One night, single mum Mandy saw a TV ad about The Smith Family’s sponsorship program. She knew this was what she needed to help her children reach their full potential. The next day, Mandy knocked on the assistant principal’s door at her children’s school. “I wanted to see if they offered the program,” she says.
Soon after, Montana, in Year 4, and Darcy, in Reception, were linked with amazing sponsors like you. They received financial support for school essentials that had fallen out of reach. “It absolutely did help my kids, being presentable and having their new school bags and shoes and uniforms,” Mandy says. “They could feel just like all the other kids.”
Soon after, Montana, in Year 4, and Darcy, in Reception, were linked with amazing sponsors like you. They received financial support for school essentials that had fallen out of reach. “It absolutely did help my kids, being presentable and having their new school bags and shoes and uniforms,” Mandy says. “They could feel just like all the other kids.”
From primary school through to high school, Montana’s sponsor has stayed a vital presence in her life. Her mum Mandy appreciates the continuity of care they bring. Sponsorship has also kept Montana and Mandy connected to their Learning for Life Coordinators, Yolanda and Tania. They are valued Smith Family team members who are deeply connected to their community. They are out there every day, helping families get the most out of sponsorship. “They ring me up and email me about the different Smith Family programs that are available to my kids,” Mandy says.
Over the years, Montana has been an enthusiastic participant in these out-of-school learning programs. As part of her sponsorship, she could join Learning Club and student2student. Participating in these programs supports Montana to develop crucial academic skills like reading and keeps her motivated – key ingredients to be an active participant at school.
Over the years, Montana has been an enthusiastic participant in these out-of-school learning programs. As part of her sponsorship, she could join Learning Club and student2student. Participating in these programs supports Montana to develop crucial academic skills like reading and keeps her motivated – key ingredients to be an active participant at school.
What Mandy has always wanted for her daughter is happening – chains of poverty have been broken thanks to Montana’s sponsor. Montana is now free to achieve her potential. She’s also an inspiring role model for her brother Darcy, now in Year 8. “Montana is a shining star and a natural on the ice and with a paintbrush,” Mandy says. “Her brother adores her for it. Montana’s sponsor has had a big hand in getting her where she is today, and I can’t thank them enough!”
