About the Joint Coalition Assistance Fund (JCAF)
All three of the coalitions that comprise the Denver Senior Coalitions collect dues from their members, what do they do with that money?
January 2012 - A Message from the JCAF Committee
Happy New Year to all Coalition Officer and Members,
December was a good month for JCAF, a busy one, we helped 5 persons have a merrier Christmas. We helped with oxygen cost, an eye exam, a water pump for a vehicle (working is such an important thing), some dental work and some eyeglasses. All of these individuals are living on less than $1,000 a month in income, having their needs met in this manner is very important for them. Thank you for your support.
We thank Marcia Helfant of Allied Jewish Apartments for her work on JCAF for the past couple of years, and we welcome Kathleen Dvorak (from the Prime Time for Seniors) as a new member of the committee!
Regards, Pat Harper
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It goes to the JCAF (Joint Coalition Assistance Fund) and is given away to the seniors served by our members. When we say given away, we would want to be a little more specific … the JCAF has guidelines and we urge you to read them, to see if your members could qualify. The committee truly looks forward to reviewing the applications that members submit, especially the description of assistance required, as we are then able to gain a better picture of your clients.
Generally the money dispersed from the JCAF helps to buy an item that a low income senior may let go by the wayside, rationalizing that they do not have the money for, such things as eyeglasses, dentures, dental work, assistive devices, hearing aids and the like. Things that could contribute greatly to their quality of life. The committee considers extenuating circumstances when necessary on a case by case basis.
In 2010 we helped 40 seniors. Let’s bring a few of them to life to you at this time – here are some from the last half of the year.
- A lady with income of $1,440 monthly lives in a building where she volunteers her time to her neighbors, driving them to errands. She needed a one time assist with her car insurance premium.
- An elderly couple kicked out of their daughter’s home went to a motel with just their clothes. They obtained a living arrangement at an assisted living facility, we were able to buy them a bed.
- To a lady suffering with breast cancer who was unable to afford the cost of the very special tape needed to properly dress her large, open abscess, we were able to provide the funds needed to obtain that important item.
- A hospice patient needed help with cleaning and with organizing her personal papers but was unable to pay the lady who had been providing her with these services. JCAF made it possible for this work to continue for her … peace of mind during her last days that she was not leaving this earth living in filth or disorganization.
Well, we think you get the idea. If not, give one of us a call, we will elaborate more. If you have been putting off joining one of the Coalitions and just coming as a visitor, we urge you to pay your dues and help a senior, perhaps one in your own neighborhood. Thank you.
Regards,
Pat Harper 303-320-6133, Denise Aldana 303-704-7655,
Marsha Harris 303-770-2987 and Marcia Helfant 720-382-7805
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How to Submit an Application for the Joint Coalition Assistance Fund
- Link to JCAF Application
General Guidelines for applying for The Joint Coalition Assistance Fund (JCAF) 2012
- The Joint Coalition Assistance Fund Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving applications. Please phone any JCAF committee member for an application or information.
- The committee meets as needed, usually once a year. A minimum of one week is required for processing requests.
- Referral and application must be completed by a Coalition member.
- Assistance will be limited to seniors who live in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas or Jefferson Counties.
- Eligibility for participation will be based on meeting the most current HUD 80% median low-income guidelines:
a. $44,450.00 for one person
b. $50,800.00 for two or more people
- The age criteria for assistance is 55 years and above, with exceptions at the discretion of the JCAF Committee.
- Individuals requesting assistance above $200 should have tried one other source before coming to the JCAF Committee. For requests under $200, no other resources need to be contacted. If it is necessary to request funding from other sources, the total amount needed must be arranged before the JCAF will issue a check. Checks are made out to providers/suppliers only.
- The maximum amount to be given for assistance to any one cause or individual will be $600 in a two year period. However, the committee can make the decision to exceed that amount if circumstances warrant. If appropriate, the committee will coordinate with other agencies to maximize the funds.
- Generally, funding cannot be used to pay for items or services already purchased, refundable deposits, or for recurring expenses. However, in extenuating circumstances, the committee will review these requests.
- The Coalition member should make a reasonable effort to find an appropriate price for the requested product or service. However, competitive pricing may be required depending on the item.
Please fax completed funding applications to the committee member for the current month as shown below.
Joint Coalition Assistance Fund "Contact" by Month:
- Feb/Mar/Apr 2012 - Denise B. Aldana - 303-704-7655 - Fax 720-210-5431
- May/June/July 2012 - Marsha Harris - 303-770-2987 - Fax 303-770-2989
- Aug/Sept/Oct 2012 - Kathleen Dvorak - 720-771-9408 - Fax 303-988-6040
- Nov/Dec 2011 through Jan 2012 - Pat Harper - 303-320-6133 - Fax 720-235-3657
- Link to Joint Coalition Assistance Fund (JCAF) Application
