildren involved in writing too. Its a Clark family effort all 17 of us.
Life is like a test. God gives us many gifts and watches what we do with them. Do we keep them all to ourselves or do we share as Jesus taught us.
God Bless Unbound for their efforts in allowing us to share our gifts with others.
Bob & Marlene Clark and Family , All 17 of us.
Unbound is very transparent and forthcoming with information regarding how your contributions are spent. People giving lower ratings because the organization has taken its Christian roots out of it's name are being silly. The Christian foundation is still there but you don't have to be Christian to help and I think the rebranded name, Unbound, is very fitting. I scrutinized Unbound before sponsoring to see if I could find any negatives. I couldn't find any and now sponsor four friends. We also contribute to Unbound through Amazon Smile because every little bit helps.
We have been sponsors to CFCA/Unbound for over a decade and for the most of those years had been well pleased with how the organization and its programs had been run, but that was until the significant name change and corresponding mission drift.
The practice of 'deliverance' -- freeing those who are bound -- is a serious work of the Christian community that cannot occur without reliance on God in the name of Christ! (See Luke 10:17). We had been well impressed with the agency in years past, because it had appeared that the organization was faithfully following the Biblical ideal of providing practical assistance along with the Gospel. Now it appears that their friendship with the world, the lure of riches, etc. (James 4:4; Mark 4:19) have choked out the genuine Gospel message, in that the organization has transformed itself into a "humanitarian organization" rather than a Christian "ministry."
Jesus rebuked followers who cared little for his teachings but wanted only to receive bread (John 6:26); then as now He urges us to "not work for food that perishes, but food that endures unto eternal life" (John 6:27). We feel very disappointed by Unbound, because it appears that the organization is emphasizing the food that perishes rather than the food that endures to eternal life.
Furthermore, although the organization has received high marks from non-profit rating agencies, there is a small detail we've discovered recently, one which brought a twinge of sadness to our family. We have always sent donations for birthdays and Christmas to our sponsored elder, believing that these donations would be hers (perhaps minus some small administrative fee?). However, the donations that are supposed to be personal gifts to the sponsored are the donations which are POOLED and used however.
Think about that business tactic for a moment. How would you feel if a friend sent you a personal gift and you found out that your 'family' took that money and did whatever they wanted to with it, and that maybe you received very little or none of it? How would that make you feel? There is something about that policy that seems terribly unjust and disingenuous. The organization claims that all basic sponsorship monies go directly to support of the sponsored, yet ironically, those are the funds that would most reasonably be expected to serve ALL the participants.
At this point we are still sponsors, but having observed all the organizational changes during the previous decade have caused us to reconsider our level of support.

Unbound 06/02/2016
Thank you for your support of your sponsored elder and the work of Unbound. Through your sponsorship, you provide encouragement and opportunity to enhance the life and dignity of your sponsored friend. A belief in the God-given dignity of every human person is at the core of our work at Unbound. We have always been and remain grounded in the Gospel call to serve the poor, and our mission is to walk with the poor and marginalized of the world. We build relationships of mutual respect and support that bridge cultural, religious and economic divides. More about our mission, values, history and work is available on our website, https://www.unbound.org/OurImpact/WhoWeAre. You may also find information about our Birthday Fund on our website at https://www.unbound.org/DonationFunds/Birthday and in our printed materials sponsors receive. The gifts and celebrations made possible by donations to the fund benefit all sponsored friends, ensuring that everyone is celebrated and honored and no one is left out. It has always been our practice to celebrate the birthdays of all sponsored children and elders. All of the money donated to the Birthday Fund is used to make these celebrations possible. If you have questions or concerns that we can address directly with you, please contact our Sponsor Services team at (800) 875-6564 or mail@unbound.org. A member of our Sponsor Services team will be happy to assist you. Thank you, again, for all you do for your sponsored friend and the Unbound community around the world.
The selection process was a dichotomy of emotions from heartwarming to be able to make a difference for one child, and heartbreaking to leave others with huge needs unsponsored. I finally selected a six year old boy who shared our daughter's birthday. It has been over two years, and Unbound's Mother's Council overseas his ongoing needs. This personal connection is the biggest difference among sponsoring agencies and non profits. The Unbound community of paid staffers treat everyone with kindness and compassion. This feeling permeates the organization from the top to the bottom. Whenever we receive a letter or write a letter it gives my family a warm feeling.
Three children are in our family because of Unbound. The small amount of money that goes to our overseas children is not missed by us, but means a world of difference to them. We are so grateful for these beautiful souls, and are so grateful for Unbound who brought us together. It is a well-managed and well-run charity that does everyone good, sponsors and sponsees especially.
This organization is the real deal!!! Starting with their founder, the entire employee staff's main focus is the betterment of mankind, among the poorest of the poor. They emphasize empowering families towards self sufficiency. I've seen first hand how the donated funds are utilized and their integrity is superior. If you only had one organization to choose from and your desire is to connect with another human being in need through donation and letter....you will not be disappointed.
I've sponsored my child for four years now. He is thriving and bettering himself for a better future for himself and his family.
This is a wonderful organization that helps not only the child but the entire family. We have been able to follow the man we sponsor from being a small boy to the young man he is becoming. His letters have kept us up to date not only with his school work but how his family is doing. My boys have enjoyed sending letters back comparing how their daily life is with his (school/sports/hobbies). We will definitely sponsor another child or maybe even a senior when this young man no longer needs our support.
I've supported CFCA/Unbound for over ten years. I have sponsored three elderly persons during those years. I receive a letter from the sponsored person about once per quarter, encouragement to write to the sponsored person, and minimal extraneous mail other than tax receipts. More charities should adopt this model.
I was recently asked to increase my monthly donation for only the second time in over ten years. I GLADLY increased this donation.
Please support Unbound!
Our family were sponsors for many years, but a few years ago they 'cleansed' much of their public image of the words Christian and Christ, starting with their name.
Since they are uncomfortable identifying themselves with Christ, we found someone else to donate to who helps families in need and is not embarrassed to be seen as Christian.
My Wife and I have been sponsors for almost 30 years. We love to receive letters and photos of the children we sponsor. Unbound does an amazing job. God Bless you.
Words can't describe the joy I had when I received my first handwritten letter from the child I sponsored. This is such a great non profit organization. Everything is organized and easy to maintain a connection with your sponsored child.
This is an amazing program!! where you not only will change the life of a child but you get to become part of their family for life and them part of yours. I picked an age of child to sponsor, that was the same as my own son, so they can grow up as friends in very different parts of the world; and for a graduation gift, I will take my son to meet our sponsored child that we have exchanged letters with for so long. In addition, each year at my annual raise time- I plan to sponsor another child adding to my Unbound Family, hopefully easing some of the burden from their lives & change a childs future.
My wife and I have been Unbound sponsors for 15 years. Unbound empowers the sponsors to live out the Gospel message by serving those most in need. The personal contact we have with our sponsored children and aging and the Unbound staff makes us an integral part of the worldwide Unbound family.
Through their mission awareness trips we have had the opportunity to meet our sponsored children and see the Unbound staff at work in the local communities. Their openness at every level has given me full confidence that the resources we provide are used wisely.
Meeting our sponsored children and aging in their community and in their homes is an experience that cannot be measured. The Unbound staff has been very prompt at meeting all our requests for information and specific help for our individual sponsored needs.
With the creation of the mothers groups in the local communities the Unbound staff has provided a family atmosphere for the sponsored children and their parents, many of whom are single mothers. This bonding helps the mothers pull together to help provide for their children in a way that would not be possible on their own.
Eric and Mary Baker, Unbound sponsors
I have been a sponsor of Unbound (formerly CFCA) for over 10 years. I have also volunteered by visiting local parishes and helping sign up sponsors. My experience has been wholeheartedly positive and extremely rewarding. They have always been very responsive to any questions I've had, and considering the challenges in dealing with often rural communities in foreign countries, it has always surprised me just how responsive they have been. I'm fortunate enough to work for a company that matches my donations 2:1, which results in a sizable year-end lump sum. I've received phone calls asking how I'd like the funds utilized, and even helped purchase land and build a house for a family once. I received copies of invoices, photos, letters, it was absolutely extraordinary! If there's another charity that does this, I've yet to experience it. So to conclude, I would recommend this charity, they are getting donations directly to the sponsored child/elder person and improving lives!
My husband and I have 4 sons who are now all grown men. But we also sponsor 8 children through UNBOUND. We began with one girl from Mexico in 1983. For many years we wrote and received letters and pictures from our sponsored children. Then, in 2008, we went on our first MISSION AWARENESS TRIP. It changed our lives because we saw how much good was being done in the communities. We continue to encourage our friends and relatives to sponsor children through your wonderful organization, UNBOUND. Love, Elsa
Since my family began sponsoring a child through Unbound a few years ago, the letters from her family have provided a tangible connection to people from a whole different life style. Their thankfulness for health and consistent prayers for us serve as a reminder of what is truly important in life. Supporting Unbound's work will not only change your perspective on poverty, but open your eyes to the worth in all life. I am grateful for all they do!
I've been involved with Unbound for 15 years as a sponsor and as an advocate. It is very effective in promoting a mutually enriching relationship between sponsors and sponsored persons. Some sponsors receive letters that are so sweetly sincere that they feel they are receiving more than they are giving. I do not hesitate to encourage members of parishes where I preach and members of my own family to become sponsors in order to help the children of the very poor to break free of the bonds of poverty and fulfill their dreams.
Sponsoring children for 13 years through this great organization has been one of the most gratifying things we have ever done. The personal contact with the children through letters and pictures is inspiring. Unbound is very efficiently managed, with extremely low overhead and it is very convenient and easy to work with them.
