In Honor of Alon Sugarman,
15 Years Old, Alive and Well

**This guide has been written for educational purposes only. It cannot be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. If you have or suspect that you or your child may have a health problem, you should consult your doctor.  Additionally, this site is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions, or financial advice or opinions.  If you need legal advice or opinions, please consult your attorney.  If you need financial advice, consult a qualified accountant.** 

Maintaining Financial Health

by Barry Sugarman, B.S.ENGR., President, The Cure Our Children Foundation
with contributions from Barbara Martin ( http://www.barbaramartin.net ) Gary Suboter, Director, Take My Hand

This page is for assisting families in obtaining needed financial assistance while caring for a child with cancer or other life-threatening disease.  Also included below this article are lots of useful links and resources to help you locate and get the financial assistance that you need. This page was recently updated (December 2006) and includes links to college and technical school scholarships, many of which are specifically for students impacted by cancer, and links to public and private organizations that help with medication and treatment costs, including co-pays. The Direct Assistance section contains links to programs that help with day-to-day needs, such as groceries, rent or mortgage payments, utilities, gas, transportation, etc.

The key to maintaining financial health is to get the assistance that you need in the beginning from your local community.  This assistance may be rendered by friends, local community members, family members, or by a volunteer from our organization.  The person or group assisting you can act as your personal advocate, or you can do this yourself.  Advocates can ask for assistance from landlords, utility companies, finance companies and banks, restaurants, gas stations, churches, temples, government welfare organizations, or any other person or firm.  A comprehensive program may be needed, depending on the particular situation, or there may be only one particular need that may be addressed.

Gary Suboter of our foundation has developed training materials for volunteers, which are examples of how to contact local vendors, businesses, and government agencies by phone and letter to advocate for a family.  The training material may be used by the family directly, by a volunteer from our organization or the local community, or by a family friend willing to advocate for the family.

The training and advocacy material provided by Gary Suboter may be downloaded by clicking here.

To Request Assistance:
Please click here for a web e-mail form
or send an e-mail to Barry Sugarman at barry@cureourchildren.org
Phone: 310-355-6046

Warmest Regards and Best Wishes...  Barry Sugarman, Gary Suboter, and Hope Ybarra
The Cure Our Children Foundation  http://www.cureourchildren.org
Take My Hand  http://www.cureourchildren.org/takemyhand.htm

World Wide Web Links and Phone Numbers:

Direct Assistance:

