Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How do I know my money is going to the widows?
- Are you affiliated with any religious denomination?
- Is my donation and/or sponsorship tax deductible?
- Can I write to my sponsored widow?
- Can I send packages to my sponsored widow?
- What if I have to discontinue my sponsorship?
- Who qualifies for a new house?
- Can anyone provide a home for a widow?
- How do I provide a home for a widow?
- What does a Sister Connection home look like?
- How long does it take to build a home for a widow?
- Can I know about the widow(s) for whom I build a home?
1. How do I know my money is going to the widows?
We seek to ensure the trust and confidence of our sponsors and benefactors through:
- Correspondence between widows and their sponsors, detailing the allocation of their monies (excerpts of letters are posted on the web site and in our newsletter)
- Quarterly newsletters detailing the progress of Sister Connection’s initiatives
- Updated photos and news on our website
- Personally answering your questions.
We believe that information is the key to trust. We stand behind the accuracy of the information we provide from the field, and we promptly and honestly respond to questions posed through our Contact Us page. We are accountable to you, and seek to maintain the highest standards of respect for your rights and the rights of our widows.
2. Are you affiliated with any religious denomination?
No. Sister Connection is an independent organization, founded by Christians who are seeking to answer the question “What would Jesus do with Burundi’s widows and orphans?” Our founders, directors and volunteers are from various denominations, but our premise is compassionate outreach to any widow of any tribe, regardless of religious affiliation or lack thereof.
3. Is my donation and/or sponsorship tax deductible?
Yes, donations are tax deductible. Sister Connection is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Every donation is immediately acknowledged with a tax receipt.
4. Can I write to my sponsored widow?
Yes, we encourage this! Your widowed sister longs to hear from you, and to have a photo of you. Pretty greeting cards are treasured and often hung on the wall as decoration. Your letters are translated and personally delivered to your sister.
Letters, cards and photos should be mailed to:
Sister Connection
17470 W. Madison St.
Goodyear, AZ 85338
If you prefer to send an email to your sister, send your greetings to letters@sisterconnection.org and they will be printed and translated for your sister.
5. Can I send packages to my sponsored widow?
We understand your desire to send packages to your widow and her children. However, Sister Connection is not able to accept packages for the following reasons:
- Complexity of foreign postal regulations
- High duty charges (Our national director had to pay $100 to receive a small parcel recently.)
- Possibility of loss, theft or damage
Our in-country personnel are happy to shop for your sister, if you would like to send an extra amount of money from time to time. If you specify a type of gift, it will be given to your sister in your name. You will receive proof of that when she writes to tell you about it!
6. What if I have to discontinue my sponsorship?
We respect your own life circumstances, and if you have to discontinue your connection with your widowed sister, we appreciate 30 days notice by phone (623.882.1393) or email (info@sisterconnection.org). Sister Connection commits to you that no widow is abandoned, and your sister will be placed at the top of the list for re-connection.
7. Who qualifies for a new house?
Any Sister Connection widow without a home, or whose home is in severe disrepair.
8. Can anyone provide a home for a widow?
Absolutely! Simply complete and return the Contribution Form with your payment.
9. How do I provide a home for a widow?
Simply complete and return the Contribution Form with your payment.
10. What does a Sister Connection home look like?
Sister Connection homes are contemporary within their communities. Please see the Build a Home page for photos.
11. How long does it take to build a home for a widow?
Homes are built in dry season, and take about a month to complete. Funding is gratefully accepted all year, and the receiving widow is notified that as soon as the rains stop, her home will be built. This news gives incredible hope and joy to a widow and her children as they wait eagerly for their new home.
12. Can I know about the widow(s) for whom I build a home?
We make sure you do! Home Builders receive a photo of the receiving widow and her children in front of the home you provide, as well as personal information about that widowed family.