Our children and grandchildren have also learned to appreciate their secure lives and be inspired to help others to achieve a better life.
We highly recommend Unbound to our friends and everyone.
We have been sponsoring children and youth through Unbound for about 18 years. Having now been on three Mission Awareness Trips, we continue to be impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment of the staff on the ground. They know their people, and the culture and Unbound respects that, giving the people autonomy while holding them accountable. The results are evident. Children from the hardest backgrounds go to College, and we met doctors, accountants, social workers, hotel staff that have come successfully through the program and now give back to their family and/or community. It is truly inspiring what can be achieved from our donations. Highly recommend this program.
I have been a donor for over 14 years, and was able to sponsor a young man from grade school to independence. I currently sponsor 2 children and 1 aging lady. I love this group's openness in facilitating sponsor travel to meet their sponsored friends. Card and letter exchanges are nice; but it's even better to meet these people face-to-face, to look in their eyes and see for yourself what an effective organization this is and how your contributions are changing these people’s lives.
I have been blessed to be a part of the Unbound experience for several years. We currently sponsor 3 children and 2 elderly in the Philippines, Costa Rica and Ecuador. We have established a very heartwarming bond with these individuals through letters, photos and personal visits in their homes through Awareness Trips sponsored by Unbound. The close bond we have been able to establish with these families is truly humbling. One of our elderly told me in a recent visit with her that because of our help, she can face each day a little better knowing that someone cares for her; and the children are always eager to do well in school and they work hard to achieve good grades so that we will be proud of them. The faith these families have in our Lord Jesus Christ in spite of their extreme hardships is truly inspiring. We give a small monetary amount to help to these people, but what we receive in return is a life-altering experience no amount of money can buy. We also include our grandchildren in this experience and they are looking forward to accompanying us on an Awareness Trip in the near future. The Unbound staff truly care for each and every one of these people, and they are a wonderful organization to work with.
I have been a sponsor through Unbound for 17 years. Unbound has given me the chance to actually see how much good my donations do. I have visited with the people who receive my help and see how much good it does. Before my visits to these children I got letters from them telling me what they felt from my caring for them. Without Unbound I would be giving my donations to an unnamed person somewhere in the world. I cannot say enough good about Unbound and the work they do for many, many people in a large part of the world of the poor.
Previous Stories
I have been a sponcer of a little girl, now a young woman, in Bluefields, Nicaragua. I have been able to correspond with her on a regular basis. Through my relationship with her I have developed a need, if you will, to sponcer several more young people. I have seen how dramaitcally the life of my first "Goddaughter" has changed and have wished to be able to give more childern this chance. CFCA has given me the chance to help these childern as well as helping me to give myself a sence of accomplishment by helping some one in desperate need! I do encourage anyone with the "need'" to help to use CFCA as a vehicle to accomplish their charity!
I can highly recommend this organization because I have seen what they accomplish. Members of my family sponsor 6 children in Central America, India, and Africa. We have bridged the miles through exchange of letters and photos. My daughter-in-law and I visited our family in India and saw the work Unbound does meeting the needs of children. There are also mom's programs to help families out of poverty. Unbound changes the lives of many people throughout the world and I am grateful to be a part of it.
Unbound is simply an amazing organization in every way imaginable. My wife and I have been sponsors of children and elderly over the past 20 years. Through the years we have learned so much about the children and their families and seen them grow. Our elderly sponsored friends have shared their experiences as well. Each letter brings us closer together and Unbound personnel faithfully assure that the children and elderly receive educational and other assistance. We have been fortunate to participate in Awareness trips to the places where our sponsored friends live and seen firsthand the wonderful work that Unbound representatives do in each area project. Unbound really assists not only the sponsored children and elderly, but also their families and communities to help themselves. We have received so much more from the sponsored children, the elderly and their families than we could ever have given.
Unbound reaches those who are in desperate need in our world. Through sponsorship, we have been able to make a difference in a little girl's life, and she has become a part of our spiritual family. Unbound has been excellent in their communication and management. This is such a worthy charity. Please sponsor a needy child today; it is so easy, affordable, and rewarding. She or he will teach you to love in a way you never know you could. God bless.
Previous Stories
God brought the little girl from Columbia into our lives. Through prayer and the desire to do God's will, we discovered CFCA (Unbound Intl.), and began sponsoring a child. Our life has been so rich knowing that the little we do can mean so much to a struggling child. Unbound has been faithful in their personal responses and management of our sponsorship. Hearing from our sponsored child, watching her grow up, and knowing the Holy Spirit connects us in charity is so comforting. May God bless Unbound, and I thank them, through the opportunity of sponsorship, for helping bring Christ into our lives.
Being a part of Unbound has been the greatest experience! I absolutely love having the opportunity to make a difference while also learning more about different places and cultures, and sending and receiving letters from my sponsored friends just lights up my day! If you're looking for a great way to make a difference in someone's life, you should definitely check out UNBOUND!!!
I have been involved with Unbound for many years now (approximately 12). I have traveled to two countries (Guatemala and El Salvador) and met the children I sponsor. I also volunteer at church "Unbound weekends" so I have met many of the priests involved. Visiting the countries confirmed that my money is very carefully stewarded, and I saw firsthand how thoroughly the staff works to support the children and aging people who are sponsored, and to help them retain their independence and dignity while getting the help they need.
I have sponsored a child through Unbound since 2011. It is a wonderful organization. The emphasis is on the children and elderly served - not on the staff and employees of Unbound. I highly recommend this charity for anyone who truly wants to help the poor and disadvantaged.
Previous Stories
I have been sponsoring a little boy in Honduras for two years. While I am sure my money is going to help him and his family, the blessing he has given me is just as wonderful. We exchange letters regularly. I would like to sponsor more children through CFCA in the future.
I highly recommend this wonderful charity. It is the most professional and ethically responsible sponsorship program I have come across. Sponsoring a child through this program has been very rewarding for my family, especially for my children. It teaches them so much about the world and our place in it. They will be better people because of this organization. Best of all, we know that we are helping another child achieve his dreams.
Sponsoring a child through Unbound has been a totally rewarding experience. My wife and I enjoy exchanging letters with our sponsored child. We really feel connected to him, his family and his community and we learn how our encouragement and support are helping him. We are very impressed with the positive and personal impact Unbound is able to accomplish with our modest contributions - so impressed that we also contribute to a number of special Unbound funds which provide supplemental support to the communities or people it serves. Most impressive about Unbound is that it conducts "mission awareness" trips, so sponsors can travel to meet their sponsored child and observe first-hand how effectively their contributions are being used.
Marie is an elderly woman participating in Unbound. We visited Maria in Guatemala and gave her a simple blanket. She later wrote that when she prays for us or is in pain she wraps herself in this blanket.
This relationship brings great joy to each of us and to our world.
I have previously written reviews for Unbound. You are free to use them in any of your PR and advertising efforts.
Anne F. Kriz, sponsor
I am very happy to be a part of the Unbound family. The connection which is encouraged between sponsors and individuals makes for a personal relationship and a deeper understanding of other cultures.
Older children don't seem to be as attractive to sponsor. After reading his story,I choose a 24 year old in India who wants to become a policeman. I plan to help him finish his education and make a difference on the other side of the world which normally we really can't influence. In our high tech world,exchanging old fashion letters with Nicholas has grown into a true friendship.
My wife and I have been sponsors with UNBOUND (formerly known as CFCA) since 1998. Between 1998 and 2004 we sponsored two young girls in Mexico. Each of these sponsored children, for one reason or another, dropped out of the program. While this was initially disappointing, there can be many reasons for this - failure to co-operate with the program, moving to a different location where services cannot be provided, etc. In each case we were notified by CFCA/UNBOUND and given the option of suspending our contributions or selecting another child. We are so glad that we selected another child as that is when Sofia came into our lives; she was eight years old at the time. In 2008, after having corresponded for four years, we went on a mission awareness trip (MAT) to Mexico to meet Sofia and to see firsthand how this organization operated and how our funds were used. During our week in Mexico we met our adorable, shy Sofia (then 12 years old), and we have been forever changed. Over the next four years, as Sofia matured, her correspondence matured as well. Our relationship deepened, and we were so proud to call her our Godchild. We looked forward to another trip to visit her, but violence in the area of her project forced CFCA to suspend trips to that area of Mexico. Unfortunately in 2012, after 8 years of sponsorship, complications made it impossible for Sofia to continue in the program. We shed more than a few tears over that, but we know that we are better off for having known her, and she us. Sofia is still our Godchild; her picture still graces our home; she is still in our prayers. We know that God is looking after her.
Since that first MAT to Mexico in 2008, we have since made MAT's to Guatemala (4), Costa Rica (2), and Chile where we sponsor or have sponsored one or more children/youth. In both Guatemala and Costa Rica (because of our return trips) we have been able to see the changes in the lives of those we sponsor. It is gratifying to see that we can make a difference, and it is humbling to realize that we are receiving more than we can possibly give.
We encourage you to join us as sponsors through UNBOUND.
Steve
A priest came to our church and spoke about this way to help others. I was able to choose someone with a learning disability to honor my father who has a special desire to help those with learning challenges. I am glad unbound provides such detail about people we can help. I was also impressed that less than 7% of the donation goes toward administration and fund raising. I am very happy there are people in this world that dedicate their lives to help others while living modestly so that the donated funds may go to help those most in need in our world.
My wife and I have been a sponsors for 6 years and the experience has lead us to sponsor 6 children at this time. While participating in Mission Awareness Trips in the Philippines and India, I have seen first hand Unbound's amazing work which provides the children and their families a hand-up and not a hand-out. Unbound focuses on keeping the children in school and assisting the mothers, through mother's groups, to be confident in helping improve their environment developing small businesses which brings in more income. While in India, I met at least 20 alumni who were former sponsored children who now college graduates. There was a lawyer, several nurses (one with a Master's degree) engineers software developers, a priest, a motivational speaker and other good careers. I readily endorse Unbound and encourage others to sponsor child, youth or aging who are in need of a hand-up.