• Patient Advocate Foundation Assistance Programs by State, Phone: 800-532-5274, Fax: 757-873-8999
• American Cancer Society, Phone: 1–800–ACS–2345 (1–800–227–2345) -- A national support organization.
• CancerCare.org, Phone: 1-800-813-HOPE (4673) 
• Zichron Shlome Rufuah Fund, Phone: 718-GET-WELL (438-9355), Fax: 718-853-0761 - A Jewish support group.
• National Children's Cancer Society, Phone: 1-800-532-6459; Fax: 314.241.1996; E-mail: krudd@children-cancer.org - Provides direct financial assistance for medical and non-medical expenses related to treatment for children with cancer.
• Cancer Fund of America, Phone: 865-938-5281 (Eastern Region), 480-654-4715 (Western Region)
• Clayton Dabney Foundation, Phone:  214-361-2600, Fax: 214-750-7011 - For terminal cases only
• First Hand Foundation, Phone: 816-201-1569, Fax: 816-571-1569 -Contact Mary Nelson, foundation case manager
• Cancer Survivor's Fund, Phone: 281-437-7142,  Fax: 281-437-9568  - or e-mail: csf@cancersurvivorsfund.org - Provides prosthetic limbs
• Chailifeline, Phone: (toll free) 877-CHAI-LIFE or 212-465-1300, Fax: 212-465-0949 - or e-mail: info@chailifeline.org - Provides services to Jewish families
• Andre Sobel River of Life Foundation, Phone: 310-276-7111, E-mail: Info@AndreRiverOfLife.org -Financial assistance for single mothers with critically ill children. This foundation only takes referrals from social workers, but a spokeswoman says they welcome calls and e-mails from mothers and will gladly explain the process.
• Marc Roberts Cancer Fund, Phone: 732-477-5888, E-mail: lauren-roberts@sbcglobal.net - Financial Assistance for Adult Ewing's patients up to $1,000 a year.  Patient representative is Lauren Roberts.
• National Transplant Assistance Fund, Phone: 610-353-9684, 800-642-8399, Fax: 610-353-1616   NTAF helps patients organize and launch fundraising  campaigns to help with transplants and catastrophic injuries.
• National Foundation for Transplants, Phone: 800-489-3863, 901-684-1697,  Fax: 901-684-1128  Helps patients overcome financial hurdles to their transplant.
• Mission of Hope Cancer Fund, Phone (toll free): 888-544-6423; Fax: 517-768-2246; E-mail: mhcf@cancerfund.org - Financial assistance, Michigan and Florida residents only.  Applications are also taken online.
• Kelly Ann Dolan Memorial Fund, Phone: (215) 643 -0763, Fax: (215) 628-0266, E-mai: lpdolan@kadmf.org - Financial assistance for families with seriously ill children.
• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Phone: 800-955-4572 - Provides supplementary financial assistance to patients in significant financial need.
• National Association for the Terminally Ill, Phone: 888-847-0390, E-mail: info@terminallyill.org - Offers financial assistance to the children and families of those suffering from a terminal illness whose life expectancy is two years or less.
• The Bone Marrow Foundation, Phone: 800-365-1336 or (212) 838-3029
• Brain Tumor Foundation for Children, Inc., Phone: 404-252-4107; Fax: 404-252-4108 - Organization's Butterfly Fund provides direct assistance to qualified families in Georgia. 
• United Cancer Assistance Network, Phone: 1-573-776-1892 or (toll free) 1-877-776-1892,  Fax: 1-573-727-2496 - or e-mail: info@ucanpb.com. UCAN may be able to provide support in paying utility bills, grocery expenses or buying necessary household items for families in southeast Missouri.
• Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Phone: 312-836-2327, Fax 312-836-1284 or E-mail: office@bearnecessities.org. The foundation's Small Miracle Program aims to brighten the lives of pediatric cancer patients by granting special requests to them and easing the burdens of the families through assistance with some of the immediate needs.
• Brain Tumor Society, Phone: 800-770-8287-- This program covers specific non-medical costs related to a primary brain tumor diagnosis and offers a limited number of grants of up to $2,000 grants per year.
• The Keaton Raphael Memorial for Neuroblastoma, Phone: 916-784-6786, Fax: 916-784-3384 (Roseville, California), Phone: 775-327-6275
  Fax: 775-201-7509 (Reno, Nevada) or E-mail: Info@ChildCancer.org. The purpose of the Family Grant Program is to assist pediatric oncology families with funding to help ease the many financial burdens they must endure. The foundation takes referrals from hospital oncology staff.
• Children's Cancer Fund of New Mexico, Phone 505-243-3618, Fax 505-243-1490- Helps children and their families cope with the day-to-day financial needs of living with and fighting cancer.
