Yes! Attach one of the yellow cards from your sponsorship packet to assist staff in identifying your child. Or, simply write your child’s name and sponsorship ID clearly at the top of your letter. Try to keep your message simple to help with translation. Please do not include your mailing address or other direct contact information in the content […]
What should I write about?
Write about yourself, family, faith, hobbies, sports, the area where you live. Ask your child about his/her favorite school subjects, interests, and dreams for the future. Include a photo of you and your family, or a postcard from your city or state. Tell your child you’re praying for them, and encourage them to do their best in school.
Will I hear from my child?
Yes! Most children write letters to their sponsor at least 1-2 times per year. You’ll also receive occasional updated photos of your child. If you haven’t received a letter or update for quite some time, please contact us.
Can I send my child a gift?
Photos, stickers, and other small items that fit into a flat envelope are great to include with a letter to your child. Please do not send cash, checks, fine jewelry, or electronics. If you wish to send a gift to your child, please contact us first – we’ll be happy to offer suggestions and answer any questions! Due […]
Can I contact my child by email or online?
You may send your child a message through our website or by email to yzm@helpsministries.org. Simply include your child’s name and ID in the subject line. Your message will be printed and delivered to your child. However, please do not attempt to contact your sponsored child directly by email, phone, or social media. For the child’s protection and […]
At what age do children leave the program?
Children don’t automatically leave the program at a specific age. Instead, they graduate once they finish school. Students are encouraged to pursue college or vocational training after secondary school, giving them the best tools for success as an independent young adult. These older students may continue to be sponsored until they finish their degree or diploma! Sometimes a […]
How much of my donation actually goes to my sponsored child?
90% of every gift (less any card processing fees, etc.) directly supports the Yezelalem Minch program. However, please note that your sponsorship donation is a representative gift. Your gift does not support your sponsored child alone, but instead benefits all students in the program – including those who have not yet been matched to a sponsor of […]
How does my support help my sponsored child?
Your sponsorship support through YZM helps provide basic physical needs such as food and nutrition, medical care, school fees and supplies, school uniforms and casual clothing, hygiene supplies and education, as well as psychosocial and spiritual support through extracurricular activities, mentoring, and much more!
What does it cost to sponsor a child?
A Standard Sponsorship is a commitment of $30/month, and a Comprehensive Sponsorship is $60/month. Each child can have either one comprehensive sponsor or up to two standard sponsors. These sponsorship levels ensure that Yezelalem Minch can cover the monthly program costs for every child.
How do I send my sponsorship donations?
Sponsorship donations can be made by automatic monthly bank draft (ACH), personal or bank checks, or by credit card. Checks should be made payable to Helps Ministries, PO Box 6449, Asheville, NC 28816. Include “YZM” and your child’s name and/or sponsorship ID in the memo area or an attached note. To set up monthly recurring donations […]
Are my sponsorship donations tax-deductible?
Yes! Helps Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and your sponsorship contributions are tax-deductible in the United States. You will receive donation receipts and a year-end giving statement from Helps. Our federal tax ID is 56-1133231.
How do I update my payment or contact information?
If you need to update your name or mailing address, or change your gift amount or payment information, send us a quick email or call 828-470-1770. We’ll be happy to walk you through any next steps!
Help! I need to adjust my giving level, or end my sponsorship.
That’s ok! We understand that your sponsorship is a voluntary gift, and sometimes challenges and other priorities come up. If you need to put a sponsorship on hold temporarily, change your giving amount, or end your sponsorship altogether, just let us know!