Unbound has changed my life. I was in need of a spiritual awakening, a need to show gratitude, a need to do good for others. I found all of this with Unbound. At first I sponsored a lovely elderly woman, Juliana. She lives in Nicaragua in a small village. $30 a month and many letters exchanged between us. I went on a week long Awareness trip to visit her. Imagine being able to personally meet those you sponsor. It was profoundly life changing. I was able to see where the money goes. It's amazing how far $30 will go in Nicaragua. Since then I have sponsored 3 little girls too. I visit every year and it is a highlight. The mission, vision and values of this organization are strong. We walk with the poor. It's a beautiful thing. I can highly recommend Unbound. 14 of my friends now sponsor those in need. I'm so proud of that.
While I still sponsor three children, and have been a sponsor for over 15 years, I am very disappointed in CFCAs change in direction. Good solid leadership should know that growth would come from additional marketing. However, they were obviously swayed by maintaining the deceptive statistic of what % goes to charity. I am not saying ignore it, but you cannot grow without investment. So apparently the decision was made to pursue those fickle people who would not donate because Christian was in the name. Really? Let's allienate the majority of our donors for people who aren't historically strong donors. Let's pray....if that is still allowed....for better leadership.
R
I became a proud sponsor of a beautiful little girl in Honduras in 2013. It has changed my life knowing that $30 a month is substantially making a difference in her and her family's life.
She is directly benefiting by getting to go to school, seeing a doctor, improving her living conditions and many other things. My family and I benefit by getting to create a bond with her and her family through our letters and pictures.
God has opened my heart to help this girl and I hope others hear their calling to help those in need through Unbound. What a wonderful organization with great people.
Giving a monthly donation for a particular child is very rewarding. I enjoy receiving letters and photos from her and learning about her life in Honduras. Her family is extremely appreciative for all the benefits they receive from Unbound.
I started sponsoring through Unbound in 2009 and have been moved beyond belief! I was able to meet my sponsor child on my first trip to Guatemala, also in 2009 (one of the reasons I decided to sponsor). Then after 3 years in a row traveling to Guatemala and meeting different people I was able to sponsor an elderly gentleman who needed assistance. Through the generosity of others and Unbound, we were able to get him a wheelchair and fix his roof! How incredible! Then just recently I started sponsoring a young woman in the Philippines that is trying to earn a college degree. The work that Unbound does is truly amazing and one of a kind. The one on one relationships that are formed and the distinct ways lives are changed through Unbound is remarkable. If you are looking for an authentic way to help others in need, this organization is the way to do it. For sponsors, the monthly donation may not "amount to much" but for the sponsored children and elderly - that donation changes their world. It offers hope, love, support and encouragement to stand strong and know that they too are worthy and capable of succeeding in life. I feel honored and blessed to be a part of such a wonderful organization. Since 2012 I have served on the Board of Directors and look forward a future without bounds!
This organization has been a fantastic way to contribute to people in need. I love contributing each month and knowing exactly where my money is going and why! They have low operational costs, so I know that the majority of my donation is going to the families who need it.
I love feeling that I'm making a direct difference in someone's life. I have been supporting a little girl for more than 2 years now. Her mother is usually the one who writes me and sends me pictures. I look forward to when the little girl will be able to do it by herself!
We have heard some unfortunate news regarding the new Unbound. We have been told the purpose of Unbound was to invite other faiths to sponsor children. Nice concept. We understand the real purpose was because of no growth. CFCA had no growth because this country/world has been in a recession for the past 10 plus years. Hasn't KC watched the news or read the newspapers. We also heard Unbound wants to eliminate the history of the founder Roberto Hentzen. Roberto never eliminated any person who helped found CFCA. Why can't Unbound just add to the history. We feel this is an act of an egotist who wants power and credit for it all. We have museums, history books, archaeologiests, historic films so we can understand how we evolved. We have the bible. If we eliminated Jesus from the New Testament we wouldn't have the New Testament. We also understand Unbound in order to accomodate other faiths wants to remove the Christian traditions. Yet they ask us to go to our churches and request a day to invite our Christian friends to sponsor a child. We have seen what has happened in this country to accomodate all faiths. It started with no praying in public schools and has progressed to where mangers can't be displayed at Christmas and children can't even have a simple Halloween or Valentines party anymore because they could offend 1 child. Lets create a network to all the sponsors we have met to spread the word and ask them to continue the network. We want our founders and faiths preserved. It Unbound can't do that, then what is really going on.

Unbound 04/15/2014
We appreciate the opportunity to respond to your comments. Our organization was founded in response to the Gospel call to serve the poor, and it is that same call that we continue to follow as Unbound. Though our name has changed, our mission and core values remain the same. Bob Hentzen and the other co-founders left us a beautiful legacy of faith and love that we continue to honor and build upon. The legacy of our founders includes reaching out to people of all faiths, which was something Bob was passionate about. In talking about unity as a core value of CFCA, he said, “We feel called to serve the poor, and in order to do that we’ve got to concentrate on unity. We can’t be wasting our energies on differences.” Before he passed away unexpectedly, Bob was very involved in the decision to update our name. He saw it as an opportunity to better communicate our work to free God’s people from poverty, which would allow us to reach out to more people and help more children. We invite you to view a video message about Unbound that Bob recorded shortly before he passed away: http://www.unbound.org/unbound. Please call us at (800) 875-6564, if you would like to talk further. Sincerely, Loretta, Communications at Unbound
Can you sustain a human being for the price of a cup of coffee a day? No... because you can't get a cup of coffee for a dollar anymore. As a sponsor of Unbound/CFCA, I feel that the most important part of my day is not my work or my interests, but helping a few people across the world get by for another day. My struggles are ridiculous in comparison to theirs. The Unbound people also deal with hardships...just do a Google street-view of their location. It's a rough industrial building with absolutely no frills attached and a lot of broken windows. A sponsorship costs nothing compared to the returns.
I have been a sponsor for 5 years and can say that CFCA is the most organized, effective and efficient charity that I have ever seen.
I have been a sponsor through CFCA since 1999 and have found it to be a very rewarding experience. Through the years, I got to know my girls through letter writing and the exchange of photos, and then in July of 2011, I took my first trip to Nicaragua (on a CFCA Mission Awareness Trip) to meet them in person!
I saw firsthand how my small donation each month is making a difference in the lives of these girls, their families, and their communities. Sponsored friends and their families are so grateful!
When I returned from that trip, I was passionate about increasing my commitment to CFCA and to my girls. I began returning their letters more faithfully and frequently, and I signed up as a volunteer in order to get the word out and give others the wonderful opportunity to sponsor a child, teenager, or elderly person.
I have an outreach page on the CFCA website, where I can direct family & friends to, so that they can browse profiles of those who are awaiting sponsorship. I am the contact person in my parish for those interested in sponsorship, and have begun hosting a sponsorship table at our annual ministry fair. I also arranged for CFCA to send one of their priest volunteers for a sponsorship weekend at my church, where he was the main celebrant and was able to tie sponsorship into the homily. We signed up more than 50 new sponsors that weekend!
For these kinds of events, CFCA sends nice picture profiles of those awaiting sponsorship, along with brochures, and everything needed for an attractive display. The staff at the Kansas City office are most helpful, and have bent over backward to help me accomplish the above, and are always courteous and available to assist me with any questions. On several occasions, they have communicated with my girls' projects and social workers, in order to determine the families' greatest needs or to answer any question or concern. They are responsive to the needs of both sponsors and those who are sponsored, and are passionate about what they are doing and the people they serve.
I saw this same kind of passion and commitment among the staff in Nicaragua.
CFCA also offers a translation service in order to aid communication between those of us who sponsor and our friends around the globe. I would recommend sponsorship, and specifically CFCA to anybody, and am honored to be a part of the CFCA family.
I sponsor 2 children in the Philippines. God brought them to me to help. Although I have concerns with the typhoon that hit today, I know that the CFCA is going to be there throughout the entire time to help. This is the best charity I have EVER been a part of and the connections you feel with just knowing you are helping a child in need is unbelievable. This is such a great organization and I will do whatever I can to help. I wish I could sponsor all them. But the 2 I got right now are a blessing to my life thanks to the CFCA :)
I learned about CFCA from my father who has several sponsored children in Guatemala and Bolivia. I also had the pleasure of going on two Mission Awareness trips to Bolivia, once to meet my fathers sponsored children and then the second time to meet mine. My first MAT was the most incredible experience I have ever had, I not only got to meet the two children my father sponsors but also their families.
I got to see first hand how CFCA works and what they do for these children, young adults and aging.
My husband and I now sponsor two children, one in Bolivia and one in Mexico.
This organization not only ensures that our sponsored friends get the tools they need to attend school, they also get some food to help the family, medical supplies and many other necessities. One of the many things I found very wonderful and inspiring is how the children are held accountable to stay in school and not only that but the parents are also involved in a group where they meet with other parents and help each other to become self sufficient.
I was awestruck at the overwhelming gratefulness of all of these people, sponsored and not sponsored. It was actually depressing leaving this country and going back to our way of life.
CFCA does amazing, wonderful work in these countries and they give hope to people that have no other resources. It is amazing and wonderful what such a small contribution does for all of these people.
I also had the pleasure of meeting the late Bob Hentzen who was the President and Co-founder of CFCA and I can't describe what a pleasure he was to be around, he and his wife Christina are so loved by all of these people and with very good reason.
I wish I could express to everyone how being a sponsor makes me feel, it is one of the best things I have ever done!
