Share In Their Future

Feeding Program in the Philippines

The Fortune Center in the Philippines recently initiated a feeding program due to the generous support of Children, Incorporated sponsor Barry Chappell.  The feeding program, which assists an average of 30 pre-school aged children at the center, was inspired by local residents and parents who realized the urgent need for providing a nutritious diet for their children.  Malnutrtion, a common malady facing many underprivileged children, is particularly widespread in the impoverished community where the Fortune Center is located.  Responding to this troubling reality, Barry Chappell, philanthropist, CI sponsor, and host of the nationally syndicated Fine Art Show Case, provided funds in July to begin a year-long program of food distribution for the younger children at the Center.  This assistance is just one of many ways that Barry Chappel has provided aid through Children, Incorporated over the years.

 

Children on the streets in the neighborhood of the Fortune Center.

The main goal of the Fortune Center feeding program is to provide the children with a well-balanced diet of food items such as vegetables, rice, and a mixture of meats.  Through this program meals are provided twice daily, in the morning and in the early afternoon.  During the year-long administration of the program, the health and nutrition of each child benefiting will be closely monitored and recorded by the Fortune Center.  It is important to note that providing all of the food items has been challenging due to the dramatic increase in food costs worldwide since July.  Children, Incorporated is extremely grateful for the compassion and generosity of Barry Chappell in making this feeding program a huge success!

 

Administering the feeding program. 

 

Students at the Fortune Center.

Blizzard in the Dakotas!

A blizzard recently hit North and South Dakota affecting families of sponsored children in our American Indian Division. With some areas of the plains pummeled with over 40 inches of snow and freezing winds, the conditions for children living on American Indian reservations becomes extremely challenging.  During these wintry storms - which are typical for this region of the US - warm clothing, boots, hats, and gloves become vital for the health and well-being of any child.   If you haven't already, we encourage you to make a difference by contributing to our annual Warm Clothing Fund! Our efforts to assist our US children would not be possible without your support!

Opening Ceremony of Rosebud Gymnasium!

 

Lakota Sioux children at the Rosebud Dormitory

In the remote area of Mission, South Dakota there is a boarding home called Sicangu Owayawa Oti, which is Laktoa Sioux for "Rosebud Dormitory."  Children, Incorporated has been affiliated with this home and its student residence on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation since 2003.

  Thanks to a generous donation by Children, Incorporated sponsor and philanthropist Barry Greenstein, a much-needed gymnasium was constructed at the Rosebud Dormitory.  Last week, representatives from Children, Incorporated joined Barry Greenstein and the Rosebud community at a special event commemorating the opening of the gymnasium.

Representatives from CI and Rosebud Dormitory with Barry Greenstein. Front row, from left: Marian Cummins, President & CEO, Barry Greenstein, Sharon Baltimore and husband Richard Baltimore, Board Chairman. Seated behind: Steve Mitchell, Director of the American Indian Division and Liz Sauer, Director of Marketing and Donor Development. Standing: Representatives from the Rosebud Dormitory.

 Commenting on this recent event, CI CEO Marian Cummins wrote, "This vast gymnasium now provides the space for basketball, volleyball, cultural functions and anything else the school can think of to rekindle the community spirit and involvement of the children and their families.  The use of this gymnasium will also help suppress the threat of teen suicides and other social maladies that are so prevalent in this community."      

          

The tribe held a very special ceremony that symbolized their gratitude and acceptance of Mr. Greenstein as a member of their tribe.  This is an honor reserved only for those held in highest regard.  Mr. Greenstein was also given a personalized quilt in appreciation of his generosity.

