As we approach the end of another impactful year at Fred’s Footsteps, we want to reflect on the records broken and share exciting news about our future.
Not only did 2024 mark an all-time record for the number of families served in one year AND most money invested in the community in a calendar year, this year, we reached a significant lifetime milestone. Fred’s Footsteps has surpassed $10 million in funding over the past 19 years supporting families caring for a child who is ill, injured, or severely disabled.
In 2025, we will mark another incredible milestone: our 20th anniversary as an organization. Since 2005, we have stood beside nearly 2,000 families, providing individualized, practical support – covering mortgages, utilities, vehicle modifications, and other essential needs – allowing families to focus on what matters most: their child’s care.
Today’s challenges are unprecedented. A national nursing shortage affecting in-home care, inflation, and high housing costs have created a perfect storm for families already financially struggling to care for medically complex children. Because of your generosity, we’ve been there at the exact moment when families needed us most. Your support has been instrumental in building Fred’s Footsteps into the lifeline it is today.
In honor of these milestones, we’re setting bold goals to ensure our mission continues to thrive over the next 20 years.
As part of this evolution, look out for an exciting brand refresh in 2025 that honors our legacy while positioning us for the future.
For our 20th anniversary, we’re deepening our commitment to the communities we serve:
- Increased Grant Limits: To meet the growing needs of our families, we’re raising our grant limits, ensuring critical support for years to come.
- The ‘5 in 5’ Campaign: We’re aiming to distribute $5 million in the next 5 years, expanding our reach and impact.
“This milestone anniversary is not just a celebration of what we’ve accomplished, but a call to action to evolve and grow so we can continue to be a resource for families facing these unprecedented challenges.” – Christine DiBona Lobley, Executive Director
These transformative goals are paired with an ambitious fundraising campaign to secure the additional resources needed to turn this vision into reality.
Together, with your support, we will build a stronger, more resilient future for the families who need us most. Let’s make the next 20 years even more impactful than the last.
