Support Ethiopia: Humanitarian Aid Project
Despite the government’s immense efforts to overcome existing challenges, the children of Ethiopia remain vulnerable. CAII is committed to improving the living conditions for the children waiting to be adopted but also for those children who may never be adopted. Several projects are under way to help meet immediate needs and promote long-term changes that will strengthen communities and improve the lives of children and families: .
Child Sponsorship
You have the power to change a child’s life! When you choose to sponsor a child in need, you will create a unique friendship with a child who will know your name and treasure the thought that you care. Your support will provide the basic necessities that most of us take for granted. Once you are matched with a child, you will receive photos, a personal story about his/her family and community, and details on how your sponsored child will benefit from your support. You will also receive an annual report about your child’s well-being and progress. You can correspond with your sponsor child through letters, postcards and photos. He or she may even write back!
Sponsor a child today and see for yourself the difference that less than a dollar can make in a child’s life.
Your tax-deductible monthly pledge of $35 (or $420 annually) will provide:
• Educational materials
• School Uniforms
• Clean Water
• Health care
• Other daily necessities
Foster a Family
Millions of children have never lived in a home. For them, “home” is a parentless, overcrowded room. You can provide an alternative to institutional care by giving a child a home with all of the emotional and psychological benefits of being raised in a real family. When you sponsor a foster child, you are supporting a foster family.
Your tax-deductible monthly pledge of $40 (or $480 annually) will provide:
• Financial Assistance
• Food/Nutrition
• Health care
• Economic Development
• Clean Water
• Shelter/Housing
General Donation
There are so many needs in Ethiopia that even a small donation can make a difference. Give a gift of any amount to help Waiting Children, or your support can be applied where needed most. Donations to CAII qualify as charitable contributions and are tax-deductible. 100% of your donation will go towards programs that benefit children, families, and communities in need.
For questions regarding our humanitarian aid projects, contact Ethiopia Program Director,
Simone Hines-Ferrell, at simoneh@commonwealthadoption.org or 520-327-7574.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sponsorship
How much does it cost to sponsor a child?
We ask for a minimum donation of $35 per month for child sponsorship and $40 per month to foster a family. programs. Your gift may also be prepaid quarterly or annually; whichever is most convenient for you.
Will this cost rise as the child grows up?
Should the cost of sponsorship/fostership rise we will let you know. However, we anticipate that sponsors will continue to pay their existing rate unless the difference becomes too great.
Where does the money go?
100% of the sponsorship money received goes towards the expenses of the child.
How are children chosen for sponsorship/fostership?
Most sponsored/fostered children live with family members in a community or village. Our in country coordinator identify and then verify the chosen children and their families.
When you send your payment we will select a child who needs sponsorship/fostership and send the details.
What is the difference between the Child Sponsorship and Foster a Family programs?
Children selected for the sponsor program generally live in government or private orphanages. These children need assistance with school tuition, uniforms, educational materials, and more.
Many of our foster children are orphans due to AIDS. Their relatives, or others in the community, are suddenly obliged to become the sole provider for these children--often in addition to their own children. When you foster a child, you are providing assistance to the family that is taking care of the child’s daily needs.
What will I get as a sponsor?
Within a few weeks, you should receive a photo of your sponsored/fostered child, along with information about his/her family and community and details on how your child will benefit from your support. You will also receive annual updates on your sponsored/fostered child’s progress, education, and well-being.
Can I sponsor/foster more than one child?
Yes! You can sponsor/foster as many children as you wish. There are many, many children waiting.
What if I cannot continue my payments? What will happen to the child?
We understand that financial and personal situations change. If you need to cancel, just let us know and we will find another sponsor for your child. Your child will not be neglected. CAII will ensure that the funding commitment to the project is maintained.
Can I write to my sponsor/foster child?
We enourage you to write to your sponsor/foster child. However, we cannot make children reply to every letter or write a thank you letter for every gift. Our primary concern is the welfare and happiness of the child and we would like him/her to feel the love and support they are getting is unconditional.
For questions regarding our humanitarian aid projects, contact Ethiopia Program Director,
Simone Hines-Ferrell, at simoneh@commonwealthadoption.org or 520-327-7574.