Our family has been sponsoring CFCA children for nearly 10 years. It has been a wonderful experience for us. My wife and I thought it would be a good experience for our two teenage girls to gain a larger perspective of the challenges children of the third world countries face; so we let them select children they would like to sponsor. One selected a young boy from Guatemala; the other selected a teen girl from Liberia. As a family we would write letters and always enjoyed receiving letters and seeing the growth in our sponsored children. One daughter and I were able to go on a Mission Awareness Trip to Guatemala and we were able to meet our sponsored boy. It was an unforgettable life event, and we really saw the life-changing affect that sponsorship has on the children and their whole families. We have been so impressed with CFCA that our family now sponsors five children in three different countries.
My husband and I have been sponsors with CFCA for over 9 years. We currently sponsor 8 children and 2 aging in Nicaragua and Kenya. The CFCA website says "Sponsor a child, change a Life". They should add "there's a potential to change your life as well". We have had the opportunity to meet all of our sponsored friends in both Nicaragua and Kenya and have seen CFCA in action. They are the "real deal." We share letters and photos and learn about each others family, friends, school, hopes and dreams for the future. They have become part of our extended family. I love that in Nicaragua they refer to us as their padrinos. Our greatest success story to share is about our dear Ruth. At age 9 she was the oldest child of 8 siblings and relatives being raised by a sickly grandmother. When we met her, Ruth was the surrogate mother due to the grandmother's health. She told us that she wanted to be a doctor. However, she had missed so much school to care for the younger children that it was doubtful that she would get beyond the 3rd grade. Sponsorship gave her the determination she needed. And despite multiple hardships including the death of her grandmother and losing her home in 2010 due to the flooding of Lake Managua Ruth never gave up on her dream. She was accepted at a private Catholic high school on scholarship and for the past two years has been 2nd in her class. We are pleased to say that my husband and I will be traveling to Managua in November, 2013 to be in attendance when our Ruth will be the first in her family to graduate high school. She has also been accepted at the University of Managua. The principal of her high school believes that she has the drive and determination to continue on to medical school.
I have been sponsoring a child in Bolivia with CFCA since 2007 and visited my child in 2009 with a group of sponsors on a Mission Awareness trip. This trip coincided with my birthday and it was the best gift that I have ever received.
Meeting my child, Kevin, was a very beautiful and moving experience. When we hugged, my eyes filled with tears of joy and thanksgiving for the gift of sponsorship of this beautiful child. We spent three days together with the group visiting homes and the different projects funded by CFCA.
We could see the wonderful work and results of CFCA’s sponsorship everywhere and we felt the effects that sponsorship had on us. The people touched our hearts and we learned from their love and generosity. Everywhere we went, we were met with welcoming banners, music and dances, handmade gifts and flowers, and the wonderful warmth and love of the people.
My child and my Bolivian friends have a very special place in my heart. Their faith, love, and hope inspired me during my visit and continue to inspire me.
Because I believe in the mission and goals of CFCA and have seen first hand the difference that CFCA sponsorship is making in the lives of our sponsored friends and in our own lives, I am helping to do outreach for more sponsors to share in this wonderful work.
Shirley Foley
Click here to Reply or Forward
I have been sponsoring through CFCA for about fifteen years. Currently my wife and I sponsor six children and one aged person.
There are several areas that, in my mind, set CFCA apart from other nonprofit organizations. The first is the percentage of each dollar contributed that goes into programs rather than administrative costs. CFCA has one of the lowest overhead percentages of any nonprofit.
Another area that sets CFCA apart is that it is a sponsorship organization. The money I contribute goes to support the people I sponsor. I get letters and pictures from my sponsored children. The letters are individual letters, handwritten by those I sponsor and translated for me by CFCA. We also write to our sponsored friends. We get to know them and they get to know us. We know each other as individuals and families.
Another thing that sets CFCA apart is that the sponsored child, if of school age, must be in school to receive benefits. A core belief of CFCA is that education is essential to help lift people out of poverty. Part of the benefits for many children is tuition, uniforms, a new pair of shoes each year and school supplies. If the child drops out of school, they are dropped from the program. That is a very strong incentive to stay in school.
The final aspect of CFCA that really impresses me is that CFCA has MATs (Mission Awareness Trips). These MATs allow you to go to many of the countries that CFCA works in. While on these trips you get to learn about the culture of the country along with the conditions that many of the poor live in. But best of all, you get to meet your sponsored friend. I just got back last week, October 2013, from a MAT to El Salvador. While there I met with the three children I sponsor there along with their mothers and siblings and the elderly woman I sponsor. I have seen them and listened to their mothers express to my wife and I how having a child sponsored has made a difference in the lives of everyone in the family.
Our family began sponsoring a child just over 4 years ago. We love to send and receive letters and pictures and know that we are praying for the other. This year will be our first time volunteering at a parish to encourage other people to say YES to sponsoring other children around the world. At some point (hopefully not too far in the future), we would love to take our young boys on a trip to one of the countries where children are served by CFCA.
I have been a CFCA sponsor for about 16 years. I have sponsored many children from several different countires. What led me to continue donating to CFCA year after year was the way CFCA handles the contributions, the impact they have helping many in need through out the world and the way they treat sponsors ( like a close family member). Like many people that give to charities I like that CFCA uses a very high percentage of the money contributed in direct benefits for the person (and family) being sponsored. The 93 to 95 percent range is very pleasing to me as a sponsor. I trust them 105 percent!!! Also, any time that I have had a question, concern or maybe wanting to give additional assistance to those that I sponsor CFCA was very quick in giving me a response. I also like that CFCA works with the mother and father of the sponsored child and will organize activities or training programs to help them improve their lives also. I like that CFCA is concerned about the elderly and has sponsorship of the elderly also. CFCA offers trips for the sponsors to meet the person/family that they are helping. The trips are typically with a group of 15-30 other sponsors, some translators and local staff members. What an amazing trip they are! CFCA also will organize an individual trip for a sponsor, that is helpful for those with only a few days of vacation available. I have use both formats and they are both great trips. I was impressed with CFCA that I became an advocate and volunteer for them about 6 or 7 years ago. I've enjoyed every minute of that time. Being involved with CFCA has brought me much happiness and joy in my life. I cannot imagine how my life would be different now if I never had decided to sponsor. I learned several things about the wonderful co-founder Bob Hentzen and for me it changed my outlook on life in general, how I view those in poverty and that we walk with them and not ahead of them.
I can't say enough about this organization. My family has been sponsoring a child from the Philippines for the last four years. My daughter loves corresponding with this child and hearing news from her life there. CFCA is an easy and trustworthy way to contribute to the Christian global community. For a dollar a day, you transform the life of a child and family in need.
WE have sponsored 12 children/and seniors in the past 8 years. We have had the opportunity to visit our sponsored friends in Guatemala, Bolivia, Kenya, India, and Honduras. That was a wonderful way to connect. We were also able to see first hand how the projects work and meet the staff who are doing the "boots on the ground" work in these communities. We support many non-profits, but feel that CFCA gives us the best opportunity to connect directly with those we support. We have also been able to "tell our story" by assisting priests at weekend presentations at parishes in Wisconsin. The staff and volunteers at CFCA could not be more helpful@
I have been a CFCA sponsor for 13 years. I have sponsored 4 children in Venezuela and 1 in Guatemala. I have traveled on 6 trips with CFCA to visit my sponsored children. The trips are very affordable and a wonderful way to be immersed in the culture of the country. The CFCA staff in Kansas City and in visited country are very available and attentive to any needs. I really discovered how far the money I pay each months goes when I visited the countries and saw the programs that CFCA has put in place to help the sponsored children and elderly and also the families. In addition to the benefits the sponsored person receives I saw how they work with mothers groups to empower them in their communities to have a voice in making a better life for the family. Families are encouraged to become self sustainable through programs and also with help to get projects going such as receiving a sewing machine and other means by which they might be able to receive income for their families.
I specifically remember one mother who had received assistance from her chllds sponsors to build a liveable home. She said that she felt like it was a gift from God and she needed to give back. She opened up her home for after school tutoring since so many of the children get a late start in school. I cite this as an example of the principles of CFCA of encouraging families to also give back as they become able.
I meet young adults who grew up as a sponsored child and are now giving back some of what they received by working for CFCA . Sponsored teenagers are volunteering their time to work with CFCA programs.
I feel like my life has been immensely enriched by being able to be part of CFCA.
I cherish the letters and pictures I received from my sponsored children.
I have great respect for the privacy policies of CFCA. I feel the children and families receive the same privacy as I do since all communications go through the CFCA office
Sponsoring a child through CFCA has been a life transformer for the entire family. We have sponsored a boy in the Philippines for almost 5 years now through CFCA and have realized how giving to this nonprofit transforms not only his life, but ours as well. We have become more generous with our time, talent, and treasure because of this experience. My children have learned to Love God by loving others---especially those less fortunate. It has been amazing to see my kids live their faith through their actions to pray daily for our sponsored friend and his family, to communicate with him about his life, and to be more giving by helping to spread the Good News about CFCA.
My first experience with CFCA was when I traveled to San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala in 2007. Our group was able to meet the CFCA director of the local project, Fr. John Goggin. Fr. John gave us a tour of the local CFCA office and told us how child sponsorship works. I was so impressed by the humble office setting. It was very obvious that the donations that CFCA receives are not used for overhead!
Our group was given a set of bios of children who were waiting sponsorship. As we read through them we were moved to tears, reading of their families' financial situations and difficulties. I chose to sponsor a young boy named Eddy, which was my father's name. The next day we met with Eddy and his family. As more members of our group chose sponsors, more meetings were set up. We all agreed that sponsoring children was the highlight of our trip.
