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Polina
Ready to take the stage, Polina loves to sing and dance. The 5-year-old lives with a big family at her grandmother’s house in Ukraine. Polina already knows that she wants to be a teacher. Sponsorship will help her make it happen.
HCC1589
Dhanashree
Dhanashree’s rich imagination is a force for good. Living with her family in India, the grade 5 student loves drawing, painting, and languages. But her heart is in education: the aspiring teacher wants nothing more than to help other children learn and succeed.
VHN1738
Kalpana
With a passion for dancing, Kalpana is a bright light for her family. Her father passed away and her mother is ill and struggles to support Kalpana and her sister. Sponsorship will be a blessing during these tough times.
BCO1229
Jhayleord
Jhayleord takes his studies seriously and prefers reading and science to anything else. The amiable 10-year-old lives with his parents and brother in urban Manila. Sponsorship will give him access to nutrition, tutoring, and enrichment activities.
NBB1728
Richard
Richard’s greatest goal is to help people in his community in rural Ghana. In grade 6, Richard loves farming and math class. With sponsorship, he’ll achieve whatever he sets his mind to.
SAM3628
Roizza
From the rural Philippines, Roizza is 8 years old and loves reading and drawing. She lives with her family of 6 and wants to do well in school because it will make her parents proud and happy. A sponsor will give her the supplies she needs to succeed.
KBP1717
Steward
Steward’s mathematical mind is perfectly suited for his dream career: accounting. But his parents struggle to find employment and are not able to fulfill their children’s school needs. Sponsorship will make an enormous difference in his life.
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Haiti and Ukraine: Countries in Crisis Chalice Manager Randy is never off the clock these days. As Chalice’s international operations manager for Haiti and Ukraine, he expects to receive messages at odd hours. Local staff in both countries cannot rely on electricity, internet connection, or even a safe workplace. They try to maintain daily contact. But they are not cheerful messages. “From the Ukraine sites these days, I’m sensing a little more fear, especially now that the frequency and breadth of the Russian missile attack seems to be heightened,” Randy says. “So that’s creating fear amongst the site staff, but they’re also doubling down on determination to get through it. “From the Haiti sites, the gang control and the gang violence remain high, and seem to be only increasing. There’s a sense that the world isn’t paying attention to what’s going on in Haiti, or doesn’t care, which is sad.” He said there isn’t enough appreciation of just how dangerous it is in Haiti right now. Children and Chalice staff members put their lives at risk to venture out. Kidnapping and theft are daily occurrences, even in rural areas. One Chalice staffer commutes by public transit and gets stopped at four roadblocks each way, each demanding money in exchange for safe passage. Despite the challenges in each country, sponsored families have access to their bank accounts and receive their sponsorship funds. “Those are funds that go right into the family bank accounts, and then the families have some flexibility to spend them on whatever their greatest need is at the time. Usually, it’s food.” Hunger is the greatest concern at our
Haiti sites. The security risks coupled with a fuel shortage make importing food nearly impossible. Families must rely on local farmers and the underground market for food. Goods come at steep prices, beyond what a family can afford without support, like sponsorship. That is the saving grace of Chalice’s family-funding model, Randy says. “Families receive the funds, and then they’re able to at least buy some food, wherever they can.” Beyond the financial support, Chalice sponsorship has offered the families a wellspring of hope and compassion. “The bright light is the fact that Chalice is still there, and we’re still trying to do as much as we can,” Randy says. “We have sponsors that still care and are committed to continuing the sponsorship.” Sponsors are also increasing their
gifts of “special money” to their children. Even small additions to their regular sponsorship can make a tremendous difference for a family in crisis. Some supporters are also donating at the site level, which the staff can spend on urgent needs. Food is at the top of the list. Sponsors can also send letters and cards to their children, in both Haiti and Ukraine. Your presence, even from afar, offers consolation and solidarity. “They still rely heavily on their faith,” Randy says. “They’re praying that somehow, someway, a solution will be found.” Randy’s message for sponsors in Ukraine and Haiti is simple: “Stay committed and don’t give up on your sponsorship. Have confidence,” and “keep both countries front and centre in your prayers.”
Elder Health from A to Zunilda A Friend in Need... Despite an ongoing battle with Erika came to the house the same day and was able to make sure she cancer, Zunilda is upbeat and was OK. affectionate. Erika continued to check on her The 83-year-old woman lives in the following days. Thankfully, with her daughter, Macarena, everything was fine. and her three grandchildren. The occupational therapist, “She is also very active, constantPaulo, had visly cleaning the ited Zunilda sevhouse or cookeral times and he ing,” the site was aware that staff say. “Her she was prone to passion is listenfalls. He assessed ing to music.” that a cane would Zunilda is be all she needed one of 45 sponto have a new sored and 15 and safer lease non-sponsored on life. elders in the With some sponsor site in activities centred Arica, Chile, on balance and participating in hand-eye co-ortheir two-year dination, Zunilda program called has improved Holistic Health her co-ordinain Mind, Body, tion and balance. and Spirit for She’s also just Elders. plain having fun! Through this “The visits program, every “I am not alone. I have you.” from the nurse elder receives a customized care and the therapist have given me a lot of security plan devised by a diverse healthand joy,” Zunilda writes. “I look care team. The team includes an forward to the day of their visit occupational therapist, nurse, because they are so playful and psychologist, Chalice fieldworker, loving.” and a social worker. “From the bottom of my heart, Zunilda looked forward to her I thank Chalice for caring about first visit from Erika, the nurse. us seniors” Zunilda remains hopeHer arrival was providentially ful during her cancer treatment, timed. saying, “I believe I will get ahead Macarena had left the house for because I am not alone; I have you a few days to attend appointments who watch over my well-being. in another city. In her absence, May God bless you abundantly.” Zunilda took a fall. Thankfully,
I am often struck by how many ways Chalice must be present to our site staff as they strive to be there when our sponsored families, children, and elderly face difficulties. Father Patrick Being a sponCosgrove, sor with Chalice President at is a little bit like Chalice being a caring friend. A friend doesn’t choose how and when they will help and support, circumstances do. A friend helps because they are close by when disaster strikes, or an emergency happens, or when a problem arises. A sponsor is just that friend, and I am very grateful when we can put into action the support and loving kindness our sponsors want to offer their sponsored child or elder. It is a privilege to be able to work with the staff, religious, priests, and bishops who give their time and effort so generously from the heart. And the result is so gratifying! Together, we are making small differences in people’s lives with each interchange. I hope you enjoy reading examples of how often your donations have helped. May our loving God continue to bless the hearts and lives of both sponsors and sponsored, as well as all those who connect the two in their work.
Our mission is to reveal God’s love in action by serving the poor, with the Global Catholic Community
Spring 2023