Through this program, families from outside the Bethlehem area make a commitment to sponsor a local Palestinian Christian family who is struggling to survive. Currently, over 75 families receive sponsorship through the Shepherd Society. The following are some of the basic guidelines for the program:
- The current rate of sponsorship is $50 a month for a period of one year.
- Biographical information, including a photo, will be provided on the family.
- Periodic letters of encouragement to the sponsored family are always welcome and can be addressed to the Shepherd Society who will hand deliver the letter.
- Special gifts from the sponsoring family are welcome, though not obligatory.
- All correspondence (for example, periodic letters of encouragement or letters of appreciation) between the sponsoring family and the sponsored family should be handled through the office of the Shepherd Society in order to protect the privacy of both the family and the sponsor.
- Families will not be identified for sponsorship prior to securing sponsors as the family would be disappointed if they were rejected for sponsorship for some reason.
- Special visits between the families can be arranged if the opportunity and desire to do so is expressed.