• Foundation for Children with Cancer, Phone: 314-822-2265 -- Provides direct financial support for necessities such as mortgage payments, insurance premiums and utility bills.
• Godstock, Phone: 704-857-7011 or E-mail: info@godstock -- Offers financial and spiritual support to chronically ill children and their families in North Carolina.
• The Institute for Children with Cancer and Blood Disorders, Brunswick, New Jersey,  Phone: 732-247-5300, Fax: 732-247-5768 -- Provides emergency funding for institute patients.
• Justin Scott Foster Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Phone: 973-448-1871 or E-mail: info@jsffoundation.com
• The SAMfund, E-mail: info @ thesamfund.org or write to 35 Channel Center St., Boston, MA 02210 -- The SAMfund was created to assist young adult survivors of cancer with a successful transition into their post-treatment life, by providing financial support through the distribution of grants and scholarships.
• Catholic Charities USA -- Catholic Charities USA is the membership association of one of the nation's largest social service networks.  Phone the church in your local parish for information.
• Hope Cancer Fund, Phone: 1-877-601-4285
• Net Wish, E-mail: info@netwish.org -- Net Wish accepts online requests only, since the businessman who runs the site wants complete anonymity. Net Wish accepts hundreds of requests for immediate and pressing financial aid every month, up to $500 each. The grants are not tied to catastrophic illness but are awarded to people who most need them and are awarded in the form of gift certificates or bill payments.
• Friends 4 Michael Foundation, Phone: (845) 774-4809 or E-mail: mkwinn@friends4michael.org  -- The foundation gives assistance, including financial, to children afflicted with brain tumors and their families.
• Jessica's Hope Chest, Phone: (919) 497-0006 or Email:contactus@4jhc.org --The foundation for critically ill children will help cover the cost of transportation to and from medical facilities and help fund food and housing costs when medical treatment is at a hospital far from home. It will also help families purchase specialized equipment and formulas. Grants are paid in monthly installments and will not exceed $3,000 in all.
• National Association for the Terminally Ill, Phone: 888-847-0390 -- The National Association for the Terminally Ill  gives financial assistance to the children and families of those suffering from a terminal illness whose life expectancy is two (2) years or less. The foundation helps with day-to-day living expenses such as: rent or mortgage, groceries, electric, car payments, insurance payments, etc.  There is also a special fund for cancer victims and their families.
• Candlelighters Childhood Family Cancer Alliance, Phone:  713-270-4700, Fax: 713-270-9802 --Helps with food, Christmas presents, and other needs, as donations allow, in the Houston area.
• The Hawaii Children's Cancer Foundation, Phone: 808- 528-5161, Fax: 808- 521-4689 or E-mail: hccf@lava.net  -- For residents of Hawaii
• The Colorectal CareLine Financial Aid Fund, Phone: 866-657-8634 -- Provides financial assistance through a small grant program for colorectal patients in need of debt crisis assistance.
• Children's Chance, Discretionary Funds Program, Phone: 803-254-5996, Fax: 803-254-5997 -- For South Carolina residents
• Friends of Karen, Phone: 914-277-4547 -- Provides financial assistance for medical care and other illness-related expenses, including - but not limited to - transportation to medical treatment including parking, meals for parents while a child is inpatient, home care needs, child care for siblings when parents have to be with their hospitalized child, health insurance and basic living expenses that become unmanageable due to lost wages as a result of the illness and the high cost of medical care. Limited to the New York Metropolitan area.
• PADRES Contra El Cáncer (Parents Against Cancer), Phone: Gerry De La Rosa at (323) 850-7901 ext. 228 or E-mail: gdelarosa@iamhope.org.-- Supplies grocery vouchers and other basic needs for families in Southern California.
• Oklahoma Brain Tumor Foundation, Phone: 405-942-6442, Fax: 405-942-2772 -- Assists primary brain and central nervous system tumor families with financial assistance for medical needs as well as utilities, rent, mortgage, transportation needs, etc.
• The Tomorrow Fund, Phone: 401- 444- 8811, Fax: 401-444-4542, or E-mail: Nisabel@lifespan.org -- Assistance is available to help with non-medical expenses, such as travel, child care for siblings, hospital meals and parking, and accommodations during out-of-state treatment.

