What is NPH USA?

NPH USA (originally Friends of Our Little Brothers) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, Federal Tax ID# 65-1229309 that was incorporated in Arizona in 1965 to support Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH, Spanish for “Our Little Brothers and Sisters”).

Mission Statement: NPH USA transforms the lives of vulnerable children in Latin America and the Caribbean by supporting the homes, health services and educational programs of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH, Spanish for “Our Little Brothers and Sisters”). Together, we help children overcome poverty and become leaders in their own communities.

What makes NPH USA different?

NPH USA provides direct assistance to Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos which fully supports for over 6,200 orphaned, abandoned and disadvantaged children in nine countries and has outreach programs for the surrounding communities. Our donors receive prompt acknowledgement of their gifts and we ensure the aid we send to NPH is properly used through stringent accounting and financial reporting procedures. We encourage visits to the NPH homes so that you may meet the children in person and see the impact your assistance has on their lives.

What does “pequeño” mean?

It is Spanish for "little" or "child." "Pequeños" refers to a group of boys and girls or more than one boy. "Pequeña" and "pequeñas" refers to one girl and a group of girls, respectively.

What is child sponsorship?

Through our Child Sponsorship Program, an individual, family, class or group helps a child in two ways. First, by developing a relationship that will strengthen the child’s self-esteem, while assuring the child that someone considers him or her very special and unique; and second, by providing ongoing financial support for the care of all of the children. As a sponsor, you will receive a photo of your Godchild, a welcome letter from NPH, an annual school progress report and personal letters from your child. Click here for more information about sponsoring a child.

Where are the NPH homes located?

There are NPH homes in nine countries: Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Peru. See our Fact Sheets for details on each home including location, number of children, etc.

How many children are in the care of NPH?

Since its founding in 1954, NPH has assisted tens of thousands of children. Currently NPH is fully supporting more than 3,300 boys and girls. An additional 2,800 community children receive scholarships, meals, health care and other support. More than 107,000 services were provided through community outreach programs in 2019.

Do the children have contact with their families?

Most of the children have contact with their extended families. There are scheduled “Visitors Day” during the year in which children receive visitors. The families arrive and spend the day on the NPH grounds usually bringing food and beverages. The families usually consist of older siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, and sometimes a parent or grandparent. Older teens usually have a free day in which they are able to visit their family if they choose.

How long do the children stay at NPH?

There is no fixed age at which the children leave NPH. They stay until they feel prepared to live independently. It also depends on the child and how far they want to pursue their education. Some children may leave NPH and start working after finishing secondary school. Others may stay and attend high school, take vocational training or study at a university. Additionally, when a child has completed his or her education, or perhaps before going on to higher academics, they are expected to give back to their family by completing a year of service (año de servicio oraño familiar). In almost all cases they gladly return to work with younger children, serve in the kitchen, offices, school or farm. During their Family Service they continue to be supported by NPH.

Is there a religious affiliation?

NPH is nondenominational. However, the homes are located in countries that are predominately Catholic, so most of the children receive Catholic religious instruction. If a child is of a different faith, he/she is given the assistance to continue that faith.

How can I help?

There are many ways to help!

• Sponsor a child
• Contribute to the General Fund
• Make a gift in someone’s name
• Name NPH USA as a beneficiary in your will, trust or life insurance policy
• Ask your employer to provide a Matching Gift
• Donate for a specific project

May I volunteer for NPH USA?

Yes! Volunteers make it possible for NPH USA to support the orphaned, abandoned and disadvantaged children at NPH. We utilize volunteers for committees, special events, general office help and translating letters to children. Volunteering for NPH USA can count towards community and school service requirements. Volunteer schedules are flexible and you may work as much or as little as you want. Opportunities may vary by office. Click here to apply online.  Please note that we support the NPH homes and their outreach programs through fundraising and volunteer efforts; we do not work directly with children in our offices.

May I volunteer at an NPH home?

Yes! NPH accepts volunteers for a minimum of a one-year commitment. NPH USA has a person on staff who coordinates the application process and provides some initial screening. Click here for more information on the International Volunteer Program.

What if I have additional questions?

Please see our other FAQs:
• Child Sponsorship Program FAQs
• Financial FAQs
• Trip FAQs
• International Volunteer Program FAQs

You also may call us toll-free at 1-888-201-8880, send an e-mail to info@nphusa.org, or contact your regional office.