FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about our sponsorship program
Q: Is money given directly to the sponsored family so they can buy what they need?
A: No money is given to a family in Ethiopia. The case manager assesses their needs and goes with them to buy extras they may need or pay their rent, etc. All purchases/rent/medical care are accompanied by a receipt and all receipts are submitted to our accountant and balanced with the money given.
Q: How often does the case manager meet with each family?
A: Twice a month. One visit is always at their home where a needs assessment is done. These visits are a time for listening and problem solving and it is also an opportunity to pray with the family and share Christ’s unconditional love. The other meeting is usually at the church when they come to pick-up their monthly food staples. If there is a medical or educational issue, the case manager will meet more often.
Q: Since there is no refrigeration, how does the family keep their food?
A: The food staples are mostly non-perishable or long-lasting items such as flour, oil, sugar, pasta, soap, spices, legumes, potatoes and sometimes cabbage and carrots, and these items are stored in their home. Fresh food such as tomatoes, spinach or fruit would have to be purchased with any discretionary money the recipient might have.
Q: How often can I expect to get an update? Photos?
A: You will receive two updates a year and most always with a new photo. If something out of the ordinary is happening with the family you support, that will be appropriately communicated as well.
Q: If someone is sick, how do they receive health care?
A: Many government hospitals will look at a sick patient for a very low fee and this is generally the first course of action. Often, the government clinics are not well-staffed and treatment is bare bones. The patient is always required to purchase any medicine. The case manager will then let our U.S. staff know of the need for further care and we let the sponsor know. If the sponsor is able to financially defray the cost of going to a better doctor to receive treatment, we send the finances to Ethiopia and the case manager takes the sick person to a higher skilled medical facility and purchases their medicine for them. If it is an emergency, we use funds from our general account to cover the care, trusting God to provide.
Q: How can I send extra help for my adopted family’s specific needs?
A: We try to let our sponsors know when a pressing need is noticed by the case manager. If you are interested in donated towards these needs, please let us know via email. We will share costs with you and let you know how you can donate.
Q: If I donate something extra for my family, how long does it take for them to get to the family?
A: The money is sent at the end of each month. The items are generally purchased the following month, i.e., money received in January will allow the case manager to purchase items during the month of February.
Q: Is there a way for me to communicate with our sponsored family?
A: If you would like to send a picture of your family, you may write the case # and family name on the back of the photo in permanent marker and send it to our Washington office to be hand-carried to Ethiopia the next time a staff member might travel. The case manager would then give the picture to your family. There can be no guarantee when
the photo might reach your family.