As the years have gone by I have made more trips to Guatemala and each time I have met with Eddy and his family. It is like having another child in our family. We also sponsor two other children whom I have never met. They share photos and letters with our family, allowing us to be part of their lives. I hope everyone has a chance to take part in this wonderful program.
As a volunteer both Internationally and Locally, I have had the opportunity to meet one of the founders and understand the mission in the field. I have also recruited one thousand families to join our mission in helping the poor of the world. We have been sposoring for 10 years and sponsored a second family 8 years ago after I travelled to Nicaragua and see the good works this organization does. I even volunteered in Mexico on my last trip.
We had a priest that came to our church to talk about CFCA. He handed out brochures with kids pictures to look at. I looked at my husband and said she is the one. We have been a sponsor for10+ years and have sponsored another since. We have a boy and a girl and my husband has been able to go on four different trips to meet with our children. He was able to spend time with our sponsored child. You hear about these other organizations and you never get to meet your child. Not CFCA, we have been blessed with a girl from Nicaragua and a boy from Mexico. We receive great letters and send letters and they are translated for us so we can communicate with them. Great organization and we also have helped in promoting sponsoring kids at other local churches besides our own.
Kyle Stack
Trenton, Michigan
Sponsoring a child through CFCA has been one of the most rewarding things I have done in my life. Building a relationship with a child in the developing world has been a humbling experience and has helped put my own life in perspective. I constantly look forward to the next letter that will come from my little boy in Bolivia. I feel proud to help him meet his basic needs and I encourage him through my letters to strive to accomplish great things in his life through his education and hard work. I know I would not have the opportunity to do this for him without CFCA's dedication to the poor across the world.
Our family became sponsors ten years ago when we were introduced to CFCA during an outreach at our church. We have watched Miguel grow from a shy, sickly, sad, little boy of 5 into a dynamic, healthy, studious, motivated, young man of 15 who is devoted to his family and is an active participant in his school and community.
CFCA has exceeded our expectations from the start. We were inspired by the amount of effort the staff takes in writing letters for the children that are too young to do so themselves, the individual attention each family gets and the respect and dignity that is afforded the families and their communities. Anytime we have a question or a special request we have been greeted with enthusiasm and professionalism in every way. As this was our tenth year sponsoring Miguel and his 15th birthday we wanted to coordinate a very special gift for him. CFCA staff in the USA worked with Miguel's sub project in Guatemala and the gift was arranged !! I love the changes to the CFCA website over the years. The newest feature of being able to write your sponsored child or adult and include a photograph through an E-letter is fantastic. I particularly enjoy the newsletter we receive with stories and updates from CFCA communities around the globe. I am amazed at how CFCA manages donations and is able to provide so many resources and opportunities to the families they serve in a way that creates an atmosphere of hope, dignity and love! On Miguel's birthday, I began sponsoring a smiling, lanky, curly-haired, 6 year old named Cristopher who lives in Ecuador under the supervision of older siblings as he is without his father and his mother has recently passed away. I look forward to sending him small, age appropriate books in spanish, cards and personal letters as I do for Miguel. I have never had a problem with the children receiving these small packages. In fact, in letters we receive we are thanked for the specific items so we always know they receive them. Several years ago we had begun sponsoring a child in Nigeria and after about a year we were contacted by CFCA to tell us we would no longer be able to sponsor this fine young man...the reason...CFCA hands-on audits of their programs around the globe indicated that due to civil and political unrest and corruption Nigeria could no longer coordinate sponsorships effectively. Our family was saddened by this turn of events of course, though we were at the same time thinking WOW CFCA is AWESOME in that they have the sponsors and the sponsored's best interests at the forefront of all they do !! Join me and my family and become a member of the CFCA today !!
I sponsor 4 children across Africa. I love getting letters telling me how they are doing in school. They all seem to be doing well and have goals. They make me feel like I am part of their families. It is as exciting for me to watch them grow up as it is watching my grandchildren grow up. I have their pictures all over my refrigerator. I would recommend CFCA to anyone that wants to show Christs love to others.
I have been a sponsor of a little girl in India for over a year now, and I am so glad that I decided to sponsor through CFCA! Although I am not Christian, I appreciated this organization's mission and their option to let you select a specific child. While there's a lot to be said for donating money and letting it be distributed according to need, there's something profoundly moving and important about adding a HUMAN element to the transaction, and letting the sponsor and the sponsored form a bond. Getting to look through all of the bios and photographs really drives home the point that these are real children and real families, and gives you the opportunity to select one whose experience (or name, or birthday, or hobbies, or goals) resonate with yours. I think that this makes the letter-writing more genuine and less forced, and it makes the sponsor (me!) more likely to continue sponsoring, and to sponsor more people in the future. I didn't want to just be *assigned* someone to help, and CFCA let me search through a selection of faces and stories to find someone I really, truly, wanted to get to know and make her life just a little bit better. I have enjoyed every letter I've received, I love writing back, and CFCA posts great updates online - and created an awesome musical documentary, too! Although I've never taken a trip or researched too much into the program beyond my own surface-level experiences (and therefore am not well-informed enough to leave 5 stars instead of 4), I have no complaints whatsoever about this organization, and will go through them again when I am able to sponsor a second or third friend in the months or years to come.
We have been sponsoring a little boy from S. America for a few years, and we just signed up to sponsor another child from Kenya. We love receiving letters and drawings from our little friends. Our friendship unites us and we pray for one another. This is a wonderful organization. We are called to be God's hands and this organization helps us to do this.
I have been a sponsor for about 10 years. In those 10 years I have sponsored 8 children. I am currently sponsoring 7. This organization has been a great blessing for me and has really opened my eyes to the people of other countries. There are those who would call these people poor but, I have learned that they may not have lots of money and "stuff" but, they have an abundance of love for family and for what they do have. During 2012 and 2013 I was blessed to be able to visit all of my sponsored friends and it was such a blessing.
I have been sponsoring a little girl in Bolivia for over a year now . I really enjoy getting letters and pictures and feel very connected to this sweet girl and her family. I feel that my money is being well spent and hope to sponsor another child as soon as possible.
I've been sponsoring Carmen through CFCA - She is a 29-year-old deaf woman living in Honduras. The one-to-one connection is truly the best part because you know where your money is going...This is a top-notch nonprofit. You'd be susprised how many nonprofits put a lot of money towards overhead, but this nonprofit gives most of the money to the sponsored people. More than 93% of your money helps the program - very few dollars for advertising and administrative. You will be impressed. I recommend this charity to anyone looking to help families living in poverty.
We have sponsored an 11 year old girl in India for more than a year. My 10 year old daughter has developed a wonderful connection with her through the regular exchange of letters. These letters have not only enabled us to see how our money is changing a child in India's life, but also the life of our own daughter. Her previously numerous "I want..." requests have transformed into "I need..." as she has realized how different those two notions are when you live in poverty. She has gained an understanding of how fortunate she is. I know about 95 cents of every dollar I give go directly to supporting this child. I volunteer also at the KC offices and the staff are the most dedicated and honest you can ever meet. I know my money and the education of my sponsored child are secure in their hands.
I'm writing to tell those who might consider donating to this program, to please do so. We are now sponsoring our 3rd child, the first boy we sponsored in India lasted a few months, it seemed that the family did not choose to continue in the program, and our second sponsored child, a boy also in India, remained in the program for several years, and we always received letters and pictures from him. We recently received a letter, stating that he was married and no longer eligible to remain in CFCA and thanked us for helping him and his family. I then chose to go online to sponsor another child and now we are the sponsors of a very young girl in Honduras. CFCA is a credible and worthy charity from what my husband and I have seen for the last 10 years.
This is a great charity. I sponsor 3 children in mexico. Its good to know that the 30.00 I send for each of these children are used wisely so that it benefits the children in a tremendous way. I also volunteer to attend a table with sponsoring material to be given to all who are interested in sponsoring at the local churches. Its one of the most rewarding things I ever done. I am very glad I got involved with CFCA!
We sponsor two children and one elderly woman with CFCA and have volunteered at their office. We have visited their projects in the field. They stick to their vision and mission, and serve the neediest children. We are impressed at their efficient use of our sponsorship dollars. The projects are run by local staff in each country, with accountability to the Kansas office. VERY well run organization!
What a beautiful charity. I sponsor an elderly woman in Nicaragua through CFCA. $30 a month goes towards caring for her medical, food, housing and social needs. I met Juliana last July on a Mission Awareness Trip. I was able to see first hand where my donation goes. I was also able to donate to a special fund to provide Juliana with additional basic necessities such as dentures, eye glasses, and basic household furnishings. What a delight it was to receive her photographs with all that I provided. The letters that she and I exchange are priceless...and the relationship we have developed is a true and loving bond. CFCA has done more for me, I think, than I have done for the foundation. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this charity.
My wife and I sponsor a Honduran child. Last year we attended the Mission Awareness trip in Honduras and visited with our sponsored child and with many other people in various communities in Honduras. I can tell you that I have never, in my lifetime, witnessed such gratitude nor experienced something more rewarding.
CFCA is a professional, well run organization and it is my understanding that it doesn't sit on received donations and build a giant nest egg to win a five star financial rating, but instead utilizes donations to help the impoverished. I witnessed first hand faith, hope, love and charity through the actions of CFCA working to better the world . I will never be able to put into words the good that I witnessed CFCA perform in Honduras, but based on my experience I am forever committed to helping this charity. Thank you CFCA for contributing absolutely to the greater good.
Review from CharityNavigator
My husband and I have been contributing to this organization for over 25 years supporting a number of children in a variety of countries. I have always given money feeling confident that they were using my donations wisely. But this organization has lost their 4 star rating and has dropped considerably in their numerical rating over the past 10 years. This concerns me a great deal and bears watching. If I do not see improvement I will move my donations to an organization with a better rating.

