Julie Casey Fund

Why do we have a Julie Casey Fund

Several years ago the managers and employees At Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) decided to create a fund that would provide extra money for TMI consumers who had dire financial needs, but nowhere else to turn. Thus what we now call the Julie Casey Fund was born. Working with adults who have developmental disabilities the staff at TMI found that:

- Sometimes people looking for jobs don't have the money to purchase appropriate clothing for job interviews.

- Also, people wanting to leave group living situations and move into their own apartments are often, because there incomes were so low, unable to save the money necessary (that is, for deposit and initial rent payments, etc.) to rent their own apartment. Such consumers sometimes also need financial help to afford simple furniture, like a bed.

- Foster children may need new clothing, school supplies or basic personal items.

TMI gives small grants to people with developmental disabilities who are receiving services from our agency and need this kind of assistance so they can make the next steps toward positive progress in their lives and toward greater independence. Grants are based on a specific need and the money must be used to respond to that need. The fund doesn not provide ongoing support.

Where does the money come from?

We are proud to say that most of the money in the Julie Casey Fund comes from payroll deductions from the paychecks of TMI employees. These dedicated workers, many of whom are not that well paid themselves, nonetheless feel compassion for our consumers and extend their generosity in the form of regular bi-monthly donations to the fund.

We also welcome donations from family members, friends, and generous community members who specify that they wish their money to go to the Julie Casey Fund so that we can continue to offer this special support to people with developmental disabilities who otherwise lack the financial resources to progress in their life goals.

What about administrative costs?

TMI administers the Julie Casey fund, but not one penny of the money donated to the fund is spent on administrative costs. Because the donations are made in good faith by donors who wish to see their dollars spent of the special needs of our consumers with disabilities, we forego subtracting any money from the fund for administrative or overhead expenses.

Are my donations tax deductible?

Money given to the Julie Casey Fund at Toward Maximum Independence, Inc. (TMI) are coming to a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation and may be tax- deductible. (Our federal tax identification number is: 33-0185759.) Consult your tax professional for more information about your particular situation.