Mexico Orphanage Humanitarian Aid
Posted May. 24, 2004
At Commonwealth Adoptions International we help families find their happy endings with children from all around the world. The Mexico border is less than two hours away from the Commonwealth headquarters in Tucson, Arizona. Although difficult circumstances in Mexico prevent CAI from running an adoption program there, we have found ways to fulfill our greater mission of humanitarian aid to children throughout the world by frequently volunteering our time at places like the Casa de Elizabeth Orphanage in Imuris, Mexico. We have sponsored three children at the orphanage and visit Casa de Elizabeth every year in order to drop off toys, books, food, and monetary donations.
One of our volunteers reflects about our last trip on May 5, 2007:
Lessons Learned in Imuris
By Emma Collignon, University of Arizona Student
As I traveled the mere two hours from Tucson to Imuris, Mexico, I had no idea that I was about to receive a big lesson on humility and love. And more surprisingly, the people who were going to teach me this lesson were not adults or spiritual leaders, but children living in the Casa de Elizabeth Orphanage. As soon as I stepped out of our dusty car, the lesson began.
Just as I was taking in my surroundings my hand was being grabbed by one little girl and another was embracing me in a warm hug. Without even so much as a “Hello,” I had been accepted into their tender lives. It amazed me how open the hearts of these children were and how much they trusted in us. The children who weren’t attaching themselves to the CAI staff were jumping in the back of one of the volunteer’s trucks for a ride down the road. As fast as the truck came to a stop and the trailer was opened, a line formed of children willing to help unload the truck. Even though I’m sure much of their excitement was due to the fact that we were bringing new toys, it touched my heart to see their willingness to lend a hand. As little girls and boys hauled heavy boxes over their shoulders and held our hands, I realized why these children were so different; they served and loved their fellow human beings.
My new teachers continued to enlighten me as we played on their jungle gym after lunch. Their never-ending giggles brought warmth to my heart and their radiant smiles brought joy to my eyes. Their spirit was contagious and I played like a kid again. As I was pushing three kids on the swings while helping another down the slide, I forgot the slight sadness that I had felt while driving to the orphanage. I was worried that the situation these children lived in would just depress me too much to enjoy the time I got to spend with them. Just the opposite occurred. I entirely forgot the hardships these small human beings had faced throughout their entire lives. They were not jaded by the fact that their situation was maybe less than desirable. In fact, their love for life overpowered any sadness that may have lingered in the air.
A famous author once wrote, “In the faces of children I have seen a look of wisdom and of kindness expressed with such ease and such certainty that I know it was the expression of the whole race.” The children at the Casa de Elizabeth Orphanage were the face of kindness, humility, and love for me that day. It is the way that these children love selflessly that reminds us all of what it means to be a member of the human race. And it was their great expression of wisdom, love, and kindness that reminded me of what it means to have a pure soul and to be sensitive to the sweet nature of human existence. I thank the children of what they unknowingly taught me that day. Although my lesson may have ended as we departed on the dusty street on which we arrived, the education will stay with me always. I am most certainly a better citizen after being a student to the children living at the Casa de Elizabeth Orphanage.
Special Thanks to:
Shirlee Davidson
Karen Jick
Vi Pierce
Reed Family
Crawford Family
Mark Rome, Inc.
Yarger Family
Lorraine Drobny
Terri McSherry
Cleveland Family
Debbie Cutler
Tracy Masten
Strehlow family
Schulze/Adams family
Maya Spinning
And the Duffy Family!
Arizona Staff
And anyone else I’m sorry to have missed.
Posted March 15, 2007
Time for Another Trip to Mexico!
Please take a moment to watch this clip:
Casa de Elizabeth Orphanage Clip
This young woman you see is Giselle, the daughter of the orphanage directors at Casa de Elizabeth- the orphanage Commonwealth Adoptions International has supported for over 4 years. But there will be something different about this year's trip to Casa de Elizabeth for Commonwealth Adoptions International...
That difference will be that there are three very special children who are waiting to meet us, and we to meet them.
Case de Elizabeth began a child sponsorship program last year. CAI was on board immediately and raised enough funds to sponsor Ana Cristina, age 13, and Cruz, age 10.
Later this year, with the generosity of another donor, we were able to sponsor a third child, Abraham, age 13.
Everyone here at Commonwealth Adoptions is thrilled to make our trip again this year on May 5th. Again, we plan to make a plentiful lunch for the children and spend a day playing and bonding, with all of the children, and especially our sponsored children with whom we've been corresponding.
