Whenever I watch the news coverage of natural disaster the following is always in my mind: Somewhere in that mess there is a Joseph, and a Mom trying to cope with the disaster and a Joseph... I'm usually so close to the edge that small things push me over or at least push me off balance. I'm afraid I'd crack if my only option were a Red Cross shelter with Joseph-- So, when this arrived in my inbox just now I thought--What a great, great program. Perhaps this will be the organization that gets all of my Christmas donations this year!
Mission
AutismCares is a consortium of leading autism organizations who have come together to support individuals with autism and their families during natural disasters and other catastrophic life events.
Purpose
AutismCares understand that families living with autism often need additional and specialized support in recovering from critical life-challenging events. Leading autism organizations, along with committed individuals in the community have come together to support families in their time of need.
How Does AutismCares Help Families?
AutismCares assists families who meet the eligibility criteria to cover costs associated with housing, automobile repair, insurance premiums, medical care, prescriptions, daycare, funeral expenses, and other items on a case-by-case basis. In most instances, payments are made directly to the vendor providing the services and not directly to the family. Assistance provided can not exceed $1,500 per family.
AutismCares supports families who meet the following criteria:
Have one or more children diagnosed with an autism spectrum diagnosis
Have a combined family income of less than $65,000
Have, within the previous 90 days:
Been the victim of a natural disaster-fire, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, severe tropical storms or windstorms, and earthquakes
Suffered a death or critical illness or injury in the immediate nuclear family
Been the victim of a violent crime
Lost their home through foreclosure, or eviction
Primary income earner experienced termination of employment Lost their home through foreclosure, or eviction.
How Do I Apply?
Complete an online application
Applications are reviewed on a monthly basis. Deadline for an application is the 15th of the month. Applications received after the 15th of the month will be reviewed the following month
Families are notified of the results of their application by phone or e-mail.
Contact Info:autismcares@autismspeaks.org
No comments:
Post a Comment