Serving Children Through the Local Church
The first step in identifying children in greatest need involves walking in their shoes. We must experience their environment. Their communities. Their homes. At Compassion, we do just that by partnering with the local church.
We work with thousands of local churches in impoverished communities around the world. These churches understand the challenges their neighbors face because they live and serve right there alongside them.
They know which families are struggling and which children are most at risk. More than that, they provide steady encouragement and support as children grow, overcome obstacles and begin to build a future beyond poverty.
Together, we identify children who will benefit most from our program. The local church provides consistent care that meets children’s physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs, both in urgent moments and over the long term.
This partnership helps us ensure that support reaches the children who need it most and continues as they grow and overcome poverty.
How We Select Children
Our local church partners lead the program registration process using Compassion's criteria and guidelines as a framework. Their staff meet with families to understand their circumstances and determine both the child's level of need and potential to thrive in the program.
No more than three children from the same family can be registered, though each country may choose to limit this to fewer children so they can help a larger number of families. Children are considered for registration if:
They are under 10 years old.
Their family falls within the local poverty index.
They live within walking distance (about 30 minutes) of the church.
They are likely to remain in the community long term.
They are not currently receiving support from another sponsorship organization.
Prioritizing the Most Vulnerable
While many children face poverty, our program is designed to reach those with the greatest need. We begin with the most vulnerable because they are at the highest risk of being overlooked and have the fewest opportunities for support.
By focusing our resources here, we can make the most meaningful and lasting impact on a child's life. Our local church partners give special priority to children who:
Suffer from chronic illness and/or malnutrition.
Are unable to attend school.
Are orphaned, abandoned or at risk of exploitation.
Live with a single parent or caregiver.
Have a physical or mental disability.
Show potential to thrive with added support.
If a child is in need and can benefit from the program, an exemption approval can be made even if they don’t meet all the guidelines discussed above. We also welcome children from all religious backgrounds whose families are open to participating in Compassion’s church-based activities.
