Why sponsor the aging?

Meet Ines

Ines has been sponsored through the Hope for a Family program for several years. In the countries where we work, aging people like Ines often have no one to depend on for their survival. They receive no social security and may not be able to count on family members for support because adult children are often occupied with their own survival.

Offering hope to the aging

Hope for a Family sponsorship energizes and reinvigorates the lives of elderly persons like Ines. While access to medical care and nutritious food address physical health needs, the recreation and socialization programs nourish their spiritual and emotional well-being and give them a sense of hope. Sponsoring an aging person is a chance to make a profound difference in someone's life and say, "You are not alone."

When you sponsor an aging person

When you sponsor an aging friend, you are connected one-to-one with an elderly woman or man in need. You are given the opportunity to develop a friendship through letter writing. You will get to know your friend and learn about your friend's life. Most importantly, you help your friend live with a greater sense of dignity.

What you should know

Your contribution directly impacts your aging friend

Your sponsorship contribution of $30 per month provides benefits and services to your friend. The local project staff will work to personalize benefits to meet your friend’s specific needs. Benefits for the elderly usually focus on nutrition and medical care, as well as programs that provide opportunities for aging members to participate in activities that promote social well-being and physical fitness. In some locations, the aging may participate in livelihood programs or learn income-generating skills such as needlework and horticulture.

93.7 percent of CFCA's expenses go toward program support, and we are highly rated by charity watchdog groups.

View our financials »  

The sponsored elderly do their part - this is not a handout

The primary focus of our Hope for a Family program is creating opportunities for sponsored elderly to develop their own capacity for personal and economic growth, rather than focusing solely on the distribution of material goods.

The aging have responsibilities in the program, too. They are expected to participate in program activities and are required to write to their sponsors. The elderly often serve as mentors within the community and offer support and encouragement to one another.

Learn how the aging support one another »

Your aging friend is really there

When you select someone to sponsor, we want you to know that your friend is really there. We do not sponsor representational people nor do we use sponsorship just to raise funds. Our project staff knows each sponsored member and works directly with them on a regular basis.

You will receive at least two letters per year from your friend, as well as an updated annual photo. We encourage you to write your friend. Through letters, you will have an opportunity to develop a friendship and get to know one another.

Each year, we host more than 30 trips to our projects around the world so sponsors can meet their friends in person. A CFCA trip is an in-depth experience that will introduce you to your friend and the culture, daily reality and heroic struggle of the local people.

View our trip calendar »