U.S. FAQs
A. Sponsorship connects a sponsor with a child living in a difficult inner-city environment and supports Metro Ministries' programs for children in those areas. Through sponsorship, sponsors are able to build relationships and truly make a difference in the life a child through contributions, letters of encouragement, gifts, etc. Each sponsor receives a photograph of his sponsored child and receives yearly updates on the child's progress. Your sponsorship commitment provides an inner-city child with a positive Christian relationship outside his immediate environment. As these relationships grow and deepen, we have seen entire families change for the better.
Q. How are children identified for sponsorship?
A. Our staff members, known as site pastors, decide which children should be sponsored. In all nations where Metro Ministries operates its Sunday School program, every child who attends receives weekly home visits to follow up with the children and their families. It is during these home visits that the site pastors?become aware of the living conditions and the needs facing that child and determine whether or not sponsorship is needed.
Q. How long does the sponsorship relationship last?
A. The ages of sponsored children ranges from age 3 to 16. Some sponsors support a child for a year or two, while others support a child for many years. We've even had some sponsors connect with a young child and elect to continue with their sponsorship through the child's college years.
Q. What happens when a sponsored child stops attending Sunday School?
A. Children sometimes have to move frequently in the inner city because of the poor conditions of the apartments, family problem or even abuse. Some children move to different states in hopes of better living conditions. When a child moves or stops attending Sunday School, we try to locate him or her. If ever a child is no longer participating in the Won-By-One program, we inform the sponsor and give you the opportunity to sponsor another child.
Q. What happens to the child when a sponsor discontinues support of sponsorship?
A. When a child loses his or her sponsor, we try to reassign the child to a new sponsor as quickly as possible.
A. Yes! We encourage you to be in contact with your child as much as your time and resources allow. We find this to be a powerful tool. You can send them your picture and tell them about yourself. A card, letter or a care package is a great way of meeting their needs and encouraging them.
Q. Will my child write back to me?
A. Yes, your child will write to you. We believe it is important for you to hear directly from your child so we will send the notes to you directly as they come from the child. In some instances, children are unable to write and may need the site pastor or someone in their home to write the letters for them. If you are sponsoring a child whose language is different from your own, both your letters and the child's responses will be translated.
Q. Can I find out who my child's site pastor is?
A. Yes! The site pastors are the ones who visit your child's home every week so they know the most about the kids and their needs. They can be contacted through the Won-By-One office. Also, they can definitely use your prayers.
A. Yes! The site pastors make sure the packages, letters and cards are given directly to your sponsored child. There are times when a parent is entrusted to pass along the items to the child.
Q. Does my child receive my support in cash?
A. No. We have learned that giving cash directly to the child or a parent is not the best way to help. Sadly, sometimes that money becomes the means to finance a habit. If we know the family has no food or that the child has a specific need, the money will be given in a way that meets that specific need.
Q. What does my giving provide?
A. Your support helps to provide services and benefits for the child and his family such as food, clothing and the Sunday school programs in which the children participate. It also helps to meet the needs of an individual child as the needs arise.
Q. How much is a monthly commitment and should I send it at a specific time?
A. Your monthly commitment is only $23 per month. This amount may be paid on a monthly, quarterly, bi-annual or quarterly basis. You may charge this amount to a major credit card or make payments by check.
Q. What happens when a sponsor misses his monthly support commitment?
A. We understand that circumstances can arise that make it difficult to keep a monthly commitment. Please realize that your involvement with sponsorship is a very vital commitment to the children. It makes a profound difference in their lives. We need you to do your part so we can do ours. After not hearing from you for several months, we will call you so that we both can review the situation.
Q. Do the children know who their sponsors are?
A. Yes. Most of them understand that there is someone who is helping them and loves them. They love hearing from you directly through the Won-By-One office. Before each child is sponsored, we obtain written consent forms from the parent or guardian. We encourage you to correspond with the child and their family.
A. There are many ways to show a child you care. For his birthday, a card or gift goes a long way. In each country, we also have various programs throughout the year for which you can sponsor your child. You can sponsor your child to go to summer camp, or provide back-to-school supplies, a complete meal for Thanksgiving, or even toys for Christmas.
Q. What is the best way to contact the Won-By-One program at Metro Ministries?
A. Email: wonbyone@metroministries.org
Metro Ministries
Attn: Won-by-One
P.O. Box 409
Brooklyn, NY 11237
Call (718) 453-3352
Fax (718) 453-7177
