U.S. Strategy As we've been expanding our focus and reach to include working with U.S. children, it was obvious that the programs we employ in Mexico were not appropriate in the United States. It was also clear that creating new wheels in the form of new programs and infrastructure was not cost or time effective. We decided to look for groups, agencies, and organizations who were already doing good work with children and see if we could help them do their jobs better. By identifying the groups, we also identify the children in need and the ways in which those needs were being met. We saw two ways in which we could intercede for the kids. First, Children of The Americas could work as a facilitator to bring more resources and volunteers as needed to work already being done. Of course, if children are identified who are falling through the cracks, we would stand ready to create new wheels for them as needed and possible. Working to bring school supplies to Olive Crest this year is an expample of this strategy. Second, Children of The Americas could act as an "incubator" for small or fledgling groups or ministries just getting off the ground in good directions. By bringing such groups aboard as partners and adopting their programs, we can cover them with our organizational umbrella and bring them needed resources and exposure. As they grow, the organizations can then separate and create their own corporate identity. Our work with JCR Ministries and Lifehouses are examples of this strategy.