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How are children selected for sponsorship?
Tampa Bay’s Child is a voluntary program that helps loving parents
help their children succeed – and is not intended to foster dependence
or add to the often overwhelming burdens low-income parents already face.
The program works with local agencies to identify kids whose families
are in dire financial straits but whose parents are either working at
a job or attending school to better the family’s situation. Tampa
Bay’s Child’s goal is to identify and sponsor the most disadvantaged
children in the county.
May I select a child of a particular age or gender?
Yes, in all likelihood. When the program has more than one child available
for sponsorship, Tampa Bay’s Child works with the sponsor to identify
the age and gender of child the sponsor may prefer. Where the sponsor
has no particular preference, the program will likely pair the sponsor
with a toddler, since the goal of the program is to begin building the
child’s school readiness at the earliest age possible.
What goods or services might my sponsorship provide?
Sponsors’ donations may be used to purchase a range of items and
services that boost the child’s physical and mental health and,
with it, school readiness. That includes both basic necessities –
to the extent they are not already available to the family – and
more school-related items. Here is a list:
Food
Nutritional Supplements
Vitamins
Medicine*
Health Screenings (including eye and hearing exams)*
Therapeutic and medical devices*
Baby Thermometers
Dental work*
Personal Care Items
Diapers
Clothes and Shoes
Crib
Bassinette
Bed Linens
Stroller
Car seat
Household Items that directly benefit the child
Window Locks
Child-proof fencing
First Aid Kits and Items
Books
Bookshelves
Educational Toys and Games
Magnetic Letters
School Supplies
Computers
Eye Glasses
Lighting
Desk and Chair
Educational Assessments
Occupational Therapy
Mentoring
Tutoring
After-school enrichment
Field Trip
Sports Equipment
Summer camp opportunities
*Only
that portion not otherwise covered by Medicaid or S-CHIP.
How long does sponsorship last?
That is up to the sponsor, though we do ask that sponsorship continue
at least through the end of first school year in which the sponsorship
began. While monthly contributions may be discontinued at any time,
many sponsors may choose to continue sponsorship through the child’s
elementary school years.
What if my sponsored child moves away?
If the sponsor’s child discontinues participation in the program
(because of a move or lack of need), the sponsor will be notified and
given the opportunity to sponsor another child.
How can I be sure that my money is not duplicating or taking
the place of other private or public sources of support for the child?
Children are selected for sponsorship only if their needs remain unmet
after their family receives all they are “due” from governmental
benefits and sources. Tampa Bay’s Child will not purchase goods
or services that are already the obligation of governmental agencies
or are being supplied by other private agencies.
How can I be sure that my money is really benefiting my sponsored child?
The leaders of Tampa Bay’s Child work closely with the parents
or caregivers of sponsored children to identify the particular goods
or services the sponsored child needs that month. Once those needs are
identified, program leaders are the ones that actually purchase and
deliver the goods. This “middleman” approach ensures that
sponsor funds are used as intended – to benefit each sponsored
child according to his or her special needs.
May I meet or talk with my sponsored child?
To protect the privacy of both sponsors and the families of sponsored
children, Tampa Bay’s Child does not divulge the full name or
address of either the sponsor or the child. (The only exception is when
both the sponsor and the child’s parent/caregiver have given permission,
in writing.) At the same time, Tampa Bay’s Child encourages sponsors
to write to their sponsored children at any time, by sending letters,
through the organization, bearing the child’s name and ID #. The
program will immediately forward any and all correspondence to the child.
May I pay my sponsor contributions in a bulk amount for convenience?
Absolutely. Sponsors may submit their payments monthly, semi-annually,
or annually. In the future, they may also have the option of signing
up for automatic withdrawals from a major credit-card.
May I pay more than the monthly sponsor contribution of $28?
Most certainly, if that is the sponsor’s wish. While Tampa Bay’s
Child will never pressure a sponsor into contributing more than the
minimum monthly amount, the sponsor is free to contribute a greater
amount at any time. Sponsors are alerted when the child’s birthday
is approaching and are given the opportunity to send a gift, as they
are during the winter-holiday season.
Would I be my sponsored child’s only sponsor?
Most likely. Only in rare circumstances would Tampa Bay’s Child
assign two sponsors to the same child – and then, only with both
sponsors’ knowledge and assent.
Do my child’s siblings also have a sponsor?
In many cases, yes. That would depend on many factors, including the
needs of the family, availability of sponsors, and spread in ages among
the siblings.
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