laneyh 04/05/2013
Dear Susan, Thank you for your support over these past 25 years. We would like to take this opportunity to explain CFCA’s current rating to reassure you that CFCA is very worthy of your ongoing trust and contributions. CFCA receives extremely high results on 21 of the 24 metrics Charity Navigator uses to rate all of the charities that it reports on. Our organization rates highly on important financial stewardship measures. More than 93 percent of our expenses are for program, with only 3 percent for fundraising and 3 percent for administrative costs. Our fundraising efficiency metric is among the best of any organization. This means that more donated dollars go for the intended cause instead of overhead costs. Few charitable organizations can match these results. The capacity metrics are where CFCA received lower scores from Charity Navigator. We simply have a different strategic vision in this area. There are three capacity metrics that examine organizational growth and the amount of funds an organization holds in reserve. While CFCA has grown in total contributions every year, the increase hasn't been as high as Charity Navigator thinks an organization should have. CFCA has a personal approach to sponsorship of children and elderly in need, and believes this makes us uniquely effective. We grow at a moderate pace that allows for successful outcomes. Our reserve fund amount is based on effectively and reliably delivering benefits to those in need over the last 31 years without interruption. CFCA receives a lower score on reserve levels because Charity Navigator believes charities should hold back larger amounts in order to sustain themselves in case future contributions take a downturn, or if other unexpected problems arise. Because we don't rely on large grants from the government, foundations or corporations, we are not subject to dramatic fluctuations in revenue that can accompany reliance on these funding sources. Instead, we have always relied on the regular recurring contributions from our dedicated sponsors who are very committed to their sponsored child or aging person. This allows us to be very sustainable. We hope this helps to explain why CFCA is worthy of your trust and your continued contributions. I would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have. My phone number is 913-384-7153. Martin Kraus, CFCA Director of Finance
Review from CharityNavigator
My wife and I sponsor a brother and sister in the Philippines and a 17 year-old girl in India. I am also the primary coorespondent to a 10 year-old boy in India, that our church sponsors. I am overwhelmed on a daily basis as I visit the CFCA website and their associated blog page to read about the heartfelt experiences of the sponsors, staff, and the sponsored friends.
My Mission Awareness Trip (MAT) to the Philippines intensified my admiration for CFCA's efforts. You can not go on a MAT and not be emotionally effected when you visit your sponsored friend's family and home and they show you the letters and pictures you have sent over the years. While there is great joy in meeting your friend(s) there is also the reality of their situations...it is eye-opening.
The good news is our monthly contributions go a long way to improving their situation. I also learned CFCA will assist sponsors, if they are willing to contribute in other ways to assist their friends. My wife and I donated money to our sponsored friend in India to buy a sewing machine so the family had another way to generate income. They also helped us buy a guitar for our kids in the Philippines.
My church just began sponsoring a boy in India and I'll be going on the Oct Mission Awareness Trip to visit him and our family's sponsored girl. I am so pleased that CFCA arranges these trips which enables our relationship with our kids to blossum.
God bless the children and aging helped by CFCA and God bless the CFCA staff around the world.
My wife and I have been sponsoring children for sometime, I think it was 2008 we were able to go to Honduras for a mission and sponsorship visit. Rita and I were both overwhelmed at the way we were recieved, never have I recieved so many hugs and kisses of love out poured just for being a sponsor. I pray that some one will se this reveiw and be apart of this great mission. We had met our child that we had sponsored for 6 yrs' and when we got back a year or so later the mission informed us that they could no longer sponsor in this area because of crime, we" lost" this child but we know that our sponsor ship had greatly impacted this childs life this is not the first one we had "lost" but we had visited this one in her home and met her family and knew she was a part of us. we are currently sponsoring 2 children and we will continue to sponsor as long as we have some form of income. My wife and I got to see how this mission operates, it maintains the dignity of its recipients and succeeds in restoring hope to an under privileged society, I give CFCA an A+ on accountibility
Review from CharityNavigator
I started sponsoring a child just a few months. I am very pleased with this organization, especially that they are very efficient and do not waste money--over 90% of the donation gets used as charity, with very low expenses!
This has been a wonderful organization and opportunity for our family over the years! We would highly recommend that other families consider sponsoring a child or elderly with CFCA as part of their 'family mission. Over the years we have sponsored 5 children. We display their latest letters and pictures on our refrigerator. They remind us of the love of Christ which connects all of us.
Oh boy, where do I start. I thought this charity was fine until a few days ago. I was sent a letter informing me that the child that I had been sponsoring for the last 5 years has now moved, is out of the program and that I should select a new child. Just like that, gone forever. I have maybe 30 letters and pictures from this boy, his picture is on our mantle, I pray for him every day. CFCA let me know that I could send a "farewell" letter and they would "attempt" to get it to him, but any other communication is not allowed. Are you kidding me? I cannot even send a card to his relatives who are in the same program for them to forward. It just has made me sick, I cannot stop crying about it, and my sons are devastated. We had diligently been saving money in a vacation fund to visit Nairobi to finally meet the boy and now nothing. What do I tell my kids? I will always worry and wonder about my foster son. Always. When I tried to contact CFCA about this, they couldn't have been more robotic and cold. It is a big, big company with a big big budget and a cold cold heart. I am sure the money we send does wonderful things for so many people, but I was looking for a personal connection with a child and after years of a lovely relationship it is just ripped away. Beware before you love someone here. I am going to sponsor someone through my local church that does outreach in Africa, I hope the connection will be honored as well as the contribution.

laneyh 11/21/2012
Jane, I’m sincerely sorry for the sadness you and your family feel as a result of not being able to continue communication with your sponsored child after he moved away from the CFCA program area. CFCA’s commitment to child protection is the main reason for our policy. I understand your disappointment and want to explain more about the reasons for our policy. Once a child leaves our program, it’s not logistically possible for us to monitor communications between the child and former sponsor. This monitoring is done to ensure the safety and privacy of everyone involved. In our sponsorship program, we don’t provide direct contact information for children and sponsors. Letters are sent through our local office where the child lives. The letters are read by our staff to make sure they’re appropriate and translated, if needed, and then hand-delivered to the children. I hope this explanation is helpful to you. Your sponsorship made a difference in your sponsored child’s life, and I hope you’ll find some consolation in the knowledge that your friendship lives on in both of your hearts. Thank you for all you’ve done for your sponsored child through CFCA. Sincerely, Lilliana, CFCA Sponsor Services
I sponsor two children through this charity, and I love the fact that 94% of my money goes to the children. Their website is intuitive and easy to navigate, and sponsorship is a mere $1 a day. CFCA spends little money on advertising, so I plug them through social media any chance I get.
I have been sponsoring a child from El Salvador for so many years...probably at least 12 or more...its been so long i really dont remember... my child sends me letters and pix and in the beginning she did not smile and her letters were short...now she is older and in high school and she smiles a lot and shows me the clothes i have sent her from target...limited what we can send...only 1 lb and has to be 8x10 padded envelope. my husband and i sent money for a 'stove" for her family (mom) so now the mother earns $30.00 a month making tortillas!!! They live way in the mountains of El Salvador...proprane too expensive so now they use wood. My child's letters are in spanish and CFCA translates her letters to me... i am now going to send her 2 harry potter books in spanish and that helps in her reading skills. what a grand organization!! wish i could help another child, but now moneyis tight for us...but our sponsored child always prays me me and my family, since i did tell her my mom had a stroke...she tells me all about her family...i feel we know them, even though we never met them..one day hopefully we can make the mission trip to El Salvador.....
Review from CharityNavigator
I began sponsoring a child back in the early 1980's, almost at the beginning of the program. He was an Ecuadorean boy who I supported until he turned 18 and joined the army. At that time I began to sponsor an Indian boy and that became one of the joyous occasions of my life. When he left the program several years ago, he had become a nurse and works today in an Indian hospital. His letter of thanks upon leavng the program was so heartfelt that I will treasure until my last day. My wife and I now sponsor two Indian boys and recently an 82 year old Dominican Republic man. I know everyone tends to want to support the young, but I am happy to be involved in helping someone at the end of life. We have so much and they so little. How can we say "no"? This is a wonderful program which keeps up in contact with our charges. We highly recommend it.
For over 20 years I have sponsored children through CFCA. They are an excellent organization, manage their finances well and keep you in touch with your sponsored child. Our current young man has epilepsy and may not have to leave the program so we have been able to watch him grow from a youth to a young man. Without CFCA's help he would surely not receive the medication he needs. I would highly recommend this organization to anyone who wants to change our world one child at a time. If you are considering CFCA, my recommendation is that you proceed with complete confidence that your contribution is going directly to benefit a child and his/her family.
I can only echo what others have written. My experience has been very positive and life affirming. The accounting is clear and the effort to make every penny count evident. I sponsor 1 child alone and my bible study groups joins me in sponsoring another. We enjoy sharing the letters from our child and watching him grow and mature with our help and the help of CFCA. I would highly recommending this Charity as a great way to help make a difference in the world.
Review from CharityNavigator
I've just returned from my first CFCA Mission Awareness trip in Kenya, after having been a sponsor in Africa since 2008. I am even more impressed than I was before, with CFCA's efficient management, seemingly "multiplication of the loaves ability", and with the numerous checks and balances all across the system to account for everything. By everything I mean not only the funds we send but sponsorship communications and social worker visits, small mothers groups formation and micro-loan implementation, etc...Every detail is managed well. They are able to transform my $30 a month into something so much more valuable, and I in turn am learning how to live on the ground, with a grateful and generous heart, walking with my human family half way around the world. I love that they consider themselves to be ever evolving, not static, to create new and better ways to address needs. Their model of social justice is one written on our hearts-- it is revealed to us through the formation of our relationships with our beneficiaries. As others have said, now it's up to me to make CFCA better known by sharing their invitation with others, to give hope to our brothers and sisters in desperate need around the globe. And now, I'm ready to add a few more sponsorships to my own account - join me!!