But we need your help! We have yet to meet our minimum goal of $1000 to be able to make lunch for the 80+ children as well as all of the staff. The remainder of the money will be spent on renewing the sponsorships of our 3 children. Please we need your support! Please contact our office at 520.327.7574 or email michelley@commonwealthadoption.org to see how you can help.
Or mail your tax-deductible donation to:
Commonwealth Adoptions International, Inc.
ATTN: Mexico Orphanage Trip
1585 E. River Rd, Suite 121
Tucson, AZ 85718
--------------------------------------------------------------- Posted June 6, 2006
A Joyous Visit in Mexico
By Elizabeth Kirkevold(CAI Intern from Grand Canyon University)
Three young boys of the Casa de Elizabeth orphanage in Imuris, Mexico greeted the two vehicles full of Commonwealth staff, volunteers and donations on the warm Friday morning. The three boys began helping unload the vehicles as soon as the cars turned off. A few other children quickly caught on and immediately began to help in any way they could. When the donations were completely unloaded, some of us waited around patiently for the next instructions. Others decided to look around the orphanage for children to meet.
As I was walking down the dark, unlit hallway of the orphanage, a friendly nine-year-old girl came out of her room. I greeted her
with a “hello”. Before verbally greeting me, she reached out her hand and tickled my waist. As we walked down the hall together, tickling back and forth, we came to an open doorway to the courtyard of the orphanage. Donations were being distributed to the ecstatic children waiting anxiously. As we stood in the doorway watching the commotion, we looked at each other and smiled, yet to exchange words. “Como se llama?” I asked her. “Elizabeth,” was her response. Joy filled my face as I realized that even though our communication is lacking, we had something in common. I told her that my name was Elizabeth as well, and she smiled, trying to hide just how excited she was.
Watching the other children in line receiving their gifts, I wondered why this little girl would rather watch from afar as the other children anxiously awaited their turn in line. I reminded myself, that each of these children comes from different life experiences and events, which have helped each child, develop individually from another. Being an orphan does not automatically make her anxious to receive gifts from others.
I decided it was time to go join the party that was going on outside in the courtyard. Observing the chaos, I slowly walked out. Two teenage residents of the orphanage were instructing the children to get in a line so the toys would be distributed accordingly. The children patiently awaited their turn in line, and then scurried out of the way where they found a spot to sit down and inspect their new treasure. After looking at their own toys, many children showed their friends and passed around each other’s toys.One little girl, received a brand new doll. She was so excited to have it out of the packaging that when I tried to motion to her that I would help her, she became cautious. As soon as I smiled at her, she was comforted that I would not take the doll and run. I helped her take all the twist-ties off the doll packaging and as she took the doll from my hands, she embraced it as if it was her own child.
As children continued to play with their new toys, the CAI staff and volunteers were busy in the kitchen fixing 150 lunches with a sandwich, baby carrots, string cheese, and a scrumptious cookie for dessert. With the help of some of the older children and the regular cook at the orphanage, this process went smoothly and quickly with some good laughs throughout.As the lunches were handed out, the children were very grateful. One particular table of young boys each looked me in the eye as their lunch was handed to them, and smiled with a sincere “Thank you.” As soon as I smiled back and said, “You’re welcome,” they dove right in to their food. Rather than throwing away what they did not want in order to get a second plate, some children compiled all their leftover food onto one person’s plate.
After lunch, the children went outside or into their room to continue playing. Some of the children decided to beat the hot midday sun by engaging in a friendly water fight with a couple of the volunteers using the miniature squirt guns some had received. Some of the children graduated from squirt guns to cups of water.
While it was sad to say good-bye again, the visit was a blast and the CAI staff look forward to going again next year. I am sure the children and staff of the orphanage look forward to seeing us again. If there is one thing I am reminded of from this experience, it is this: These children teach us what it means to be happy with the simple things in life, such as having the same name as a friendly stranger or blowing bubbles so much your cheeks start to hurt, but you don’t want to stop. These children understand their circumstances and look to the future for hope and confidence.Thank you to everyone who helped bring a smile to many displaced children’s lives. Families, parents, children, staff, and volunteers, a very special thank you.
