Funds raised to support families caring for children born substance exposed
McGRATHPR.com – To The Moon and Back (TTMAB), an advocacy non-profit dedicated to supporting children born substance exposed and their caregivers, announces the launch of a new Children’s Grant program that will provide funds to support uncovered expenses families incur related to caring for children that were born substance exposed.
“These children often have long term developmental needs that require treatment and equipment that is not always covered by insurance or other sources,” shares TTMAB Founder Theresa Harmon, MSW, LICSW. “The Children’s Grant can support expenses like therapy copays, nutritional supplements, weighted blankets, or neuropsychological testing expenses. Our hope is that this grant will help decrease the financial burden for families while helping kids gain access to needed services.”
Families are encouraged to apply for assistance with services, deductibles, copays or equipment not covered by other sources, such as insurance. Other assistance may be indicated as specified by donors, as donations are made. Individuals can submit an application for as much as $500 per expense.
Substantial funds to launch the grant were raised as a result of TTMAB’s annual Prom benefit held in November, slated as annual event, scheduled this year for September 27. The organization hopes to invigorate fundraising and inspiring donations to support as many children and families as there are in need. Applications are currently limited to Massachusetts families caring for children substance exposed in utero. Funds designated for scholarship are managed by a TTMAB Grant Committee, a subset of its Board of Directors.
TTMAB also recently released its resource book for those affected by Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). “The Caregiver’s Guide To NAS & Beyond” was developed for families on the South Shore that are caring for substance exposed children, the first of its kind. A “Beyond NAS Conference” is slated for May 10 at Plymouth’s 1620 Hotel, serving providers and families caring for children with NAS featuring nationally recognized speakers.
Initially launched as a peer-to-peer support group for caregivers in 2017, To The Moon And Back’s leadership immediately recognized the struggle to find appropriate resources and support as a global issue for affected families. Foster and adoptive parents, relative and non-relative caregivers experienced similar long-term consequence of their affected children’s exposure.
For more information on TTMAB’s Children’s Grant, to apply, to learn about all its programs or to donate, visit 2themoonandback.org, and follow To The Moon and Back on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @tothemoonma.
About To The Moon and Back, Inc.
Founded as a 501(c)(3) Massachusetts-based non-profit in 2018, To The Moon and Back, Inc. (TTMAB) is an advocacy organization founded by Theresa Harmon, MSW, LICSW. The organization is dedicated to supporting children born substance exposed and their caregivers. TTMAB provides twice monthly support groups (for foster and adoptive parents, relative and non-relative caregivers) of children born with substance exposure. The organization serves as a welcoming resource for caregivers to connect with their peers. Expert speakers experienced in children with substance exposure are engaged to educate caregivers and inform communities on the latest in research and best practices for this population. Support programs provide a safe place to discuss parenting and share best practices for caring for children with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) or substance exposure with peers. Education programs provide expert speakers and training to industry health providers and social services to help guide the care of those affected. TTMAB is committed to forging one voice as advocates for children.
In alignment with its mission, TTMAB provides advocacy and recommendations to local and state leaders on the unmet needs of the population and gaps in services for children born with exposure as well as their caregivers. The organization is committed to supporting legislation progress that aspires to ensure that children born substance exposed have all the tools needed to thrive. Initially launched as peer-to-peer group at the Plymouth Recovery Center in 2017, TTMAB has now expanded, serving more of the Eastern seaboard with a new chapter in West Virginia. For more information, or to donate, visit 2themoonandback.org, and follow To The Moon and Back on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @tothemoonma.