My wife and I have been sponsoring children through CFCA for ten years now. We currently sponsor 11 kids in 7 countries. We've been on CFCA Mission Awareness Trips to Guatemala, Costa Rica and India, where we met a number of our sponsored children, and have also done volunteer time in Honduras. I spent a day visiting CFCA headquarters in Kansas City, KS once when I was in the Midwest on a business trip. Based on the deep experience we've had with CFCA over these years, I consider it our best choice for charitable investment. The greatest strength of this organization, in my opinion, is the quality and integrity of the in-country people CFCA finds to staff its projects. Honestly, we've never met better, more caring people. And they have guts - they have to in some of the settings they work in, as we've seen firsthand. Believe me when I say you can trust CFCA to apply the funds you donate in ways that really matter to lifting up the poor and giving them a shot at a better life. I'll confess I'm not terribly religious but I'm pretty sure God works through these people. I've seen it in the eyes of the children we sponsor.
Review from CharityNavigator
My wife began sponsoring a girl before we got married. That was over 10 years ago, and we have seen this shy little girl who never had enough to eat and wouldn't have had the opportunity to finish school now go on to college. We were able to continue sponsoring her through college, and this coming year our sponsored "child" will be graduating with her teaching certificate. We get the most beautiful hand-written letters from Abby, and she has been a wonderful example to our entire family of hope, happiness, gratitude and hard work. This has been such a positive experience that we have begun sponsoring another child and an older youth through CFCA.
As a +20 year donor and a sponsor of a child in the Philipines, I was EXTREMELY upset when my sponsored child left the program and CFCA refused to forward my address to him. In fact, I was shocked to learn that all these years, CFCA had blacked out my address so my child couldn't see it. Did they ever give him my real name? Did they confiscate the pictures I sent? I was never able to visit the Philippines due to health problems and finances, but I wonder how CFCA handled visits to the missions. Did they muzzle the sponsors to keep them from telling the children where they lived?
My child has now supposedly graduated from school and gone to work for a living. He's old enough and mature enough to decide if he ever wants to contact me again, but he won't be able to, because CFCA won't give him my address. And I can't contact him, because they won't give me his address.
CFCA encourages sponsors to get involved in the lives of the children, then they cut the strings cold turkey and expect sponsors to be happy about it! I think if other sponsors knew this was going on, they wouldn't be too happy either.
Review from CharityNavigator
CFCA is a wonderful organization. I began my sponsorship 12 years ago. Currently, my family and I sponsor 3 children through CFCA. I am so amazed by how lives and places are being transformed through the work of CFCA. Everyone involved carries out the mission in a loving Christlike manner.
Review from CharityNavigator
My husband and I have been sponsoring through CFCA for six years. We have had the good fortune to visit our sponsored children and see first hand, the work of CFCA. They are excellent stewards of our donation, using every penny wisely. I can's say enough about this terrific organization that has done so much for families in the developing world.
I have just returned from a Mission Awareness Trip in Guatemala, having traveled as an adult sponsor with 15 members of our church youth group. Currently, our church sponsors 33 children and we had the opportunity to meet many of them and their families. During the visit, we had the privilege of being helping hands and distributing the monthly benefits to a group of families whose greatest need this month was food and cleaning supplies. We saw this process first hand, meeting the families and the social workers who were with each family. It is an incredibly purposeful and committed organization. Personally, we have sponsored 2 children since 2006. We have met them, and we have developed a relationship that is very special. It is a blessing to my family and now my church to be involved with such an amazing organization. We have received much more than we have given and we know, without a doubt, that this is working in the lives of many.
Review from CharityNavigator
I am currently a college student and I sponsor one child in Guatemala. I have benefited from sponsorship because it has made me more aware of the issue of poverty throughout the globe. I enjoy writing letters to the little girl and hearing back from her about how her family is doing, her friends and the games they play, and what she wants to be when she grows up. She has told me that because of my sponsorship she believes she will be able to attend higher education and wants to become a teacher. With sponsorship her family receives food, clothes and other basic necessities that otherwise they would have much trouble providing because her father is a seasonal worker - he works only during harvest season.
Review from CharityNavigator
It is an eye-opener to see how many do-good organizations are in these 3rd world countries and yet CFCA is able to make one-on-one positive changes. Their programs with the elderly and children is phenomenal. If you see Bob out and about - you would think that he buys clothes from the salvation army too and not the head of a $106M+ charity. I admire his humble attitude and full-on desire to do the best for others. I sponsor 2 kids and other relatives of mine sponsor others. A worthwhile & effective organization getting results and keeping admin costs to frugal standards. thumbs up!
I have been fortunate enough to have sponsored 3 children through CFCA for the past 6 years and it has been one of the most fulfilling philanthropic experiences. Whether it be writing and receiving letters, traveling abroad to meet them face to face, volunteering at an informational booth, or knowing that very honest, thoughtful and frugal people are distributing the funds, I highly recommend to anyone that is interested to become a sponsor.
Review from CharityNavigator
We have been donating to this organization since 2001 by sponsoring one child in Guatemala. In 2007 we made a mission trip and met the child and his family, toured the facilities and saw first hand the works done by CFCA. we promptly went home and sponsored another child. We will make our seconf mission trip this fall. We cannot say enough good things about the organization, their dedication to the children and aging and their vision for those sponsored. The families truly are humbled by our sponsorship and our small amounts truly assists these very hard working people's by making dreams for their children come through.
Review from CharityNavigator
My husband and I have sponsored six different people (four children and two aged) over the past 20 years with CFCA (currently sponsoring three). My sister and I have personally visited their programs in Cuernavaca and in Guatemala. It is impossible to overstate my admiration for this organization. They train, enable, employ local people to build communities based on the solidest humanitarian principles. They are THE BEST! Sheila C. Cullen
Review from CharityNavigator
My husband and I have sponsored the sisters in one family for many years. We greatly enjoy receiving their letters and stories about their lives. We send them birthday and Christmas greetings and small presents. The work of CFCA has been impressive and is making a real difference in the lives of these individuals.
Review from CharityNavigator
Sponsoring the two children in Guatemala through CFCA is one of the most important things we do. The days we receive letters are the best days. It is so personal to write to our sponsored children and hear from them. It is easy to know that they receive what we send as they write to thank us. We recently had the priveledge to meet the children on a Mission Awareness Trip to Guatemala. How cool is that? To actually meet the children you are helping!!!
Review from CharityNavigator
We sponsor a girl in Guatemala and one in Honduras and also sponsor two boys in Guetamala on behalf or our two daughters (they each have a sponsored friend to write to). The relationship developed through our letters has been great, but it was magnified many times over when our whole family went to Guatemala on a mission awareness trip and met our three Guatemalan children. I can't desrcirbe the feelings encountered when meeting our sponsored children and their families. Suffice it to say that they are memories and emoitions that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. The sense of connection between different cultures and different families reinforces our belief how we are all God's children and we can all help each other. Our sponsored children and their families gave us great gifts - the gift of their spirit of family, their smiles and hugs, and of the lovethey showed for strangers they had never met. Our lives are better because of the relationships we have developeed through CFCA. Plus, we were able to be with Bob Hentzen when he started his amazing 8,000 mile walk from Guatemala to Chile to visit hs CFCA projects and sponsored children and aging. Since then we have been volunteering at churches in hopes of encouraging others to join the CFCA family.
Review from CharityNavigator
I have been sponsoring a child through CFCA since 2009 and am so grateful to have found such an incredible and inspirational organization!!! They are truly committed to helping others. I have even been able to visit their location in San Lucas Guatemala to meet my sponsor child. What a blessed experience that was!!!
CFCA was recommended to me by my mother, who had wonderful experiences with them, however I needed to do my own research before making a decision regarding which organizaion was best for our family to connect with. After MUCH research and talking with others, we joined CFCA almost 10 years ago! It has been such a blessing to our family to be able to help provide for the needs of others in a manner that's efficient, honest and trustworthy. We have been able to sponsor 2 children, one of which we've had since the beginning, so it's been AMAZING to watch him grow, as our family grows also, now with 2 children of our own. To learn of their struggling environments, and to hear how much they (sponsored children) appreciate simple things like medical treatment, school supplys, an education, etc, has been very humbling to us, and makes us realize how much we are needed. As Americans, it's so easy to take simple things like those for granted. Receiving letters and updated pictures of our sponsored children is wonderful and I believe whole heartedly in CFCA and their integrity. They've always been enourmously helpful and easy to work with. They enable people like you and I to get involved and be Jesus to those in need. Thank you CFCA for all that you do to help others!!!
Review from CharityNavigator
I had an incredible experience on a mission trip in El Salvador through the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging. It was difficult to see some of the extreme situations of poverty that these people lived in, but serving them and building new houses for them brought a lot of joy as well. In all of the communities we visited during our trip, we were constantly surrounded by so much joy and love! I loved playing with the children because they are very cute and so open to strangers. It is not like it is in the US, where kids are afraid to go up to people they don't know. the children and adults alike are just so ready to love others even though they may not know them at all. Also, I was impressed by how simply the people in El Salvador live their lives. They are not as attached to material things as many people are in the US. They are not caught up in technology all the time and many do not even know all these little gadgets and gizmos exist! Even the simplest device like a digital camera, is fascinating to them. Once they figured out that their face showed up on the screen they wanted a million pictures taken of each one of them. Those children are precious and I miss their happiness, joy, love, and laughter! I learned so much more than I expected to while on this trip and I am so glad I took the steps to be able to attend! It was an absolutely life changing adventure and I would recommended it to anyone who truly wants to serve those in need.
