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start the adventure

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WELCOME TO

UNBOUNDWe 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, and their family and community, the precious gift of hope and the opportunity to create a better future.

As a member of the worldwide Unbound community, you're now beginning an exciting journey. Thank you for making that choice.

CONTENTS4 WHAT’S NEXT?

6 WHO WE ARE

8 OUR FOUNDERS

10 OUR WORK

12 STEWARDSHIP

14 LETTER WRITING

18 HELP SPREAD THE WORD

20 TRIPS

22 OTHER WAYS TO GIVE

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PAYMENT OPTIONSWHAT’S NEXT?

LOVE STARTS WITH A LETTERLetters can become a cherished part of

your relationship. Help your friend envision

you by writing a brief hello and sending a

picture. Imagine how special you can make

your friend feel.

See page 14 for more about letter writing.

IMPORTANT: Never send cash or checks directly to your friend or

program staff overseas. Money can be lost or stolen en route, and

your personal information can be compromised. We also know

you don’t want to place your friend or local staff who would be

handling the money 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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1. YOUR SPONSORSHIP CONTRIBUTION

Your first contribution gets everything started. Once that happens, we notify your friend that he or she now has a sponsor.

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 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. DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER ONLINE AT UNBOUND.ORG

All you need is your membership ID. It’s on your receipt.

You can write your friend an eLetter and print copies 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.

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 contributions.

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.

Your financial commitment is a vital part of your sponsorship. It

provides steady support to your friend and his or her family. We

want to make it easy, so choose what works best for you!

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Unbound is a movement of dedicated people who are tackling poverty in new and innovative ways. We connect people across cultural, religious and economic divides to live in solidarity and work toward a greater good. We bring confidence, opportunity and encouragement to children and families living on the margins of society in 20 countries. We believe that, by working together, we have the potential to change our world.

WHO WE AREBolivia

Brazil

Chile

Colombia

Costa Rica

Dominican

Ecuador

El Salvador

Guatemala

Honduras

India

Kenya

Madagascar

Mexico

Nicaragua

Peru

Philippines

Tanzania

Uganda

Venezuela

WHERE WE WORK

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HOW WE WORKPoverty isn't just about lack of money — it’s about lack of choices. We’ve found that families make good choices when they have support and encouragement. They invest in the education of their children. They develop livelihoods and become active community participants in the spirit of true sustainability.

We work with families at the grassroots level with local staff. Our social workers visit the homes of the families and listen to their needs. They work

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Republic

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.

You partner with us in this effort. Your sponsorship provides direct, personal support for your friend and family. It encourages them. It gives them choices. It allows them to develop their talents and fulfill their potential.

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A PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH

Bob Hentzen, co-founder of Unbound, taught us how to walk alongside families striving to overcome poverty.

On his 60th birthday, Bob started walking 4,000 miles from our Kansas City headquarters to Guatemala. In a humble, counter-cultural 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 had met.

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 Unbound families living in the 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.”

OUR FOUNDERSThe 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.

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.

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

these principles, demonstrated

by their passionate and

dedicated example, continues

to inspire us today.

THE FOUNDING VISION

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“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

NADINE

JIM

BOB

BUD

JERRY

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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 is unique with unique needs. Your sponsorship allows your friend’s family to set personal goals. They're able to select benefits designed to help them achieve their goals.

For example, Naomi (right), from Tanzania, developed serious eye problems trying to study by a dim lantern. Her home didn't have electricity. Her parents chose to have electricity installed as a sponsorship benefit. Now Naomi can study without straining her eyes.

Log in at unbound.org for more information about the benefits available to your friend.

FAMILIES AS DECISION MAKERS

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Taking on poverty alone is daunting. That’s why Unbound’s small group

model is a cornerstone of our program. We believe in the power of small

groups of people united in a common purpose.

We bring families together in groups of 15-20 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 with the help of small groups.

SMALL GROUPS

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OUR WORK

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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

governing board, visit unbound.org.

RESPONSIBLE

STEWARDSHIP

Unbound has a governing board that represents sponsored members, their families and the 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.

PROGRAM SUPPORT ALLOCATION

PROJECT FUNDING: 85.2%

This includes funding we disbursed to our projects overseas to support the children, youth and elders we serve.

