working families
We offer critical support for non-medical expenses—like housing, utilities, and transportation—so families can focus on their child’s care.
By filling the gaps where other resources fall short, we bring relief, stability, and hope during their toughest times. Together, we help families move from hardship to healing.
THE BRIDGE FUND covers up to $10,000 for essential household bills, addressing crucial factors that directly impact a child’s health and a family’s overall well-being:
- ✓ Mortgage / Rent
- ✓ Utilities (gas, electric, water, internet, cell service)
- ✓ Household Essentials (groceries, supplies, diapers, etc.)
- ✓ Insurance (home and car)
- ✓ Car payments and general repairs
- ✓ Transportation costs (Uber gift cards, public transportation gift cards, gas cards, etc.)
- ✓ Childcare expenses (for siblings to provide stability and routine to a struggling household)
- ✓ Funeral expenses (allowing a family in our program to grieve when the unthinkable happens)
PAT’S PROJECTS covers up to $20,000 to give children with complex medical needs – and their caregivers – the independence, safety, dignity, and comfort they deserve in their home:
- ✓ Bathroom renovations (roll-in shower, grab bars, lowered sink, and other needs)
- ✓ Wheelchair ramps, lifts, and stair/chair glides
- ✓ In-home equipment and DME (Hoyer lifts, ceiling track systems, and specialized beds, etc.)
KEYS TO MOBILITY covers up to $20,000 for transportation-related costs associated with access to care to ensure children can receive the necessary medical care without interruption while staying connected with their community:
- ✓ Purchase of accessible vehicles
- ✓ Accessibility modifications to vehicles
In order to serve families with the greatest need, Fred’s Footsteps follows specific criteria when awarding funding.
- The child must be seriously or chronically ill at the time of the request, and receiving medical treatment, but not necessarily hospitalization.
- The child must be under the age of 18.
- There must be a demonstrated relationship between the child’s illness and the family’s financial need.
- One of the primary caregivers must be employed or have a demonstrated work history with a recent change in work status due to the child’s illness.
All applications must be submitted by a hospital / medical social worker to be reviewed by our Grant Advisory Committee.
Lancaster, Northampton, Berks, Chester, Lehigh, Bucks, Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery
Atlantic, Cape May, Ocean, Cumberland, Salem, Camden, Gloucester, Burlington, Mercer
Partnering closely with each family’s social worker, we identify and address their most urgent non-medical needs—offering up to $20,000 in support over the course of one year.
No two families are the same. That’s why we tailor our assistance to each family’s unique circumstances. This personalized approach is what sets Fred’s Footsteps apart. By focusing on what matters most to each family, we deliver meaningful, impactful support that helps them stay afloat during their toughest times.
We strive to make the entire process easy and efficient for families who already have stress in their lives.
For Families in Need
If you believe that you are eligible for funding through our program, please contact your social worker at the hospital where your child is receiving treatment, and they can walk you through the process. All applications must be submitted by a hospital social worker.
need additional assistance?
For Hospital Social Workers
Prior to submitting an application, please be sure to review our program eligibility criteria and the types of support and assistance we can provide. Our application is available online through the Social Worker Portal.
Social worker portal