If you would like more information about donating to a future trip to Casa de Elizabeth in Imuris, please contact Michelle Yang at 520-327-7574 or email her at michelley@commonwealthadoption.org
From Michelle:
Special Thanks to all of our wonderful Commonwealth Families and friends who gave so generously to this project!
We exceeded our goal of $1000 in monetary donations and received record amount in donations of clothes, toys, toiletries, and other supplies. In fact, we had so many donations that we feared we might not be able to fit everything! But alas, our intern Liz and her mom came to the rescue with their Suburban!
After purchasing food for the orphanage, we were able to squeeze out just enough ($840) – thanks to staff members who chipped in extra – to sponsor 2 children from Casa de Elizabeth for one full year. We are thrilled for the opportunity to do this and eager to receive monthly updates from the kids and sharing them with you.
Approximate monthly expenses for care of each child at Casa de Elizabeth is $35/month, which includes food, shelter, clothing, shoes, medicines, personal hygiene and school supplies.
Our sponsored children are:
Francisco, age 10 and Ana Christina, age 13
We are eagerly awaiting more info.
Again, huge thanks to our donors, our families and our dedicated staff!
Posted Jan. 13, 2006
2006 Humanitarian Trip to Mexico Orphanage
This year, the staff at Commonwealth Adoptions International will make our annual donation trip to the Casa de Elizabeth Orphanage in Imuris, Sonora, Mexico on April 22, 2006!
This is one of our favorite events of the year and we can't wait!
Like last year, we will be making lunch for the kids, facing painting, and just playing with them. We hope to surpass last year's $1000 in cash donations and we hope to get even more clothes, school supplies, and non-perishable food items.
Please help the Casa de Elizabeth Orphanage with your support.
Some of the items needed are:
Shoes (All sizes needed)
Children’s Tylenol and vitamins
Clothing (all sizes needed)
Children’s shampoo, brushes, combs, etc
Educational Materials in Spanish
First Aid Supplies
Children’s Books in Spanish
Creative Arts Materials
Sheets, towels and cleaning supplies
Toys
Toiletries and bathroom tissue
Cleaning supplies
Toothpaste and toothbrushes
Soaps and lotions
Canned food
Vitamins and cough and cold medicines
Your help is appreciated!
Report from the 2005 Trip:
Smiles in Mexico: An Orphanage Donation Trip Report
By Ashley Farrington
(CAI Intern from University of Arizona)
The orphanage’s lunchroom quickly filled with the bangs of chairs and voices of excited children as everyone found their places to sit for lunch. The Commonwealth staff waited patiently behind a counter covered with trays of endless sandwiches, cheese sticks, and baby carrots. Suddenly, a hush overcame the room. Everyone bowed his or her head as one child began to pray for the meal to come.
An “amen” was muttered, and the lunchroom resumed its state of loud and eager anticipation. The children, of various ages and backgrounds, traded and shared their sandwiches and cookies with each other as they sat around the large lunch tables. As the lunch hour progressed, many of them stopped by where we were sitting in order to mutter a sheepish “Thank you” in English before taking their dirty plates to the kitchen.
The Mexico border is less than two hours away from the
Commonwealth headquarters in Tucson, Arizona. Although Commonwealth does not have an adoption program in Mexico, we have found ways to fulfill our greater mission of humanitarian aid to children throughout the world by frequently volunteering our time at places like the Casa de Elizabeth Orphanage in Imuris, Mexico. This year, we were able to carry down three carloads of toys, clothes, and several other items, plus an envelope of monetary donations, all of which came from various organizations and from our very own CAII adoptive families! 
Monetary donations were used to purchase food for the lunch we prepared for the children, and the remainder was given to the orphanage volunteers to buy whatever they needed for the orphanage. The toy donations were distributed to all of the children, who patiently and obediently waited their turn in line. One child tugged on my shirt, “Yo quiero ese,” she said, pointing to a large stuffed dolphin. I took the dolphin from the donation bag and handed it to her. She squealed with delight and held the stuffed animal close to her for the rest of the day.
While many of the girls were busy getting their faces painted, a group of boys grabbed some soccer balls and started a game. It was quite a sight to see the CAII staff participating in the soccer games, and the children seemed to enjoy having more people to play with them.
