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Guidelines For Family Assistance

How We Help

If your child has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness...your whole world has just been turned upside down. Friends of Karen can help guide you through the maze of paperwork, provide an emotional foundation; advocate on your behalf and give you the tools and encouragement to cope with the extraordinary demands of dealing day-by-day with a child diagnosed with cancer.

 

Are You Eligible?

Each family’s needs are individually assessed by a Friends of Karen social worker. Assistance is available to those families who have a child that meets the following qualifications.

  • Under the age of 21 who has been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. Friends of Karen cannot help children suffering from chronic diseases or conditions.
  • United States citizen or a lawful, permanent resident of the United States. A copy of the child’s birth certificate or I551 card (green card) may be required by Friends of Karen at the time of application.
  • Lives in: 
    • New York City: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens or Staten Island 
    • Long Island counties: Suffolk or Nassau 
    • New York counties: Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster or Westchester  
    • New Jersey counties: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic or Union 
    • Connecticut counties: Fairfield,New Haven or Middlesex
Family Support Program

Our social workers assess each family’s needs and

  • Provide supportive counseling and advice as the family copes with their child’s illness;
  • Maintain close contact with each family by telephone and through visits to the home and hospital;
  • Advocate for families in their dealings with hospitals, medical insurers, and collection agencies;
  • Obtain assistance from government programs, and national and community agencies;
  • Provide referrals for professional counseling and other support services
Financial Assistance
  • Families who demonstrate financial need may be eligible for financial assistance from Friends of Karen.
  • Requests for financial assistance are considered on a case by case basis, taking into account each family’s individual circumstances. The family must demonstrate that its financial need is caused by the impact of the child’s illness.
  • If financial assistance is requested, the parents must complete an application and submit verification of income and expenses.
What Do You Need To Do?

To speak directly to a Friends Karen social worker about what assistance you may be eligible for, call our toll free number 1-800-637- 2774 ext. 205.

To speak with theFriends of Karen Spanish Case Manager call 1-800-637-2774 ext. 202.

Para hablar en español llama 1-800-637-2774 extención 202 o 914-617-4045.

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