U.S.-BASED PROGRAM SUPPORT: 7.3%

This includes funding to help Unbound fulfill its mission by facilitating relationships between sponsors and sponsored friends and holding projects accountable.

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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, DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL STRATEGY

“INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY,

TRANSPARENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS

ARE HALLMARKS OF A TRUSTWORTHY

ORGANIZATION.”

MARTIN KRAUS, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

GOVERNING BOARD

92.5%

ADMINISTRATION 3 .2%FUNDRAISING 4 . 3 %

SOURCE: 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PROGRAM SUPPORT

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.

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Letters bridge the distance that separates you and your

friend, creating a connection with the power to change

both of your lives.

Your encouragement can make a difference. Take Miguel,

for example. He felt isolated at school in Colombia. For

years, his sponsor supported his dream of studying

science and building robots. Unbound youth groups

helped him feel part of the community. In 2013, Miguel’s

college robotics team was selected to discuss its moon-

rock collector with NASA.

Your friend doesn’t need to dream of the moon for you

to be an important mentor. Sometimes it’s the simple

sharing that means so much.

Just ask Jhonny (below), also from Colombia. He’ll tell

you all about his sponsor's band and work as a mechanic.

Jhonny treasures drawings from his sponsor's daughters,

and you can see him drawing a picture to send.

Letters can deepen your connection with your friend and

let you offer encouragement, kindness and love.

LETTERS ACROSS THE MILES

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eLETTERIt’s easy to send a letter 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 you can even attach a photo. After you log in, go to unbound.org/eletters.

REGULAR MAILYou 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. You can visit the U.S. Postal Service website at usps.com for rates.

PLEASE, NO PACKAGESGifts sent in packages may incur high customs fees, or get lost or stolen in the mail and never reach your sponsored friend. The best gift you can give your friend is a letter or card with a few encouraging words. Children and elders often say getting a letter from a friend across the world is their favorite part of sponsorship.

WHAT SHOULD

YOU SAY?

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DELIVERY OPTIONS

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 him or her. It will make your friend feel special.

Tell about your life, your family members, pets and activities. If you ask a few questions, it helps your friend write back. Before you know it, you’ll discover interests in common.

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 or short note, your friend will know you're thinking about her or him.

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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The world is full of great people like you, and you can help us find them.

Many children and elders have been waiting more than a year 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, Instagram and Pinterest. 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. To learn more, go to unbound.org/volunteer, or contact our outreach team at (800) 875-6564 or outreach@unbound.org.

HELP SPREAD THE WORD

@unboundorg

@unboundorg

/sponsorachild

/unboundorg

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.

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Looking for the trip of a lifetime? An Unbound Awareness Trip is the best way to see for yourself how effective we are at empowering families to overcome poverty.

The miles disappear into smiles when you meet your friend and experience the country’s vibrant culture. Suddenly, breaking the bonds of 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.

AWARENESS TRIPS

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Bolivia

Chile

Colombia

Costa Rica

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

El Salvador

Guatemala

Honduras

India

Kenya

Mexico

Nicaragua

Philippines

Uganda

PLACES WE TRAVEL

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Start dreaming about your trip at unbound.org/trips or contact our trip coordinators at (800) 875-6564 or trips@unbound.org.

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OTHER WAYS

TO GIVE

BIRTHDAY AND CHRISTMAS FUNDSYou may hear from your friend about Christmas and birthday celebrations. The Unbound community 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.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMOur scholarship program makes elusive dreams come true. Bernard grew up four hours from the college he now attends in Bhagalpur, India. He’s the first person in his family and village to go to college.

In return for tuition assistance, Unbound scholarship 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 RESPONSEOur 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.

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The more you know about Unbound, the more you might want to help sponsored friends meet needs outside of sponsorship. You can contribute toward these special initiatives at unbound.org.

Allow for birthday and holiday celebrations.Provide scholarships to dedicated students.Help families with disaster assistance.Participate in our planned giving program.

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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1 ELMWOOD AVE. , KANSAS CITY, KS 66103

800.875.6564 • 913. 384.6500

UNBOUND.ORG

92.5%

ADMINISTRATION 3 .2%FUNDRAISING 4 . 3 %

SOURCE: 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PROGRAM SUPPORT