Scholarships:

• Stephen T. Marchello Scholarship Foundation, Phone: 303-886-5018; E-mail: fmarchello@earthlink.net  Offers  post-secondary scholarships to current year high school graduates who are survivors of cancer. Colorado, Montana, California, and Arizona students only.
• Stephen T. Marchello Scholarship Foundation Childhood Cancer Scholarship List, Phone: 303-886-5018 - Links to other scholarship opportunities for childhood cancer survivors.
• Financial Aid Information Page - Online guide for financial aid. This site does not accept phone calls from parents or students.
• Jay's World Childhood Cancer Foundation, Phone: 516-297-5328; E-mail: info@jaysworld.org - To be eligible for this scholarship, the child must be either cured of cancer, in remission, or able to attend college while undergoing treatment and a resident of New York State
• Scholarship Resource Network Express, E-mail: srntech@srnexpress.com - Online guide for financial aid. This site does not accept phone calls.
• The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, Phone: 1-888-393-3863 or 410-964-0202; Fax: 410-964-0402; E-mail info@ulmanfund.org - $1000 competitive scholarship awards
• Fastweb.com, Phone: 1-800-FASTWEB or 847-568-3000, Fax: 847-663-1945 - Online scholarship search
• Ashley Foundation Scholarship, Phone: 301-694-6414; E-mail: info@theashleyfoundation.org - Applies to high school seniors who have cancer or have survived cancer. Only for students in some parts of Maryland.
• Cancer Survivors' Scholarship Fund, Phone: 281-437-7142, Fax: 281-437-9568, or e-mail: info@cancersurvivorsfund.org - The Fund awards four levels of scholarships to augment the expenses associated with the college educations of young cancer survivors. 
• Patient Advocate Foundation, Phone: 800-532-5274, Fax: 757-873-8999; E-mail: help@patientadvocate.org - Grants ten $3,000 scholarships to provide support to individuals, under the age of 25, that are or have been diagnosed with cancer or a critical or life threatening disease.
• National Center for Learning Disabilities, Phone: 212-545- 7510 or (toll free) 888-575-7373, Fax: 212-545-9665  - $10,000, Not specifically for cancer survivors, but cancer survivors with learning disabilities may benefit.
• Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States, Phone: 800-253-6530; Fax: 828-665-6894, or e-mail for details: pbtfus@pbtfus.org - The PBTFUS has a scholarship program for individuals who have been diagnosed with a childhood brain or spinal cord tumor.
• Young Cancer Survivor Scholarship, Phone:  517-371-2920 or (toll free) 800-723-0360 - For cancer survivors in Indiana or Michigan.
• Tim and Tom Gullikson Foundation, Phone: 888-485-5457; E-mail info@gulliksonfoundation.org - For sufferers or survivors of brain tumors and their children.
• National Amputation Foundation, Inc., Phone: 516-887-3600 - $125 for students who have undergone limb amputations.
• The MaryEllen Locher Foundation,  PO Box 4032, Chattanooga TN 37405 - For children who have lost parents to breast cancer or children of breast cancer survivors. Applications are available online. This foundation does not accept phone calls from applicants.
• Discover Card Tribute Award Scholarship Program, Phone: 866-756-7932 - Scholarships range from $2,500 to $25,000 for high school juniors. Special consideration given to students who have overcome obstacles. E-mail request form is available online.
• Brain Tumor Foundation for Children, Inc., Phone: 404-252-4107; Fax: 404-252-4108 - Organization's Larry Dean Davis Scholarship is for survivors of a pediatric brain or spinal cord tumor who are entering or continuing in an advanced educational setting (college, university, vocational school or other setting) and who demonstrate financial need. Candidates must be residents of the state of Georgia.
