Why family sponsorship

Through family sponsorship, you can help change the future of a family currently living in poverty and have a lasting impact in Eastern Europe.

Through family sponsorship, you can help change the future of a family currently living in poverty and have a lasting impact in Eastern Europe. 

Family sponsorship brings together people like you –  who want to see real and lasting change – and families living in forgotten, mostly rural communities in Eastern Europe. Those families are desperate for a better future for their children, and you can be the catalyst for change.

Discover how a family in Bosnia and Herzegovina are taking steps out of poverty thanks to sponsorship.

The challenges that families face are complex – and often overwhelming. Discrimination, in-work poverty, trauma, lack of education, and unhealthy living conditions are just some of the issues that arise. 

None of these problems have an easy fix, and families need tailored, long-term support to grapple with the obstacles they face, and break the cycle of poverty once and for all.

That’s why at Mission Without Borders, it’s not only material support that we offer, essential as that is. Sponsored families receive regular visits from an assigned coordinator who spends time with family members, building trust and giving emotional and spiritual support.

Our work is carried out in partnership with the local church, and our staff live locally, speak the language, and know firsthand the community and the culture. They are well placed to support family members who are finding it hard to move forwards, whether it’s a struggle with bereavement or ongoing conflict or low self-confidence.

And that’s only the beginning. Our family coordinators are skilled in spotting the potential in the parents we work with, helping them develop skills or harness talents to build a more sustainable future for their families. In the meantime, children flourish thanks to summer camp, educational support and church activities, and find trusted mentors they can look up to. 

Some families become Christians. Some parents set up successful businesses. Emotional wellbeing and living conditions improve. Where there was once stress and anger, now there’s laughter and peace.

While every family’s journey is different, it’s always a joy to be a part of their unique story. 

Join us today in bringing transformation in Eastern Europe, one family at a time.

Frequently asked questions

We currently do not post the details of families awaiting sponsorship online to protect the privacy and dignity of the families.
You can choose which country you wish to sponsor a family in, or give us a call and we can try and help to find a family in a specific region within a country.

Family sponsorships are divided into 4 shares of $34 each. You can choose to sponsor a family on your own for $136 a month, or choose to sponsor up to three shares of the family sponsorship at $34 each, and the remaining shares will be sponsored by another Canadian supporter.

Every month, the family receives groceries and hygiene items and a visit from the family coordinator assigned to them, who also provides emotional and spiritual support. Families also receive items through our donated goods program. This varies according to what resources are available, but many families receive clothing, furniture, and school supplies for their children.

Church partnerships are crucial to the sponsorship program – and families are invited to events at their local church, from children’s meetings and youth gatherings to women’s groups and holiday celebrations. Our hope is that families will become a part of their local church community and receive further support there.

Towards the end of their journey with us, many families will also receive a self-sufficiency project. These equip one or both parents with tools they need to run or set up a successful business. This could be agricultural tools, mechanic’s tools, or a sewing machine. We also offer vocational training where suitable. In some cases, our support leads to one or both parents finding a job.

Children also receive various forms of support which varies according to location. In some places there are after school clubs where children are helped with their homework. Children also receive the opportunity to go to summer camp and to fun activities at church. They benefit too from their relationship with the coordinator and with other Mission staff and volunteers.  

Writing to your sponsored family is a great way to build the relationship and show them that someone miles away supports them and cares for them. Letters from sponsors are often treasured possessions that children hold on to for many years.  

Small gifts such as stickers and cards that fit into a letter envelope can also be mailed.
Sending other gifts can create issues in country as often duties will be levied on gifts and the risks of mail theft is greater.

Please avoid sharing personal contact information in your letters as sometimes this information can be found by others who may attempt to use it for their own gain.

If you have any questions regarding your sponsorship, you can call us any time toll-free at 1-800-494-4454 and we'll be happy to help.

Letters to your sponsored family can be addressed and mailed to our office in British Columbia. We bundle sponsor letters together to save shipping costs.

Mail your letters to:
Mission Without Borders Canada
C/C Sponsorship
Box 2007
Abbotsford, BC V2T-3T8

There is no lock-in period for sponsorship and you can cancel your support any time you want. If you choose to end your sponsorship, we will ensure that the family will get a new sponsor as quickly as possible. 

Yes!
Sponsored families love it when their sponsors visit their communities.

We do have a process everyone must follow to arrange a visit to ensure the safety of all involved, especially the children.
This process can take a number of weeks, so if you'd like to arrange a visit please reach out to us as soon as possible prior to making travel plans.

When visiting your sponsored family, Mission Without Borders staff in the community will arrange for you to meet the family, act as translators and help explain how the family is working with the mission.

To find out more about how you can visit your sponsored family, call us at 1-800-494-4454