How does SHARE make a difference for families living overseas?

Following the restructuring of the Soviet Union, families moved into Russia and Eastern Europe to serve the people living there.  However, life was difficult and there were few support services; so many families returned home, frustrated and disillusioned.  One of the biggest problems these families faced was providing education for their English-speaking children.  In the early 1990’s a group of expatriates living in Central Europe were so concerned about the problem that they established SHARE Education Services to assist parents in the daunting task of providing for their children’s education

Why should I give to SHARE?

SHARE is cost effective because it has no salary or benefits expenses.   All SHARE staff serve as members of various international serving organizations and are seconded to SHARE, receiving their personal support through these agencies.  This means that most of the money contributed to SHARE can be spent directly on service and serving projects.

Are my gifts tax-deductible?

Yes!  SHARE is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable education organization incorporated in the State of Michigan and licensed to solicit donations.  We issue receipts for all gifts.

Does SHARE work cooperatively with other international agencies?

Fifteen international sending agencies have agreed to serve as sponsors of SHARE Education Services.  Each agency pays a nominal annual fee, which entitles its personnel to reduced-fee services.

What financial needs does SHARE have?

As funds are available, SHARE will increase the number and the frequency of conferences in locations that are accessible to English-speaking families.  These conferences provide instruction for parents, testing of children, and consultation on children’s education issues.  In addition to these program services, SHARE offers encouragement, fellowship, and nurture.  An investment in SHARE is an investment in effective world service.  (See SHARE Operational Expenses, and SHARE Special Project Needs.)

What impact will my gift make?

SHARE’S ministry is limited only by the funds available.  The number of families we serve is directly related to funding.  Because contributions to SHARE go directly to service projects, every dollar received can expand the services we provide to families overseas.  Given all of the expense in getting families to the countries where they serve, the work of SHARE in helping to keep them serving productively is one of the most cost-effective investments an organization, business, or individual can make.

What are some of SHARE’s Financial Needs?
SHARE Operational Expenses – SHARE provides services in Hungary at our International Office and on-location throughout Europe, Russia, and Central Asia.  The following listing reflects major annual operating needs of SHARE:

• Travel and conference expense for Western Europe                                   $  6,000
• Travel and conference expense for Central Europe                                         6,000
• Travel and conference expense for Russia and Central Asia                        10,000
• Annual Family Education Conference in Hungary                                          10,000
• Equipment purchases                                                                                        2,000
• Electronic communication (telephone, internet, Fax)                                      3,000
• Annual Staff Training Workshop expenses                                                       3,000
• Annual Planning Conference expenses                                                            3,000
• Travel Expenses for recruitment and public relations                                       6,000
• Participation in professional development conferences                                    6,000
• Representing SHARE at international conferences                                          6,000
• Budapest office rental expense                                                                       18,000

SHARE Special Project Needs – The following projects are those that SHARE will implement when funding is available:

• Resource Library in Turkey—phase one                                                       $10,000
• Resource Library in Turkey—phases two and three                                          7,000
• Design services for SHARE information brochures                                          5,000
• Additional resources for Budapest Resource Library                                         5,000
• Additional resources for Prague Resource Library                                            3,000
• Additional Resources for Sarajevo and Pristina Resource Libraries                 5,000
• Family Education Conference in Western Europe (pilot)                                   7,000
• Laptop computer and data projector                                                                  2,500
• Equipment upgrade/replacement                                                                     10,000
• Provide a copy of Fitted Pieces to each family attending a conference           5,500