Outshining
Medical
Disabilities
Programs
To be eligible, applicants must have custody of a medically fragile child with a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The impairment may be congenital or acquired by accident, injury, or disease.
Applications will be accepted year-round. Funds will not be awarded to cover the cost of goods purchased or services performed prior to the application date. Applications that do not meet the criteria or are incomplete will be denied.
Community members are encouraged to apply for assistance if serving special needs or medically fragile children.
To request a Financial Assistance Application for Community Members please email Executive Director, Meagan Kirk at meagan@josephthomasfoundation.org.
If you need assistance with the application please call 325-704-1129.
Thank you for taking time to visit our website. After my son Joseph passed away in August 2007, my family and I made it our mission to carry on his name and memory by starting the Joseph Thomas Foundation to help other medically fragile children. I hope that you will help us by sharing this website and Joseph’s story with others who either need help or wish to help.
John Thomas, President/CEO
Creates an opportunity for children with special needs to represent JTF in their community amongst their peers, friends, family and community members, to raise awareness for the mission of JTF and to give special needs children a sense of belonging and acceptance.
Ambassadors will serve 12 months, January-December, after being selected through an application process. Applicants must be 0-18 years of age, have a diagnosed medical condition and must live in Texas.
Ambassador benefits include but are not limited to JTF Swag bag, media appearances, professional photo sessions, free admission to Ambassador Ball, Morgan’s Wonderland Day, and special recognition at all JTF events!
Ambassador responsibilities include representing and promoting Joseph Thomas Foundation, obtaining one or two business sponsorships, attending the Ambassador Ball scheduled every fall in Abilene, Texas, appearing on various media outlets when given the opportunity, and participating in fundraising events.
Ambassador Applications are accepted every fall for the following year. Follow our Facebook page for more specific dates.
If you would like more information or an application please contact us to schedule a time. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax-deductible. For more information or to make a donation to the Joseph Thomas Foundation please contact us.
The Closet Program provides medical supplies and equipment free of charge to those in need with no location restrictions.
The Closet Program is dependent on donations of new medical supplies, gently used equipment, and monetary donations to cover shipping expenses.
Closet inventory changes daily.
What is the Hope Homes Program?
HHP is a program that partners with realtors in areas that JTF serves to make a difference for families raising special needs children. Realtors all over Texas pledge various amounts and donate $100 per Hope Home upon closing. Realtors can choose to make a one-time upfront donation or donate within 30 days of the closing of the designated Hope Home.
Who benefits from the Hope Homes Program?
- Special Needs Children: JTF provides direct financial assistance to families raising special needs children through the procurement of medical equipment and supplies when other means are not enough.
- Individuals: JTF Closet Program provides gently used equipment to ANYONE in need!
- REALTORS: Hope Homes will be featured on our website with direct links to your personal listings and contact information, be given an HHP yard sign, be highlighted on our social media, weekly, and be listed on any media/marketing material for 2023! All donations are tax-deductible.
Why should I give to Joseph Thomas Foundation?
Everyday there are 100’s of families that are denied medical equipment, services, or supplies due to insurance decisions, underinsured or uninsured. Even with insurance out of pocket expenses, or the cost surrounding raising a special needs child can be astronomical. Did you know that insurance often denies equipment/supplies/services if a child has a terminal illness?
Unexpected hospital stays, accidents or illnesses that a healthy child may be experiencing can leave families helpless and lost, wondering how they will afford the next month's medication or the therapy that their child's quality of life depends on. JTF assists by bridging the gap of desperation by serving families through various programs, such as the Financial Assistance Program, the Closet Program, and the Ambassador Program.
By partnering with JTF through the HHP, YOU can be the one that provides hope to a family.
I want to make a difference!
What's next?
Fill out the pledge form and email it to Marketing@JosephThomasFoundation.org and a JTF staff member will contact you.
You will receive your HHP yard sign in the mail within 10 business days.
Place your HHP yard sign in the yard of the home you choose, send us the details of the Hope Home and let us help you find your buyer!
