Sponsoring children in need in 24 countries

Today, Compassion provides child development aid to more than 1 million children in 24 countries. Each country office is staffed by country natives.

Our child development program reaches four main regions of the world:

United States: Passing the baton

From 1973 through 2003, Compassion International worked with local churches in poor neighborhoods in the United States to have an impact on the lives of children and youth. In 2003, after much study, it was determined that the U.S. arm of Compassion's worldwide outreach could be better served and reach more children by launching as a separate organization.

This decision was made so that the unique needs of poor children in the United States could be powerfully accomplished through a vibrant new, U.S.-based child ministry. With Compassion's support, YouthPartnersNET was started July 1, 2003. Under the leadership of the Rev. Dean Cowles, who served as executive director of Compassion's former USA Ministry, YouthPartnersNET works through partnerships with churches, youth workers and faith organizations to reach out to children and young people in the United States who suffer from spiritual and physical poverty.