In 2020, Jett Foundation expanded the Jett Giving Fund program to assist families experiencing unexpected financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. After hearing directly from families in our Duchenne muscular dystrophy community, the Emergency Fund arm of our program was launched providing timely financial assistance for necessities such as groceries, housing assistance, utility expenses or other unforeseen costs.
Raquel Coleman was looking for assistance with rent when she heard about Jett Foundation’s programs through the Muscular Dystrophy Association and on social media.
Raquel is a mom to a 10-year-old daughter and 13-year-old son Ayden, who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
After a difficult year, Raquel had been homeless for five months before applying to the Emergency Fund. Their unreliable housing situation made not only their normal routine more challenging, but also took priority away from crucial appointments for her son.
While trying to secure housing, Raquel and her family stayed at a relative’s house. However, being on a second floor apartment became challenging for Ayden.
“It was super hard watching Ayden crawl up the stairs everyday, to get to the second floor. It literally broke my heart,” she says.
With Jett Foundation’s help, now Raquel and her family are able to live in an accessible first floor apartment. Being able to have their own place to call ‘home’ now, has been life changing for Raquel and her family.
“We want to do as many things together,” Raquel said. They are excited to refocus on the fun: Ayden is a huge movie buff, and watching movies is one of their favorite things to do together. They also have family game nights, go to the pool, and amusement parks. The safety and security of their new home allows them to enjoy these family moments again together.
“I truly had no idea how generous Jett Foundation was going to be. I was not expecting this at all, I was completely taken back,” said Raquel. “It has simplified our lives a lot. It has taken pressure off having to be in so many places at once.”
You can help us to support more families! Donate today or learn more about becoming a sponsor of our direct service programs by emailing maura@jettfoundation.org.
The Emergency Fund is an extension of Jett Foundation’s Jett Giving Fund. Established in 2017, Jett Giving Fund has helped transform the lives of countless families across the country with over $1.8 million worth of accessible equipment and emergency assistance thanks to the generous support of individual donors, local communities, and major sponsors including Cure Dale’s Duchenne, Sarepta Therapeutics, FibroGen, the Flatley Foundation, and the Killian Family.
To learn more about the Emergency Fund and to read frequently asked questions related to our Jett Giving Fund program, please read more here.