• The SAMfund, E-mail: info @ thesamfund.org or write to 35 Channel Center St., Boston, MA 02210 -- The SAMfund was created to assist young adult survivors of cancer with a successful transition into their post-treatment life, by providing financial support through the distribution of grants and scholarships.
• The Ryan Mullaly Second Chance Fund, E-mail: The2dChanceFund@aol.com, or write to: 26 MEADOW LANE, PENNINGTON NJ 08534-- Scholarships of $1,000 for  young men and women whose high school years were disrupted by cancer and whose ability to qualify for most scholarships was precluded by the extensive absenteeism and physical disabilities which result from chemotherapy and radiation. 
• SuperSibs!, Phone: (Illinois)  847-705-SIBS (7427), Toll Free: 866-444-SIBS (7427), Fax: 847-776-7084 -- Scholarship Committee awards five $5,000 scholarships a year to brothers and sisters of cancer victims. Applications may be sent to the committee at 4300 Lincoln Ave, Suite I, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008.
• The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation, Phone: 717-215-0943 or E-mail: nfo@collegiatecancer.org or write to: P.O. Box 14521
  Silver Spring, MD 20911 -- Competitive scholarships of $1,000 are awarded to college students whose lives have been impacted by cancer and are seeking to continue their higher education while still undergoing treatment. 
• American Cancer Society: Some divisions of the American Cancer Society offer college scholarships for pediatric cancer survivors. The Young Cancer Survivor Scholarships are restricted to students within the states served by the division, and details vary from division to division. Several hundred scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 are awarded each year. Information about these awards and the telephone number for your division can be obtained by calling the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.
• Mount Airy Community Foundation, Jonathan Jackson Cancer Survivors Scholarship, Phone: 828- 328-1237 or (toll free) 888- 375-8117, Fax: 828- 328-3948 or E-mail: jcorrell@nccommunityfoundation.org --North Carolina residents
• Friends of Scott, the Scott Delgadillo Scholarship Program, Phone: 619-223-7268. Fax: 619-223-7002 -- San Diego, California
• The Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Scholarship Program, Phone: 530-676-9299 -- Applicants must have an immediate family member (living in the household), diagnosed with cancer of any type.
• Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education, LIFE Lessons Essay Contest, Phone: 202-464-5000 x106 or E-mail scholarship@lifefdn.org -- Qualified entrants who submit essays about how the death of a parent or guardian impacted their lives will be eligible for $15,000 in scholarship money.
• Orange County Community Foundations, Phone: 949.553.4202, ext. 25, or E-mail: shoss@oc-cf.org -- The California foundation is home to 56 scholarship funds, including one that is specifically for students whose lives have been impacted by cancer, 
• Jeff Apodaca Celebration of Life Scholarship, Applications may be obtained online and faxed to 505-277-5687, or mailed to UNMH Development Office,  700 Lomas NE, Two Woodward Center Drive, Albuquerque NM 87102, or E-mailed to placencia@salud.unm.edu  -- New Mexico residents.
• The Hawaii Children's Cancer Foundation, Phone: 808- 528-5161, Fax: 808- 521-4689 or E-mail: hccf@lava.net  -- Foundation has a scholarship fund for young-adult survivors who were treated in the state of Hawaii.
• The Susan Fund, Phone: 203-226-4145 -- Fairfield County, Connecticut, residents who have been diagnosed with cancer.
• Working Against Cancer, Survivor Scholarship Program, Phone: 619-269-6767 or E-mail: contactus@workingagainstcancer.org -- Assists young adult cancer survivors (ages 30 and under) by providing awards toward academic and vocational education.
  

