Create a group partnership

Zoe Empowers is conscious to put money where it does the most good for the children in the program. The cost of $9,000 represents the true cost of the program. This cost is averaged out between country programs taking into account local differences in prices and exchange rates. Zoe Empowers is careful to control overhead, but does invest in overhead expenses such as audits and reports which ensure money given is being used effectively and efficiently. Please see our 990 to have a look at the effectiveness with which we steward your funds on behalf of the children.

A couple months after your group begins (to allow for screening) you will receive a name list and group photo. You will also receive both general and group specific reports about your group. After graduation you will receive a graduation report. If you are able to travel to meet and encourage your group, this will also provide a powerful connection. Reports and when possible, personal visits help individuals and churches feel connected and experience the power of what your investment is doing in the lives of children.

We encourage you to visit your group in person over their three years in the program, and perhaps even after graduation. When you do so, we have ideas on our resources pages, of things you can bring and/or give to encourage your group. These must be items of no monetary value to preserve the empowerment program, and maintain equity between groups. We avoid gifts of monetary value and sending letters directly to the groups. In our experience it is difficult to do these things without the risk of harming the empowerment relationship which makes the program so effective in moving children beyond charity.

Please feel free to visit your group as you are able and as Zoe Empowers has space on trips. We do all we can to make sure every group partner has an opportunity to travel, and it is a great encouragement to your group for them to see you, thank you, and worship with you. You can also be a powerful voice telling others in your community what is being accomplished. You are welcome to visit the children in any year of the program, including post-graduation.

Zoe Empowers is a religiously non-restrictive program. All orphaned and vulnerable children are able to fully participate in the program regardless of their faith or religion. Zoe Empowers is a Christian organization and we do not leave our faith behind us as we engage with the children. The youth in our program both see and hear the Christian message of God’s great love for them. This message is always an invitation and never a requirement for being a full and respected member or leader of the group. As in every other aspect of the program, the young people are encouraged to make decisions for themselves. This is also why the program is so effective in children learning about God’s love. Because the young people make their own decisions, they also take responsibility to speak with one another, and with other members of the community about the Gospel. Groups often incorporate prayer, worship and faith sharing in wonderful, non-exclusive ways.