Sparrow Clubs USA pairs a community business sponsor with a local school. Students perform tasks to earn money to provide support to families with children facing medical crisis.

Compassion. Kindness. Empathy. Sparrow Clubs has taught these tenets and empowered young people to help children in medical need for almost three decades.

Since 1995, Sparrow Clubs has left a lasting imprint on the hearts of numerous Sparrows and their families, the youth who volunteer, and the surrounding community. In Southern Oregon, Sparrow Clubs has been changing lives for almost 23 years.

An experience with lifelong impacts

South Medford High School was one of the first schools in the region to be involved with Sparrow Clubs, according to Kena Sampson, director for Southern Oregon Sparrow Clubs.

The Southern Oregon region for Sparrow Clubs covers a wide area, reaching up to Roseburg, to Grants Pass and Cave Junction, Medford and the surrounding areas, and over to Klamath Falls. Within that territory, there are 19 clubs which include private and public schools that range from elementary through high school.

Sampson started her journey with Sparrow Clubs almost seven years ago as a program coordinator. She later became the director and has served in that position for three years. During her tenure with Sparrow Clubs, Sampson has become intricately connected to the organization, the Sparrows and their families, and the schools.

“We want to build a connection between the Sparrow and their medical journey, to the students who are volunteering,” said Sampson. “We hope fostering that relationship will change the hearts of these young people.”

By giving students the opportunity to learn about the challenges faced by other children and their families, it teaches empathy. It allows students to step outside of their comfort zone and serve their community.

“The students ‘unlock’ funds for their Sparrow as they complete more volunteer hours,” explained Sampson. “It’s a win-win situation. But the biggest impact is teaching kids about compassion.”

When a school agrees to participate, Sparrow Clubs holds a general assembly for the students. At this time, there’s often discussion about the difference between pity and empathy.

“We don’t ‘parade’ these families around or pity them; that is not our purpose,” explained Sampson. When she meets with families, she ensures they’re comfortable with people knowing about their journey.

“For the families, the most impactful part of being involved in Sparrow Clubs is the effect their child has on the lives of the students.”

Once a family agrees to participate, their active club time is one school year. The club launches in the fall or as early as possible, and finishes at the end of the school year.

In addition to their volunteering and community service hours, the students support their Sparrow in other ways. This could be celebrating a Sparrow’s birthday, or inviting them to choir concerts and sports games. All of those interactions are what makes Sparrow Clubs special. And it’s part of the reason why many schools participate year after year.

Sampson also engages with the students and school leadership throughout the year.

“I ask students what their goal is and challenge them to get their friends to participate also. We want every student to know their time makes a difference, even just an hour.”

Additionally, Sampson updates the clubs if something happens to their Sparrow, such as upcoming hospital visits or tests. In those instances, she encourages students to write and send cards for support.

Sampson believes one of the most wonderful things about Sparrow Clubs is the genuine emotional support the families receive from the students, because their situation feels isolating at times.

“A Sparrow mom once told me, ‘This club was the first time my child was actually seen.’”

Coping with loss

However, there are times when tragedy seeps in.

Recently, Cascade Christian High School lost their Sparrow — a 15-year-old boy.

“That’s the devastating part of the job. I’ve been with the organization for several years and I’ve lost Sparrows before,” said Sampson, choking back tears.

But even in a moment steeped in sadness and loss, the students wrapped their arms around the family and offered support. One student set up a GoFundMe, and the school held an evening gathering for worship and prayer. Even while enduring the tragic loss of their child, the family appreciated the support from the students and school.

“As hard as it is, there’s something special in remembering the Sparrow who passed away, and in the beautiful moments they shared together,” said Sampson.

Additionally, Sparrow Clubs is sensitive to the fact that there may be a situation that has a potential for a loss of life. In such cases, they always have an up front conversation with the school.

“A lot of consideration goes into creating a club and making sure it’s age appropriate for the students.”

Changing hearts, minds & lives

Relationships are at the heart of Southern Oregon Sparrow Clubs’ work — from the connections forged between the students and the Sparrows, to the ones the organization has with its sponsors.

According to Sampson, Southern Oregon Subaru has been a community club sponsor for 20 years. They have played a major role as a sponsor and made it possible to have clubs in Southern Oregon.

“Southern Oregon Subaru makes it possible for us to create a club in a school and not charge the school any fees,” said Sampson. “They have made a huge impact.”

Sparrow Clubs has an immense love and appreciation for Southern Oregon Subaru and are grateful for their contributions.

“It feels good to work with someone who gives back. They’ve been present at our assemblies and felt the impact of what we do. Southern Oregon Subaru has really blessed Sparrow Clubs.”

Sparrow Clubs doesn’t just change lives; they change hearts. The bonds between the students, the Sparrows and their families is life changing. It’s an experience that builds hope and trust, and teaches young people the power of empathy and compassion.