Remembering Former CI Board Member William F. Mohr

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our former Board member William "Bill" F. Mohr.  Our condolences are offered to his wife Patricia and to his entire family during this difficult time.  Bill served tirelessly on the Children, Incorporated Board of Directors from 1983 serving as Board Secretary (1996-2005) and member until 2007.  His work in his local community, from his chairmanship of Virginia-based Highway Motors Inc., to his directorship of the Richmond Metropolitan Authority and presidency of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce all attributed to the invaluable experience he brought to our Board of Directors.  We are honored and privileged to have had Bill on our Board, especially during a period of important transition following the death of our late founder Mrs. Jeanne Clarke Wood.  "Bill Mohr has left a legacy of caring, devotion, and generosity to our organization," wrote Marian Cummins CI President and CEO.  "As a member of our Board of Directors, his gracious manner and generosity reached beyond his loving family to help make a difference in the lives of thousands of impoverished children for whom we provide assistance through our sponsorship program."

While we will all miss this important and caring member of our "CI Family," and mourn his passing, we remain inspired by the constant service he gave to his community, especially to those in need.  Memorial contributions may be made to Children, Incorporated (4205 Dover Road, Richmond, VA 23221.  Online condolences may be made at www.blileys.com

Situation Worsening in Bolivia

The people of Bolivia continue to grapple with the daily political and economic turmoil facing their country.  Our Latin American Division is monitoring the situation closely, particularly as it affects the more than three hundred children we assist.  As of this blogpost airports in Bolivia have been seized by the national army and transportation in and out of the country has come to a halt.  The price of food increases daily with the devaluation of the U.S. dollar. The economic situation is grim.  The ability to purchase and transport food  (especially for our projects in remote places where roads have been blocked) has led to a hunger crisis. In the midst of all this, some schools are periodically forced to close at a moment's notice because of the dangerous conditions and teacher strikes.  

Sponsors of children in our Bolivian projects are asked to show patience as our ability to communicate with our volunteer coordinators has been hindered due to the situation.  Letters to and from your sponsored children will also be delayed due to the irregularity of the postal service.   Most importantly, we ask all of you to keep the Bolivian children - who are the most vulnerable amidst this crisis - in your thoughts and prayers.  

  

A impoverished neighborhood in the city of La Paz, the administrative capitol of Bolivia

 

A view of Sucre, the constitutional capitol of Bolivia

 

Children playing at our El Angel project in the city of Santa Cruz

To sponsor a child from Bolivia, click here.

Warm Clothing Fund

This year's Warm Clothing Fund is kicking into high gear, and we are working hard to raise $40,000 by January 31. 

Donations to this fund provide coats, hats, boots, blankets, sleeping bags, and other cold-weather items to children throughout our United States divisions.  Children who lack appropriate winter supplies are extremely vulnerable to prolonged illnesses. They are also ill equipped to wait at a bus stop on a cold morning or to walk a long distance to school on a dark, snowy road (as many of our Appalachian children are obliged to do).  Consequently, these children are more likely than their peers to drop out of school.

Last year, sisters Carly and Lacey received coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and sweaters from the Warm Clothing Fund:

La Recoleccion Home: A Place of Hope in Troubled Nicaragua

Our Latin American Director Magda Kegley and Assistant Division Director Alicia Bargh recently travelled to Nicaragua as part of a multi-week visit to our various projects throughout Central America.  In Nicaragua, they visited the La Recoleccion Home, an orphanage and day care center for girls in the city of Leon.  The abject poverty that surrounds the Home is overwhelming, and the conditions that many of the children in this city are forced to endure only reinforce the importance of La Recoleccion Home.  The girls at the Home come from troubled backgrounds, with families barely able to support them.  La Recoleccion (which means, "The Harvest" in English) offers the community's most vulnerable girls a well rounded education, skills training, and a safe living environment that many of them call home. 

 

Each of the girls are given chores, such as hand washing their laundry.

       

The girls are also responsible for cooking their own meals which is done over an open hearth.          

 

This is a photo of the shower the girls use.  There is always standing water.     

         

Scene of the kitchen of one of the girl's family's homes outside of La Recoleccion

 

The girls gather for a special photo with our Latin American Director, Magda.

Amidst the poverty and violence in Nicaragua, La Recoleccion Home is a beacon of hope, providing so many girls with the opportunity to rise above the difficult economic and social circumstances into which they are born.   We are proud to be working in such a wonderful place. 

