Thank you members of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) for joining us during Foundation Month: a time to honor the charitable work done by our partner organization, the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation (TRTF). Donate to TRTF today!
Today, we focus on two of TRTF’s most vital programs: “A Helping Hand” for Texas public school education retirees and TRS members experiencing critical emergencies, and the Disaster Relief Program for educators facing urgent needs as a result of a widespread disaster. With your support, TRTF continues to expand its programs to help more educators of the past, present, and future!
2020 has been a unique year, with new challenges and innovative responses to difficult circumstances. TRTF’s journey this year has been no different: we are trying new ways to meet the needs of the education community, including the launch of our newest endeavor, the TRTF Tutor Program.
While the Tutor Program will be beneficial to thousands of our Texas students and retired teacher tutors, not all retirees are able to participate in this service or will still need help to afford urgent necessities.
In the face of uncertainty, many retired educators still need help with utilities, groceries, medical bills, and prescriptions. As each person experiences the COVID-19 outbreak on a different scale, TRTF hears from retirees who need assistance with hospital bills. Some retirees who used to supplement their income through substitute teaching are simply not able to work right now.
Please consider making a special gift today to help retirees throughout the COVID-19 crisis by donating here.
We are working diligently to keep accepting applications for assistance. The staff is currently processing four applications for “A Helping Hand,” including those for retirees who have hospital bills due to COVID-19. Most “A Helping Hand” applicants need $1,000 or more in assistance just to get back on their feet.
In 2020, TRTF has helped 10 retirees with medical bills, five with utility bills, two with dental work, two with home repairs caused by flooding, as well as three retirees who needed either car repairs, plumbing repairs, or to replace broken appliances.
As a non-profit, TRTF depends on donation revenue to keep our programs functioning. We cannot continue this important work without your support. Your investment will make a difference. Even $5 goes a long way. Thank you for being a friend to the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation.
TRTF is currently accepting applications for assistance. We are asking all applicants to submit their requests and paperwork electronically. Please send all requests to help@trtf.org.
“A Helping Hand”
- TRTF will provide at least $27,000 in grants to retirees in critical need through the “A Helping Hand” program in 2021.
- In April 2020, TRTF raised over $54,000 to assist Texas public school personnel affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and distributed 26 grants in aid.
- Aid provided- $204,800 (since 2010) to 199 recipients.
Disaster Relief:
- TRTF will be prepared should another disaster strike and be ready to aid retired and active educators in need at a moment’s notice.
- Total aid distributed since 2017: $162,609.94
- Program recipients:
- Active educators assisted: 209
- Retired educators assisted: 292
Please Donate Today
With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, TRTF’s programs have become more important than ever. Our school children, teachers, and retirees need our help! As a 501(c)(3), we are in a unique position to raise donations and deploy them through our unique charitable programs. We are determined to help!
Please consider making your tax-deductible charitable contribution to TRTF today as part of our annual fundraising drive. You may donate online here or call 1.800.880.1650 and ask for Sarah.
Please stay tuned to the Línea interior throughout the month of November as we update you on TRTF’s programs and share stories from individual program recipients.
