If I discontinue my sponsorship, what happens to the child?
We keep the child in the program and find another sponsor to continue helping him or her.  The child will not feel the disruption.

Can I correspond with my child?
Yes, we encourage our sponsors to write to their child.  You may also send pictures, post cards, or some small stickers. We cannot send large packages because of the expense and customs regulations.

Will my child write to me?
You should receive two letters a year from your child.  However, some places such as Myamar and the refuege camp are so ravaged by war and terrorism that it is difficult to send or receive letters and pictures.  These children are the hardest to sponsor, and yet they are often the ones most in need.

What benefits will the child I sponsor receive?

• Health
Each child receives proper medical care as well as three nutritious meals a day.  The children learn about hygiene and how to take good care of the bodies God gave them.

• Education
REACH operates our own schools.  In rarecases, the children attend either a Christian school, if one is available, or a public school.  REACH pays for all fees, supplies, uniforms, etc.  In many countries, students have access to tutors and other after-school programs.  In addition to school, many older children also learn a vocation in a work-study program which they can use to support themselves and their families.

• Shelter
REACH runs homes and schools in 26 different countries.  We take in the abandoned, orphaned, or otherwise destitute children of the developing world.  Our REACH houses are much more than a place to live; they become a child’s home--a Christian home with a safe, stable, nurturing environment where a child is loved and free to grow into his or her God-given potential.

• Eternity
REACH believes a child’s physical needs must be met before he can grow spiritually.  Most children who enter our program have never been loved or properly cared for.  They come from the cold streets, or broken homes where they have been abandoned and/or abused.  We aim to demonstrate the love of Jesus in every interaction with every child, inspiring these little ones to live a new life for Christ.  The children take an active part in the local churches, and they also volunteer their time and meager means to help those even less fortunate than themselves.

Is anything expected of the child?
Yes.  Children are expected to obey the rules of the home, to respect each other and their houseparents.  They are expected to work at least 10-15 hours a week according to the ability and age of the child.  Chores and other duties help the child to feel like they are a contributing part of a family. Good work habits will last a lifetime. The children are expected to attend worships morning and evening and weekend services. 

What opportunities will I have to learn about the child I’m helping?
Besides the letters from your child, each year you will receive two REACH Reports detailing stories, events, and new projects that REACH is involved with.  In most cases, you may visit your child, or you can join one of our mission trips to some of our projects.   If there are enough sponsors interested in going on a trip to visit some projects, we will arrange such trips to certain countries.  Check back with our website for updated information.

May I send gifts to my child?
Sending gifts is a difficult process because of import and export duties and customs regulations.  Postage is also very expensive.  We encourage our sponsors to contribute to our Joy Fund, which makes it possible for all the children to receive a gift.  Children cannot understand why one child is always getting gifts and another is left out.  The Joy Fund gives gifts to all the children at the same time, and there are no hurt feelings.  We work with hurting children and we do not want to add to their afflictions.  Please give to the Joy Fund instead of sending individual gifts.

How many people sponsor one child?
Only one person will sponsor one child. 

Financial Integrity

Are my contributions tax-deductible?
Yes. Everything you give REACH, money or material, is tax-deductible.

What percentage of the money I give is spent for the needs of the children?
More than 90% of the money donated to REACH goes for the children’s education, food, clothing, shelter, medical needs, utilities, and salaries of the teachers and caregivers.  100% of the money donated to specific funds and projects goes to that fund/project. Most of the work of REACH is done by volunteers.

What kind of checks and balances assure that the money is spent properly?
REACH is audited annually by a certified external auditor at the head office in Berrien Springs, Michigan and in most of the field offices as well.  The report is sent to the various governments and is available to you if you ask.

› Sponsor a Child