start the adventure
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WELCOME TO
UNBOUND We know from experience that a person can overcome poverty when somebody believes in them and offers a helping hand. By choosing to become a sponsor through Unbound, you're extending that hand. Sponsorship says, “I believe in you. I believe in your potential. I believe in your dreams. I want to help you achieve them.� You're giving your new friend the precious gift of hope and the opportunity to create a better future for themselves, their family and community. As a member of the worldwide Unbound community, you're now beginning an exciting journey. Thank you for making that choice. 2
CONTENTS 4
WHAT’S NEXT?
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WHO WE ARE
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OUR FOUNDERS
10 OUR WORK 12 STEWARDSHIP 14 LETTER WRITING 18 HELP SPREAD THE WORD 20 TRIPS 22 OTHER WAYS TO GIVE 3
WHAT’S NEXT? 1. MAKE YOUR SPONSORSHIP CONTRIBUTION Once that happens, we notify your friend that they now have a sponsor and will begin receiving support right away. If you've already made your initial contribution, thank you! Your receipt is on its way. If not, we’ll mail you a statement so you can make your first contribution and begin your sponsorship.
2. WATCH YOUR MAIL We’ll send you mailing labels and tips for writing your friend. You’ll also receive letters from your friend at least twice a year and publications with stories about the impact you're making.
3. SEND A LETTER AND A PHOTO Go to Unbound.org. All you need to register is your membership ID. It’s on your receipt. You can write your friend an eLetter and photo, and print a copy of your friend's photo. Learn about the benefits and services available to your friend. Manage your account, view payment history, make contributions and more. Read stories from around the world to see the impact sponsorship makes.
FRIENDSHIP STARTS WITH A LETTER Letters can become a cherished part of your relationship. Help your friend get to know you as a real person. Start to become acquainted by writing to introduce yourself. You can send a picture, too. Imagine how special your friend will feel hearing from you.
See page 14 for more about letter writing. 4
PAYMENT OPTIONS Your financial commitment is a vital part of your sponsorship. It provides steady support to your friend and their family. We want to make contributing easy, so choose what works best for you!
AUTOMATIC BANK WITHDRAWAL This is the most cost-effective way to contribute. It’s safe, convenient and saves on postage and paper.
CREDIT CARD Use your Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express to make your monthly contribution.
ONLINE AT UNBOUND.ORG Use our secure site to pay with your bank account or credit card. You can set up automatic payments or make one-time donations.
CHECK PAYABLE TO 'UNBOUND' Include the payment coupon from the bottom of your receipt OR Write your membership number in the memo line of your check.
IMPORTANT: Besides being against Unbound policy for sponsored persons to accept such funds, money can be lost or stolen en route, personal information can be compromised, and your friend or local staff could be placed in danger. Always mail your checks to Unbound, P.O. Box 219114, Kansas City, MO 64121-9114. Contributions are tax–deductible as allowed by law unless otherwise noted. Unbound is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, federal EIN: 43-1243999.
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WHO WE ARE Unbound is an international nonprofit founded by lay Catholics grounded in the Gospel call to put the needs of the marginalized and vulnerable first. We build relationships of mutual respect and support that bridge cultural, religious and economic divides. We invite all people of goodwill to join us. Working side by side with people of diverse faith traditions in 19 countries, we bring people together to challenge poverty in new and innovative ways. 6
HOW WE WORK Poverty isn't just about lack of money — it’s about lack of choices. We've found that when families have greater choices through support and encouragement, they build toward a brighter future. They invest in the education of their children. They develop livelihoods and become active community participants in a spirit of true sustainability. Local Unbound staff work with families at the grassroots level. Our social workers visit the homes of the families and listen to their needs. They work with children to set education goals. They visit the elderly. They bring families together in small groups to support one another and improve their communities. When you partner with us in this effort, your sponsorship provides direct, personal support for your friend and their family. It encourages them. It gives them choices. It allows them to develop their talents and fulfill their potential.
WHERE WE WORK Bolivia
Guatemala
Peru
Chile
Honduras
Philippines
Colombia
India
Tanzania
Costa Rica
Kenya
Uganda
Dominican Republic
Madagascar
Venezuela
Ecuador
Mexico
El Salvador
Nicaragua 7
OUR FOUNDERS A PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH Bob Hentzen, the late co-founder of Unbound, showed us how to walk alongside families striving to overcome poverty. On his 60th birthday, Bob embarked on a 4,000-mile walk from our Kansas City headquarters to Guatemala. In a humble, countercultural act, he walked south while the world seemed to be heading north. He walked in gratitude for all he had learned from the families he met over the years. Thirteen years later, in December 2009, Bob set out once more on foot, this time on an 18-month journey that took him 8,000 miles from Guatemala to Chile. He carried a special message from all of us to 183,000 families served by Unbound living in 12 countries along the way. He walked with them and talked with them. He wanted to personally tell them, “You are not alone. We believe in you.”
“IF THERE IS ANYBODY ON EARTH WHO UNDERSTANDS PILGRIMAGE IT’S THESE PEOPLE. BECAUSE PILGRIMAGE IMPLIES HOPE, IT IMPLIES SACRIFICE, IT IMPLIES A LOT OF FAITH. IT IMPLIES A VISION THAT YOU TRY TO DO TOGETHER.” BOB HENTZEN, CO-FOUNDER
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THE FOUNDING VISION
BOB
The vision for Unbound began in 1981 with Bob, Bud and Jim Hentzen, their sister Nadine Pearce and their friend Jerry Tolle. Bob and Jerry were former missionaries who witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of poverty while working in Latin America.
JERRY
They met hard-working families struggling heroically to make better lives for their children. The founders envisioned a program that would invite people to partner with these families to support and encourage them.
BUD
Guided by their faith and rooted in Catholic social teaching, the founders created a personalized sponsorship program. The goal was to empower families and connect the world with their struggles. The founders’ commitment to
JIM
these principles, demonstrated by their passionate and dedicated example, continues to inspire us today.
NADINE
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OUR WORK
SMALL GROUPS
We believe in the power of people coming together with a common purpose. That’s why Unbound’s small group model is a cornerstone of our program. Parents work hard to bring their families out of poverty, and they shouldn't have to do it alone. We bring families together in groups of 15-30 to create support networks. The families encourage and are accountable to one another. They help design and implement the sponsorship program in their communities. In many countries where we work, mothers are often the primary caretakers for their children. Many struggle in isolation to provide for their families. Unbound groups offer these mothers stability within a caring environment. The mothers build confidence by tapping into the strengths that are within each of them and by unlocking their creative potential together. They share ideas, pool resources and develop livelihoods. Ultimately, they become agents of positive change in their communities. Visit unbound.org to learn more about families and mothers changing their lives 10
with the help of small groups.
FAMILIES AS DECISION MAKERS We believe families should have the primary voice in making decisions that will impact their lives. Our experience shows that families know what they need to overcome the challenges they face. This is why families are the primary decision makers in the Unbound program. Each family has their own unique needs and goals. Your sponsorship allows your friend and their family to select benefits designed to help them achieve those goals. With the support and guidance of Unbound social workers and other staff, families use sponsorship funds to cover needs like school fees and supplies, food, housing improvements and transportation costs.
Log in at unbound.org for more information about the benefits available to your friend.
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“YOUR DONATION HELPS CREATE REMARKABLE CHANGE IN THE LIVES OF IMPOVERISHED FAMILIES, AND WE PUT YOUR MONEY TO WORK IMMEDIATELY.” PAUL PEARCE, INTERNATIONAL SENIOR ADVISER
RESPONSIBLE
STEWARDSHIP Responsible, transparent financial management is a hallmark of Unbound. We make sure donations work hard to meet your friend’s needs. This focus results in high ratings from independent charity watchdog groups. For more information about our stewardship and governance, visit unbound.org. 12
GOVERNING BOARD Unbound has a governing board that represents sponsored members, their families and sponsors. It sets the vision and monitors the outcome of our work to help families forge paths out of poverty and accompany sponsors on their paths into solidarity.
“INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS ARE HALLMARKS OF A TRUSTWORTHY ORGANIZATION.” MARTIN KRAUS, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Your privacy is important to us. Unbound does not sell, lease, trade, share or otherwise distribute your personal or financial information, including email addresses, physical addresses, phone numbers or other personal information, to any outside sources. See our full privacy policy at unbound.org.
92.2%
program support
4.4% fundraising 3.4% administration SOURCE: 2016 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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LETTERS
& PHOTOS ACROSS THE MILES Letters bridge the distance that separates you and your friend, creating a connection with the power to change both of your lives. Letters can deepen your connection with your friend and let you offer encouragement, kindness and love.
WHAT SHOULD
YOU SAY? You already have something in common — you chose your friend and your friend chose Unbound. An easy way to start writing is to tell your friend why you chose them. Tell about your life, your family members, pets and activities. If you also ask a few questions, it will help your friend write back. Before you know it, you’ll discover interests in common. Also, do you remember how seeing your sponsored friend's picture was the beginning of that person becoming "real" for you? The same will be true for them if you send a recent photo of yourself. You'll no longer be a faceless stranger — you'll be their new friend in another land! 14
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DON'T SPEAK THE LANGUAGE? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We serve people from diverse backgrounds and cultures who speak a variety of languages. Our local staff members are happy to translate your letters into the local language.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WRITE? Your letter has the power to lift your friend’s spirits. Many sponsored friends save every letter and photo they receive. You can make a difference writing just a couple of times a year. Even if it's just a card with a short note, it will make your friend feel special to know that a real person in a faraway land cares about them enough to take the time to write.
WHEN WILL THE LETTER ARRIVE? Typically, it takes six to eight weeks for letters to reach your sponsored friend. That includes translation time (if needed) and delivery. Our local staff members sort and hand deliver your letters. Letters sent to you go through a similar process.
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DELIVERY OPTIONS eLETTERS AND PHOTOS It’s easy to send letters and photos online at unbound.org. Your eLetter travels electronically to the local office serving your friend. The local staff prints, translates (if needed) and hand delivers the letter. Have fun with different stationery designs available on our site, and be sure to attach your photo. Simply log in at unbound.org/eletters to get started.
REGULAR MAIL You also can send letters and cards to your friend through the mail. Consider including a photo of yourself or your family. It will mean a lot to your friend. Simply use the handy mailing labels we send you. Don’t forget to mail letters using international airmail. Visit your post office or usps.com for Global Forever stamps that will get your letter to anywhere in the world.
PLEASE, NO PACKAGES Due to cost, equity concerns and risk of theft or damage, Unbound does not permit sponsors to send gifts in packages to their sponsored friends. The best gift you can give your friend is a letter or card with a family photo. It’s easy to send and will be treasured by your friend. For more information, contact us at (800) 875-6564 or mail@unbound.org.
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HELP SPREAD THE WORD The world is full of great people like you, and you can help us find them. Thousands of children and elders are anxiously waiting for a sponsor. If every sponsor found just one person to join us, we’d be able to help everyone on our waiting list. Social media is a great way to get the word out. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Post comments on the Unbound blog. We invite you to share your Unbound story on these social media platforms. We simply ask that you help protect your sponsored friend's privacy by only using your friend's first name and country. You can also raise awareness about the work we do and the families we serve by becoming an Unbound Ambassador. Ambassadors are sponsors who help, in a variety of creative ways, get the word out about Unbound and help us reach more caring people willing to help others. Go to unbound.org/volunteer to learn more , or contact our outreach team at (800) 875-6564 or outreach@unbound.org.
SHARE UNBOUND WITH YOUR FRIENDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA Let your friends know you support Unbound. Take a selfie of you with your sponsored friend's picture and post it on your social media sites. Don't forget to use the hashtag #UnboundOrg in your post.
/sponsorachild @unboundorg @unboundorg
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AWARENESS TRIPS Looking for the trip of a lifetime? An Unbound Awareness Trip is the best way to see for yourself how families are using the support of sponsorship to overcome poverty. The miles disappear into smiles when you meet your friend and experience the country’s vibrant culture. Suddenly, overcoming poverty goes from a concept to a reality visible in the local Unbound community. Trip costs are reasonable and include food, lodging and most ground transportation. Airfare is not included. Start dreaming about your trip at unbound.org/trips or contact our trip coordinators at trips@unbound.org or (800) 875-6564. 20
PLACES WE TRAVEL Bolivia
El Salvador
Mexico
Chile
Guatemala
Nicaragua
Colombia
Honduras
Peru
Costa Rica
India
Philippines
Dominican Republic
Kenya
Uganda
Ecuador 21
OTHER WAYS
TO GIVE The more you know about Unbound, the more you might want to help sponsored friends meet needs in addition to those addressed by sponsorship. Visit unbound.org to contribute to these special initiatives:
Provide for birthday and holiday celebrations Give scholarship support to dedicated students Help families with disaster assistance Participate in our planned giving program Support education or other needs
BIRTHDAY AND CHRISTMAS FUNDS You may hear from your friend about birthday and Christmas celebrations. The Unbound community often comes together for these special events, and everyone has a ball. Your contributions to the birthday and Christmas funds make this possible. Celebrations and gifts are given on behalf of sponsors.
EDUCATION PROGRAM Our scholarship program makes dreams come true. Scholarships provide financial assistance for students pursuing secondary, university and vocational education. As part of their scholarships, students provide community service. They're also positive role models for younger children. Scholarships are awarded based on economic need, leadership and students' commitment to serving their communities.
DISASTER RESPONSE Our families live on the margins, often in substandard housing. This makes them vulnerable to natural disasters. Contributions for our disaster response efforts help sponsored friends and their families recover from calamities. 22
UNBOUND.ORG 1 Elmwood Ave. Kansas City, KS 66103 (800) 875-6564 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time mail@unbound.org Contributions can be made online or sent to: P.O. Box 219114 Kansas City, MO 64121-9114
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92.2%
program support
3.4% administration 4.4% fundraising Source: 2016 Financial Statements
1 E L MWOOD AV E . , K ANSAS C I TY, KS 661 03 800. 875 .6 5 6 4 • 9 13. 384.6 5 00
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UNBOUND.ORG