Ambassador of Poker Brings Hope to Children

In 2006 renowned poker player Mike Sexton won the World Series of Poker "Tournament of Champions" and claimed the 1 million dollar 1st place prize.  Mike decided to give half of his prize to charity, and Children, Incorporated was chosen as one of five organizations to receive $100,000!  Mike is a truly remarkable person, and we are so grateful to him for the wonderful assistance he has provided for over 100 children through sponsorship.  What is so meaningful is that these children are mostly older children who lost their sponsors at a pivotal time in their lives and their education.  It is often difficult to find sponsors for the older children on our program - particularly those in high school grades.  Mike's generosity, however, is making a difference by providing the assistance needed for these children to continue their education and plan for a brighter future.

Now a proud parent of a newborn son, Mike has also served as a "parent" to over 100 children he has sponsored since August 2006.  Below are images and reflections of gratitude from several of these older children who are now benefiting from his sponsorship:

"I hope you and your family are well.  I woud like to thank you for your priceless support and for having remembered by birthday.  I am aware of the big effort you make to help me out.  I am studying hard so that you can feel proud of me.  Your help encourages me to keep up with the good job.  I will never let you down.  I also want you to know that I am very proud of having such a nice person as my sponsor.  Never forget that I will always have you in my thoughts and prayers."  -16 yr. old Editha from Bolivia

"I immensely thank you very much for your love and concern towards me.  I am sure that I would have remained as a child laborer had you not taken me as your sponsored child.  It is certainly because of your unforgettable love and concern that I am able to receive an education."   -16 yr. old Anusha from India

"I am grateful and thankful to you for helping me and supporting me.  I get all facilities like good food, clothing, a good environment, books, uniforms, and special gifts.  Had you not supported me, I would not have had these benefits because my parents are very poor and cannot afford to keep me financially.  Please accept my hearty thanks for your kind help and concern."  -17 yr. old Swetha from India

"Thank you for sponsoring me.  Sponsorship has allowed me to have food, education, and other things.  Now I am healthier compared to some years back.  I thank God for making it possible to have meals.  I also thank you for playing a part in the side of my education." -16 yr. old Richard from Kenya

Finally, we would like to congratulate Mike Sexton on recently receiving the prestigious "Patriot Award" from the Paralyzed Veterans of America in recognition of his generosity and charitable work.  Mike's benevolence as one of our sponsors and as a donor to other organizations reminds us of the good work being done by the poker industry and high profile players all over the world.

Employees of the Greater Richmond Convention Center Volunteer for CI

Children, Incorporated wishes to extend its gratitude to the employees of the Greater Richmond Convention Center (GRCC) who volunteered their time at our Back-to-School Shopping Trip on August 26th.  Children, Incorporated values special relationships with local organizations like the GRCC, where employees give back to their community and show compassion for children in need. GRCC "wins the prize" for providing the most volunteers for our shopping trips - a total of 36 people!  THANK YOU GRCC!

 

GRCC Employee Volunteers gather for a group photo in front of Target during our August 26th back-to-school shopping trip.

CI and Nussentials: A Healthy Partnership

In January 2007, Children, Incorporated formed a very special relationship with Nussentials Corp, a company specializing in stabilized rice-bran based whole food products.

Striving to help meet the needs of children living in poverty, Nussentials donates 5% of every product sale to Children, Incorporated, helping us provide basic essentials to the U.S. children on our program.  Our partnership with Nussentials continues to grow.  Last week CI Development Director Liz Sauer was recently presented with a $22,000 check from Nussentials at their annual meeting in Dallas, Texas.  These  funds, which represent Nussential's continued commitment to children in poverty will be used to sponsor children in our U.S. divisions. "We are truly privileged to have been selected by Nussentials, under the directorship of Mr. Phil Mims, to be the recipient of their generous program to benefit children in the United States," commented Children, Incorporated President & CEO Marian Cummins.   

CI Development Director Liz Sauer (fourth from left), with Phil

Mims, President of Nussentials, and other representatives being

presented with $22,000 at the Nussentials annual meeting in Dallas