Before long, the number of Commonwealth staff members
was completely overpowered by a mob of children wanting to participate in the face painting activity. Some children decided to become artists themselves, offering to paint their friends as well as the faces of the CAII staff! Soon every child in the vicinity wanted to join in on the painting. A crowd of eager, smiling faces encircled the face painting table as those privileged few that held paintbrushes struggled to accommodate for everyone. The situation started to get a little out of control by that point. Some of the “painters” decided that the CAII volunteers would look better if their entire faces were painted, and set about accomplishing this task using the various paints and glitter we had provided them. The result was a couple of Commonwealth volunteers who now blended in wonderfully in the sea of glittery flowers, cars, and dogs that covered the faces of the Casa de Elizabeth children.As we were leaving, a few of us had the opportunity to talk one-on-one with the twelve-year old boy we had observed taking care of the younger children all day at the orphanage. I asked him about his life; curious as to whether he was hopeful of being adopted anytime soon.
<“I have five more years here,” he told me very matter-of-factly.
“And what happens after five years?” I asked. “What will you do then?”
“In five years,” he said, “I will leave here and go find myself a family.”
Our hearts went out to these orphans from Imuris, especially after spending an entire day with them eating lunch, doing crafts, and playing sports. While they all had a strong sense of camaraderie and seemed to look out for one another, we still couldn’t help but imagine how better off they would be at home with a loving family. There really is only so much love that a small group of volunteers at the orphanage can possibly give out to over 100 children. The Commonwealth staff left the orphanage that day feeling lucky to have been able to share some of our time and resources with this incredible group of children, and look forward to returning in the very near future.
A huge special thank you for all our families and donors for making this trip happen! We raised over $1000 in cash and lots of donated goods. Thanks also to the Arizona Office Staff for volunteering their time!
If you would like more information about making a donation to a future trip to the Imuris orphanage, please contact Michelle Yang at 520-327-7574.
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Posted Dec. 8, 2005
Learn about the Genocide in Darfur
Save Darfur
www.savedarfur.orgThere is a genocide taking place in the Darfur region of Sudan, Africa, right now.
Current situation in Darfur (Excerpt from savedarfur.org)
Two years into the crisis, the western Sudanese region of Darfur is acknowledged to be a humanitarian and human rights tragedy of the first order. According to recent reports by the World Food Program, the United Nations and the Coalition for International Justice, 3.5 million people are now hungry, 2.5 million have been displaced due to violence, and 400,000 people have died in Darfur thus far. The international community is failing to protect civilians itself or to influence the Sudanese government to do so. Read more.
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www.savedarfur.org or www.ushmm.org
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Read about Hurricane Katrina Relief
Read about Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief
Although everyone here at Commonwealth Adoptions International is relieved to find that all of our families that we've worked with over the years in the Gulf area are safe, our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has been affected by this terrible disaster.
Commonwealth Adoptions International offices are trying to find ways to help. Our Northeastern office has already donated cases water to those who have evacuated to the Pittsburgh area. Our other offices are currently working with other local organizations in order to find ways to help.
We urge everyone to give as much as they can to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund by clicking here or by calling:
1-800-HELP-NOW (1-800-435-7669)
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Commitment
Commonwealth is committed to improving the health and well-being of children around the world. We are actively engaged in raising funds and gathering supplies for orphanages in all of our programs.
For example, Commonwealth raised funds to provide Hepatitus A vaccinations for the children waiting in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. Families contributed over $9,000 toward this goal and Commonwealth matched them.For an orphanage in Medellin, Colombia, Commonwealth families collected much-needed toiletries, toothbrushes, bottles and diapers. Boxes of supplies were sent to make it possible for these children to have basic necessities. We continue to donate – so please, if you wish to help, let us know!
One China associate started a special project for the older girls in an orphanage. She asked that we and our families raise funds for computers for them. We did just this, in order to open a new world of communication for these special girls!
Commonwealth is involved in projects like these all the time, each and every day.In September of 2001, after the terrorist attack, we never stopped our adoptions. Our families did not allow anyone or anything to break their commitment to adopt their children from overseas. We will always be grateful to them, for their bravery and the love that continues to shine through adversity.
Please keep Commonwealth in mind and the children in your hearts when you plan your charitable giving. We appreciate your kindness!
Wish List
- Money ( tax deductible!)
- Medicines– ask us what is needed
- Toiletries and toothbrushes
- New clothes, shoes or sandals for infants and toddlers and for boys and girls age 5 to 12
- Toys, puzzles, art materials
- Musical equipment