State Medical Assistance Programs:

• Murphy's Unofficial Medicaid Page, E-mailto:murph@who.net -- This is an online guide only
• Medicaid State by State Descriptions & Plans -- This is an online guide only
• National Association of State Medicaid Directors, Phone: 202-682-0100, Fax: 202-682-3706

Federal Government and Related Programs:

• New Federal Government Benefits Site, www.govbenefits.gov, Phone: (toll free) 1-800-333-4636
• Family and Medical Leave Act, Phone: 1-866-4-USWAGE - Federal government act that allows unpaid leave
• Insure Kids Now.gov, Phone: 1-877-543-7669, E-mail: comments@hrsa.gov - Federal government sponsored health insurance for kids
• Veteran's Benefits, Phone: 1-800-827-1000- If you have served our country, you may be entitled to VA benefits
• Hill Burton Free Medical Care Program, Phone: 1-800-638-0742, or 1-800-492-0359 (for Maryland residents) -- Primary federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable
• Social Security Administration Home Page, Phone: 1-800-772-1213, TTY: 1-800-325-0778
• National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, Phone: 1-888-431-2804, Fax: 1-201-567-1542 -- Provides representation and advocacy on behalf of persons who are seeking Social Security and Supplemental Security Income
  

Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs:

• Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association Drug Assistance Programs, Phone: 1-888-477-2669 -- Helps qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through public or private programs
• NeedyMeds.com, Phone: 1-215-625-9609, Fax: 1-419-858-7221 -- NeedyMeds is an information source that does not supply medications or financial assistance for medications but helps you find programs that do this. 
• Medicare Prescription Drug Assistance Programs, Phone (toll free): 1-800-633-4227 
• Illinois Pharmaceutical Assistance Program, Phone: 1-217-785-3356, Fax: 1-217-785-4477 - For Illinois residents
• The Medicine Program.org, Phone: 1-800-921-0072; Fax: 1-866-705-0125 
• United Cancer Assistance Network, Phone: 1-573-776-1892 or (toll free) 1-877-776-1892,  Fax: 1-573-727-2496 - or e-mail: info@ucanpb.com. Helps cancer patients in southeast Missouri  find prescription drug companies that will donate medications or, in some cases, purchases the medication for the patient.
• Cancer Supportive Care-- Web site lists drug assistance programs of pharmaceutical companies, no phone listed for contact information
• Together Rx Access Program, Phone:  (toll free) 800-444-4106 -- For people without public or private prescription drug coverage 
• Genentech Access to Care Foundation,  Phone: 800-530-3083, Fax: 650-225-1366
• Rx Hope, Phone: 908-713-7600, Fax: 908-713-7700, or E-mail: customerservice@RxHope.com  -- An online assistance program accessible to patients or physicians. 
• The Tomorrow Fund, Phone: 401- 444- 8811, Fax: 401-444-4542, or E-mail: Nisabel@lifespan.org -- Assistance is available to help with expenses not covered by health insurance, such as co-payments for medical services the children receive and chemotherapy medications.
• Amgen Oncology Assistance program, Phone: (toll free) 800-272-9376 -- Multifaceted program specifically for oncology patients accessible to physicians or patients.
• International Oncology Network (ION), Phone: 877-223-2400 -- An online guide to some drug companies' patient assistance programs
• Lilly Cares Patient Assistance Program, Phone: 800-545-6962 -- Forms to qualify a patient for the program are provided to physicians.
• Partnership for Prescription Alliance, Phone: (toll free) 888-477-2669 -- Program to help patients obtain free or low-cost medicine
• Cancer Supportive Care Programs -- An online guide for physicians to find help for patients who can't afford their medications.
• Patient Access Network Foundation, Phone; 866-316-7263, or E-mail: contact@patientaccessnetwork.org -- The Patient Access Network Foundation provides financial support for out-of-pocket costs associated with a wide range of drugs.
• CancerCareAssist, Phone: 1-800-813-HOPE (4673) -- Grants to help with medications and copays are available on a limited basis through several programs.
•  National Children's Cancer Society, Phone: 314-241-1600 • Fax: 314-241-1996; E-mail: krudd@children-cancer.org - Provides financial assistance for some treatments
• First Hand Foundation, Phone: 816-201-1569, Fax: 816-571-1569, or E-mail: firsthandfoundation@cerner.com -- Program designed to help individual child with a specific healthcare need that is not completely covered by an existing financial net such as insurance, state aid, charitable organization, or by the child's family.
• Patient Advocate Foundation, Co-pay Relief Program, Phone: (toll free) 866-512-3861, Fax: 757-952-0119, or E-mail: pap@patientadvocate.org 
• The Chronic Disease Fund, Phone: (toll free) 877-968-7233  or 972-712-0201, or E-mail: info@cdfund.org  -- Provides assistance to those under-insured patients who are diagnosed with chronic or life altering diseases that require the use of expensive, specialty therapeutics
• Oklahoma Brain Tumor Foundation, Phone: 405-942-6442, Fax: 405-942-2772 -- Assists primary brain and central nervous system tumor families with financial assistance for doctor co-pays, insurance premiums, prescriptions
• RxHelpForCalifornians, Phone: (toll free) 877-777-7815 -- A Web site designed to help low-income, uninsured California residents get free or discounted brand-name medicines
  

State Welfare and Public Assistance Programs:

• National Organizations:
• Economic Success Clearinghouse (formerly the Welfare Information Network), Phone: 1-202.628.4200, Fax: 1-202.628.1293
• National Center for Law and Economic Justice (formerly the Welfare Law Center),  Phone: 1-212-633-6967, Fax: 1-212-633-6371, E-mail: info@nclej.org
• