Frequently Asked Questions

Choose a student below and start your sponsorship.

Sponsor a Child

About Us

  • Abode for Children is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving orphaned and impoverished children by providing care, education, and faith formation. We do this with the help of sponsors and donors.

    To learn more about Abode for Children, visit our About Us page.

  • Abode for Children is committed to being a faithful steward of every gift entrusted to us. One hundred percent of every child sponsorship goes directly to the care and education of the children we serve. Thanks to the generous support of Gospa Missions and Amazing Grace Books & Gifts, our administrative costs remain exceptionally low, allowing every donated dollar to have a greater impact.

    Our work is also rooted in a longstanding partnership with the Diocese of Guntur in India. By working alongside the local bishop, priests, and religious sisters, we ensure that our programs are guided by those who know the community best and are integrated into the life and mission of the local Church.

    Most importantly, our mission is about more than meeting immediate needs. By providing children with a safe home, a quality education, and the opportunity to grow in faith and character, we equip them to build brighter futures for themselves, support their families, and become leaders who strengthen their communities for generations to come.

  • Yes, Abode for Children is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our EIN number is:  20-4198100

  • Our headquarters is located at 230 E Main St, Evans City, PA 16033.

  • Abode for Children currently operates in southeast India.

  • Abode for Children currently serves children in India. Expanding to additional countries was part of our founder’s vision, and we remain prayerfully open to growing wherever God leads us so we can help more children in need.Our homes and schools are guided by the teachings and values of the Catholic Church. Children participate in the daily life of our community, where they experience an environment centered on faith, prayer, respect, service, and love. At the same time, we respect the dignity and conscience of every child and are committed to serving each one with the same care and compassion.

  • By sponsoring a child, you provide financial support that covers essential needs like education, healthcare, and nutrition, helping them build a brighter future. Visit our How Sponsorship Works page to learn more.

  • 100% of your sponsorship contribution goes directly to support the children at St. Thomas, St. Mother Teresa, and St. Ann’s Junior College Orphanages. Funds are used to care for all the children collectively and are not distributed directly to individuals.

  • It takes about $60/mo sponsors per child to fully cover the cost of food, housing, clothing, and education. Many children have two sponsors who each contribute $30/month, however, $60/month sponsorships are also available.

  • Yes, you can choose from available profiles to find a child you’d like to sponsor or let us match you with a child in need by email us at info@AbodeforChildren.org. 

    Visit our Sponsorship page to start your sponsorship journey.

Child Sponsorship

  • You may continue sponsoring your child as long as he or she remains in the orphanage or school. There is no specific age limit. If your child graduates or leaves the program, we will gladly help you choose another child to sponsor or assign one for you.

  • Absolutely! You are welcome to sponsor as many children as you wish. Many sponsors find great joy in receiving letters from multiple children.

  • Yes. We welcome children of all backgrounds who are in need, regardless of their religion or faith tradition. Our mission is rooted in the Catholic Christian belief that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and love.

    Our homes and schools are guided by the teachings and values of the Catholic Church. Children participate in the daily life of our community, where they experience an environment centered on faith, prayer, respect, service, and love. At the same time, we respect the dignity and conscience of every child and are committed to serving each one with the same care and compassion.

Donations and Financial Responsibility

  • We recognize that every gift entrusted to us is an act of generosity and faith. That is why we are committed to managing our resources with integrity, transparency, and responsible stewardship. 

    We strive to maximize the impact of every donation, and devote 100% of sponsorship gifts directly to care for the children. When you support Abode for Children, you can give with confidence, knowing your generosity is helping share the Gospel, care for vulnerable children, and build a lasting legacy of hope.

  • 100% of your sponsorship contribution goes directly to support the children at St. Thomas, St. Mother Teresa, and St. Ann’s Junior College Orphanages. Funds are used to care for all the children collectively and are not distributed directly to individuals.

  • Gifts designated for a specific fund are used exclusively for the purpose you choose. Whether you support school supplies, transportation, building repairs, or another special need, your donation is directed to that area of our mission. 

    We are committed to being faithful stewards of every gift entrusted to us. To ensure transparency and accountability, our financial records are independently audited each year, so you can give with confidence knowing your generosity is used responsibly and as intended.

  • No, Abode for Children does not distribute cash directly to individual children or families. Instead, we provide for children's needs through our homes and schools by supplying nutritious meals, safe housing, education, healthcare, clothing, and other essential care.

    When families in the surrounding community face hardship, we may also provide practical assistance such as food, clothing, or other necessities. By providing support in this way, we help ensure that every gift is used responsibly to meet genuine needs and have the greatest possible impact.

  • No. To ensure fairness, accountability, and the well-being of every child, we ask that all financial gifts be made through Abode for Children rather than sent directly to a child, family, or village. This allows us to use donations responsibly while meeting the greatest needs of the children and community. 

  • Yes, donations to Abode for Children are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

  • You may give on a one time or recurring basis using:

    • Credit or debit card

    • Automatic bank check

    • Personal check

    • Cash

    For recurring donations, you can also choose how you’d like to receive reminders—by email, regular mail, or not at all—and update your preferences anytime.

  • The most efficient method is an automatic credit or debit-card donation, ideally set up on a recurring basis. This reduces processing fees and ensures your support reaches the children consistently and securely.

    Our homes and schools are guided by the teachings and values of the Catholic Church. Children participate in the daily life of our community, where they experience an environment centered on faith, prayer, respect, service, and love. At the same time, we respect the dignity and conscience of every child and are committed to serving each one with the same care and compassion.

  • Please make your check payable to Abode for Children and fill out the memo with designation, and mail it to our headquarters at 230 E Main St, Evans City, PA 16033.

  • Yes, by a third-party accounting firm.

  • Absolutely. Abode for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, eligible for most corporate matching-gift programs. Ask your employer about matching your donations. Abode for Children operates exclusively for charitable purposes and is fully tax-exempt under federal law. Please email us at help@AbodeforChildren.org with any questions.

Getting Involved

  • Stay involved by communicating with your sponsored child, prayer, staying updated through our weekly emails and quarterly newsletters published by our parent organization Gospa Missions.

  • We welcome volunteers and partnerships! Please contact us for more information on how you can get involved. Email us at help@abodeforchildren.org for more information.

  • You can share our mission by hosting informational sessions, distributing materials, or organizing fundraising events in your parish or community. Email Help@AbodeforChildren to learn more.

  • There are several beautiful ways to extend your impact:

    1. Pray for the children. Your spiritual support is powerful and deeply appreciated.

    2. Give to the Mission Support Fund. This helps with maintenance, special events, and education for village children.

    3. Request Masses. Mass intentions for special needs or loved ones help support priests in the Guntur Diocese, many of whom serve in very poor parishes.

      • A $10 donation includes a commemorative card—a meaningful keepsake or gift.

      • Mass requests can be made at any time.

Communicating with my Sponsored Child

  • Yes, writing to your sponsored child is encouraged and helps build a personal connection.

  • We encourage you to write to your child and share stories about your family and daily life. The children read and write English and love receiving letters. Please include a photo of yourself or your family—these are deeply treasured and often proudly shown to friends.

    We strongly discourage sending money, as U.S. currency cannot be used in Guntur. Any funds received will be applied to our Mission Support Fund, which supports community needs and special celebrations.

    Please send only greeting cards or letters, which may include one or two flat items such as photos, bookmarks, or holy cards. Due to international regulations, please DO NOT send seeds. 

    Mailing note: Please send all correspondence through Abode for Children. Do not mail anything directly to the orphanage.

  • Yes! Whenever possible, your child will write to you twice a year—typically at Christmas and Easter—whether or not you’ve written first. Younger children who are not yet able to write may send drawings. Letters are reviewed by staff in India and then mailed to you by Abode for Children.

  • Writing letters is encouraged because it helps build a meaningful connection to your sponsored child, but it is not required. If you prefer not to correspond, you can still make a lasting impact through your monthly sponsorship, or by making a monthly gift to our mission support fund to be used wherever the need is greatest. 

  • We are happy to answer any questions you have. Please send us an email at help@abodeforchildren.org.

Sponsorship Portal

  • Visit our website and click on "Sponsorship Portal" to create or log in to your account.

  • The portal allows you to update your information, make payments, and view information about your sponsored child

  • Yes, you can securely update your payment information through the sponsorship portal.

  • If you encounter any issues, please contact our support team at Help@AbodeforChildren.org for assistance. 

Still have questions?

We’re here to assist you. You can reach us by email, write to us, or simply use the form here to contact us.

Email: help@abodeforchildren.org
Phone: 724-538-7500
Address: 230 E. Main St., Evans City, PA 16033