How to a Sponsor a Child Who Is Going to Live With a Host Family in the U.S.
- 1). Decide who you will sponsor. Children travel to the United States and live with host families for different reasons; children travel in search of medical treatment, cultural immersion, summer camps, language acquisition, adoption or educational exchange. Decide which of these causes is more appealing to you.
- 2). Search organizations online. For example, to sponsor an unprivileged child, search for organizations such as Children of Chernobyl Foundation (See References), which hosts children who suffer the effects of the Chernobyl explosion of 1986. These kids stay with host families for the whole summer. To sponsor a sick child in search of treatment, search for organizations, such as Healing the Children (See References), which hosts children in St. Louis while they recover from surgeries or treatments for periods that range between three and six months.
- 3). Evaluate the organization's reputation. Get familiar with the organization's webpage. For example, if you access organizations such as God's Waiting Children (See Resources) or Intercultural Program USA (See Resources) read the stories of families who have hosted children and share their testimonies.
Do not hesitate to contact the organization for detailed information before you donate. - 4). Evaluate how you can assist. Bringing a child from another country involves several expenses; for example, the Children of Chernobyl Foundation explains that it costs $1,650 to bring a child from Belarus. You may cover all the cost for transportation or contribute with a smaller amount. You may also contribute donating flier miles instead of cash or participate on the organization's fundraisers.
- 5). Donate. Make a contribution online, by phone or by check. Organizations differ on the way they accept donations. Make sure you receive accurate information on how your money will be invested and the benefit it represents for the child. Make sure the organization will send you follow-up documentation.
Source...