FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I request assistance?
Please call the Charity office at 905.852.1799 Ext. 22 or 23 or toll free at 1.866.268.9187 and ask for a Request for Assistance form. The form may be completed by the child’s parent, physician, therapist, social worker, teacher or community liaison.
How soon can I expect a call back after leaving a message?
Please understand we do receive numerous calls each day from parents making inquires on the status of their application, social/community service workers as well as a high number of applications. We try to respond as quickly as possible, however you may not receive a return call for up to three business days.
How long will it take to process my application?
Our first priority as an organization is emergency assistance. All other applications are reviewed as soon as possible on a first-come first-served basis.
Does Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity have an income guideline and what do I need to provide?
Yes. In order to help those with the greatest financial need, we only consider requests from families with a combined gross (before taxes) annual income of $60,000 or less.
Accepted documents include a copy of the most recent Notice of Assessment from Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, together with a current pay stub showing year-to-date earnings, or a copy of your most recent Social Assistance payment. If you are self-employed, please provide Form T2125 that is submitted as part of your income tax general return. New immigrants that are not yet working must provide a copy of your Record of Landing Document showing the amount of money you brought into Canada (Box 42 on the form). Even if one parent/guardian is not working, we require proof of that for our audit guidelines.
Our income is over $60,000 combined but we have more than one child with special needs. Can we submit an application for our children?
Our Advisory Board will only consider assistance if you have more than one child with special needs and your expenses associated with these children are exceptionally high.
My child has Cerebral Palsy. It’s not considered a serious illness. Will you still consider assisting us?
Yes, we do consider assistance to children with permanent/lifelong disabilities under our guidelines.
Can you help me with purchasing a computer for my child?
We do provide assistance, but only if your child requires specially adapted computer hardware as recommended by a medical professional. If your child can use a regular computer, we do not assist with that purchase. We will consider assistance with specialized computer software if recommended by a medical professional or your child’s teacher.
Do you help with mobility equipment such as a walker?
The only mobility equipment that we assist with is a specialized trike if it is recommended by a medical professional.
You have assisted our family in the past, are we able to apply again?
Yes, you are able to apply to JACC again if your child’s expenses due to their medical needs are still over and above what your financial situation can cover.
Please note that we receive a high number of requests. We will do our best to assist where we can, however we cannot guarantee ongoing assistance. Please ensure that you continue to look for alternative organizations, service clubs etc. for additional assistance.
The Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity assists with emergency household expenses. I’ve recently lost my job; can you help me with my rent?
Our guidelines with regard to emergency household assistance are to assist when a child’s medical expenses cause the family to be unable to pay their bills. Unfortunately if the need for financial assistance is not due to the child’s expenses, we do not assist. We are unable to assist with mortgage payments.
I need to fence my yard for my child’s safety, can you help?
No, we are unable to assist with home or property renovations under our guidelines.
We need a modified vehicle, can you help us?
No, the charity does not assist with vehicle purchases or modifications.
Does your organization help with camp?
It has been our policy to fund only when no other assistance is available and the child would not have an opportunity to go to camp otherwise. We do not fund where other funds are available and/or when the camp will absorb or assist with any funding. If a child is already attending camp and the family is requesting additional weeks, we would not assist. Our maximum assistance considered for camp would be for one week only during a calendar year. Our first priority as an organization is to assist with emergency funding. We do not assist with sibling camp fees. Worker assistance for camp would follow the above guidelines as well.
We need assistance with our child’s therapy, preschool fees and transportation to appointments. Can you help me with everything we need?
Please prioritize your needs on your application. Due to the high number of requests we receive, we are not always in a financial position to assist with everything requested. We will give consideration to your greatest needs first.
What kind of therapy do you cover?
Our organization will consider assistance with traditional proven therapies such as speech therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Written documentation from your medical doctor recommending therapy for your child must be provided with your application. Please note hyperbaric oxygen, RDI, IBI, and ABA is not covered under our guidelines. We do not support any services or products associated with these therapies including transportation, assessments, materials or direct therapies.
Do you assist with respite care?
If the child’s medical requirements warrant more respite care than offered through Special Services At Home (SSAH), Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) or the family is on a waitlist for respite care, we would consider assistance. We would require a written recommendation from a medical professional or social worker familiar with your situation and needs.
A family member is providing care for our child and driving them to school and medical appointments. Do you provide financial assistance for payment to a family member?
No, we do not reimburse family members as our assistance is intended to provide additional support beyond that which is normal family responsibility.
Do you assist with fees for community recreational programs?
If the recreational program is recommended by a medical professional to assist with the child’s development or social integration into the community, and documentation from this professional is provided we will consider assistance.
Do you call me when the assistance provided is complete?
No. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to track all funds utilized/paid to service providers.
Do you assist with Service Dogs?
No, unfortunately we are unable to assist with costs or expenses associated with Service Dogs.
PLEASE NOTE: Please ensure your child’s first and last name is included on all correspondence, statements or financial information that is faxed or mailed to us to ensure that we are able to identify which application it applies to.
OUR POLICIES AND GUIDELINES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