Review from CharityNavigator
I have sponsored children through CFCA since 1998, and I have developed a passion for this wonderful organization. I am currently sponsoring 2 children, in Guatemala and Honduras. Besides the original folder and annual pictures (and of course, wonderful letters), I received a picture of the family of the boy in Guatemala for Christmas. It was so special to meet his family that way! CFCA hosts optional Mission Awareness Trips for sponsors to visit the country, learn about CFCA's work in that area and the local culture, and meet the sponsored child and some of his/her family, spending a day with them. I have been on 2 of these trips, taking each of my sons. They were awesome!
Bob Hentzen, the CFCA president, lives in Guatemala. He knows and loves the people in all of the countries CFCA serves, and is immersed in the work of the organization, as evidenced by his current walking pilgrimage from Guatemala to Chile in solidarity with the people they help (a total of over 8000 miles, in about 17 months).
we cannot say enough positive things about CFCA from the leadership in Kansas City to the professional staff throughout the world. we sponsor elderly folks around the world and have been to six countries to meet our friends. we encourage are family and friends to become sponsors because the need is real, the dignity and hope that CFCA provides beyone the financial support is outstanding. we recommend CFCA to anyone who is considering serving the poor.
For years I dragged my feet when considering sponsoring a child. A lot of the charities doing that seemed manipulative to me. Then, a priest came to my church to describe CFCA and his experience with it. I was sold. My family and I sponsored a child immediately.
Although my first sponsored child had to leave the programs for reasons of his own, we took on another child with no hesitation.
My family and I look forward to the letters from our sponsored child. I also enjoy the email updates I get. They come fairly often, but don't overwhelm me like some email lists I belong to.
Review from CharityNavigator
CFCA allows me to see what my donation is acutally doing. I have been sponsoring a boy in India for 7 years. I receive at least 3 letters from him per year and one picture. The first 3 years there were no smiles on the pictures, now he smiles so big and is dressed so nice with clothes provided by the hostel, were he lives and goes to school, due to living so far from the hostel. Because of my sponsorship his room and board, his clothing, his schooling and a compensation for his family is taken care of. He also gets to celebrate his birthday and Christmas through my sponsorship. He and his family are so very greatful, as he mentions in his letters. He tells me about his schoolwork, and how he is doing. He promises me he will work very hard in shcool to show me how happy he is to be there. He tells me about his sisters and brother and mom and dad, what their home is like, that they now raise a few pigs, and when he goes home he helps his father work in their small field. They live in a grass hut, with a dirt floor, no electricily or running water. His letters are signed "Your loving friend." He draws a beautiful picture on everyone of his letters. I am so excited when one of his letters comes. His letters, and those to him from me are all translated by on of the staff at the hostel.. I am so amazed that CFCA can organize all the corespondence that travels between the sponors and their child or adult, and send out the yearly pictures. This is why CFCA is the best charity. You can form a bond with the person you are helping and actually see what your donation is doing. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers work at the CFCA headquarters in Kansas City, and one of it's founders, 80 year old Bob Hentzen, is now walking 8,000 miles across Latin America to encourage sponsorship.
Review from CharityNavigator
We have sponsored two children, one in Dominican Republic and one in Costa Rica. We have been able to visit both of them and see first hand what great things CFCA is doing for them. It is nothing short of a miracle how they provide food, clothes, education, and health care for just $30/ mo. Anyone reading this could not go wrong by putting your giving dollars to this organization.
Review from CharityNavigator
My wife and I have been CFCA sponsors for 5 years. We sponsor an aged woman in Guatemala and a young boy in Costa Rica. We have also participated in 3 Mission Awareness Trips to Guatemala and 1 in Costa Rica which allowed us to witness the Lord's work through CFCA. Trips included visiting CFCA projects and sponsored persons including our own sponsored. The appreciation and love shown to us was overwhelming. The organization of programs by CFCA staff was educational, informative and fulfilling.
These trips are "Soul Cleansing". You return home a different person.
Review from CharityNavigator
I can't imagine an organization more worthy of my support. My husband and I sponsor four children. We have been able to travel to each country and meet them thanks to CFCA's Mission Awareness Trips. What we have observed is incredible commitment to spending every cent wisely, and for the good of the families they serve.
Review from CharityNavigator
My husband and I just visited our sponsored child in Kenya. We were extremely impressed by the professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication of the CFCA staff in making a difference in the lives of the children and aging who are beneficiaries. Children receive an edication and have their basic needs met for only $30 a month. After high school they may attend a university or a trade school, whichever is more appropriate. They become self-sustaining. During this time, a relative (usually a mother) is involved in a Mothers' Group providing support to each other and re-inforcing the importance of education. The mothers are also taught a marketable skill to increase their financial independence. This foundation provides hope to those who most need it and helps them plan to change their futures.
Review from CharityNavigator
My husband and I have donated to this organization for over a dozen years. During that time we have sponsored three children in India. It has been a very, very rewarding experience and we receive regular letters and photos from the children telling us how they are doing, what is happening in their studies and in their lives in general, how they are benefiting from the sponsorship and even how it helps their families, too. We display their photos in our home like we do of our own children. They call us their "parents" and they are definitely our children and we are proud of the accomplishments they report to us!
Review from CharityNavigator
Sponsor a young boy in Chile and also co-sponsor a child in Guatemala.
After exchanging letters for the past 10 years we decided to visit Chris in Chile on a sponsored mission trip. We were totally appalled with the the good work being done by CFCA. We visited senior citizens who were helped with their daily living expenses as well as having a picnic sponsored by CFCA where the seniorswere treated to a chicken dinner, games and entertainment supplied by the local police dept. One blind senior came to me with a friend to ask if she could hug a sponsor. That is all she could return to us for the good work of CFCA. Everyone knew Bob Hentzen, President of CFCA who was with us and much love was expressed for him, in his hand me down clothes and old boots. We visited a rural childrens school for their monthly birthday party for all the children where they enjoyed cake and soda as well as games. Bob sat on the floor and sang songs with the kids while playing a borrowed guitar. Parents expressed great thanks for the sponsors and one little fellow gave each of the sponsors a marble to show his appreciation. The parents of our child insisted we vist their tiny home on a hillside where they gave us cake and coffee. They expressed their many thanks for the help we had given them in allowing their son to attend school and prepare for a trade. We visited the workshop for mothers where they were taught personal coping skills, sewing, hairdressing, etc. while their children were attended to in a day care room. we visited a hospital for children where first level medical care was provided as needed. As we left to return home we were showered with hugs and goodbyes. A wonderful experience I have never seen before.
Review from CharityNavigator
I was always skeptical about charities that said they would give you a picture of the child you could sponsor. I thought to myself "Oh sure, this child's photo is probably in every city." But that's so not true with CFCA! I became a believer of the power of the one-on-one match when I started getting letters and pictures from my boy in the Merida, Mexico project. But the real impact that this most wonderful organization has on changing the world one person at a time came totally to light to me when I went on a Mission Awareness trip to Merida. I got to experience first hand what life changing work this organization is doing. I got to hug my little boy and his whole family. I cried with his mother as she told me what a difference my sponsorship has made in their lives. I am no longer a skeptic but a whole-hearted believer!! The idea of each of us lighting one little candle to make this world a brighter place is so true with this program - my hope is that thousand more will light a candle too!
Review from CharityNavigator
I have travelled to Nicaragua to share the special blessing that only CFCA provides, meeting your sponsored child, observe how the organization works in other countries and then come back to the United States to volunteer, recruit sponsors and share what I have seen. The organization builds brotherhood around the world by building bonds between those who can afford to sponsor and those who need a sponsor in 25 countries. I have been blessed with great support from the offices in Kansas City. Their call centers have always supplied me with answers if I didn't know something. I have met the founder and he lives out his words through actions and words.
Review from CharityNavigator
Christian Foundation for Children and Aging is an amazing charity. It is a charity to which you truly have to be dedicated and in whose mission you must really believe. Although I occasionally give $10 or $25 donations, most of my donations come from the $30 I give every month. This provides for:
-essential benefits such as food, clothing, home repairs and health care.
-educational needs such as school supplies, uniforms, tuition and other school fees.
-recreational activities and Christmas and birthday celebrations.
-literacy training and livelihood programs for parents.
My sponsor child is able to receive all of these for a relatively low cost on my part.
At least twice a year, I receive a letter from my sponsor child, who lives in Guatemala. I recently received a Christmas card, and well as a letter thanking me for a birthday gift I sent her. She is always very polite and grateful, which makes me feel like I'm actually making a difference in her life. I also receive a photo of her annually.
I know that there are many many more people out there living in poverty than my sponsor child, but CFCA does a great job putting a face and name to a child or elderly person who is living in poverty. This strengthens the connection between the donor and the organization because the donor feels like the organization is doing real work that helps real people. Overall, Christian Foundation for Children and Aging is a charity I would highly recommend.
Unbound 03/24/2021
Thank you so much for your longtime support of your sponsored friends and for sharing these concerns with us. As an organization that connects sponsors with people in need, it is our responsibility to ensure that communications between sponsors and their sponsored family is appropriate. Communications are reviewed for appropriateness by our local staff, and they inform us when something they feel is inappropriate is communicated in a letter. This helps us ensure that both our sponsors and sponsored families have a good experience, and decreases the risk of giving accidental offense due to cultural differences. Because we are dedicated to our values of honesty and transparency, we reach out to the sponsor when this occurs, to let them know that their communication will not be shared with the sponsored family, and to let them know the reasons why the communication may not have been appropriate. Thank you again for your support of your sponsored friends and for sharing your concerns.