Child Sponsorship Frequently Asked Questions
- Q. What is the cost to sponsor a child?
A. $260/month. It is the Kenbe Fem policy that 100% of your money goes directly to meeting the needs of your child. It supplies him or her with food, clothing and shoes, education, salaries for the nannies who care for them, medical treatment, and housing costs including utilities, building maintenance, and various home upgrades. All of the administrative costs associated with the program are covered by other donations and volunteer labor. While this does add to our administrative work, we find it’s a good way to do things. Not only does it give more individuals the opportunity to participate in giving, it lessens the financial strain on the Kenbe Fem Children’s Home should a sponsor determine that he or she is no longer able to participate in the sponsorship program. Many families cannot afford the total sponsorship, so we break it down in 8 increments of $32.00 per month. You can choose how much you can afford to help one of our children!!
Q. Is my participation in this program tax-deductible?
A. Yes! Kenbe Fem Ministry, is part of a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. You will receive a quarterly receipt to use for tax purposes.
Q. How often will I receive updates on my child?
A. You will receive email updates with photos three times a year. You will also receive an annual “snail mail” update with a photo and a copy of your child’s report card.
Q. Can I write letters to my child? Will he or she write me back?
A. Absolutely! We encourage you to be in contact with your child. Our children LOVE getting mail! Feel free to send letters and we encourage you to send photos of your family, as well. You will receive responses from your children, but because of translation and mail delays, it may take several weeks to receive these responses. You can send this to the Ministry office at: Kenbe Fem Ministry 1801 Williams Drive; Georgetown, Texas 78628
Q. I would prefer to pay one lump sum annually rather than monthly—is that an option?
A. Yes! We can set it up monthly, semi-annually, or annually.
Q. Can I send gifts to my child?
A. You already are! As you can see above, part of our monthly budget for each child is a birthday and Christmas fund. Because our children live in close proximity to one another, we try to handle gift-giving occasions with a certain amount of equity. We give each child a party on his or her birthday with cake for everyone, homemade cards from all of their “brothers and sisters” in the home, and a small gift. On Christmas, we have a similar party and each child gets 3 gifts: a pair of new shoes, one new church outfit and one toy. Additionally, we have an end-of-school party each year where we celebrate graduation to the next grade. We want these children to know that they are valued as a member of our Kenbe Fem family, and we believe that celebrating them individually on special occasions teaches them important lessons on how families function. In addition to this, you can send letters with flat gifts like stickers, paper dolls, photos, etc. Finally, you are always welcome to send community gifts that can be shared by all of the children in the orphanage. Popular items include soccer balls, inflatable rafts for the beach, hair beads, elastics and snaps, and sewing material to make new church outfits. In order to pay for customs and shipping (from our US address to Haiti), for all parcels sent, please include a check for $3 per pound made out to Kenbe Fem. You can send this to the Ministry office at: Kenbe Fem Ministry 1801 Williams Drive; Georgetown, Texas 78628
Q. What happens if I am no longer financially able to sponsor my child?
A. We understand that family dynamics change. Please just let us know and we will work to find a new sponsor for your child, no questions asked! You are still welcome to write letters to your child and stay in contact.
Q. What happens if I miss a payment?
A. We understand that there are times when things get a little tighter financially; however, we are counting on sponsorship commitments to meet your child’s needs. If you miss a payment, simply resume the next month. If you are able to make two payments at once the next month, that would be great, but if not, that’s okay, just pick up with the new month. If three months pass without payment (and no communication from you), your child will be reassigned so that we are able to meet our financial needs to care for the Kenbe Fem kids.
Q. Can I visit my child?
A. Kenbe Fem offers short-term mission trips to Jacmel and surrounding areas to work on various projects in and near the orphanage. Contact us to let us know of your interest.
Q. How long do the children stay at the Kenbe Fem?
A. We raise the children in the Kenbe Fem home as our own. Our desire is to help them establish and sustain themselves for their future. Each child’s needs are vastly different. Some might need help finishing high school and setting up their own home, as the typical child in our care will complete high school in their mid-20’s. Some will require help in finishing a trade school, giving them the necessary tools to provide for themselves and their future families. We understand some children may be unable to finish high school, but they are still able to contribute to the community. Some need help getting through college and higher degrees of education. Overall, we understand that each child is different and we long to encourage them to find their niche in Haitian society.
Q. Can I pay by electronic debit?
A. Yes! You can pay via Blue Pay on our website: www.kenbefem.org
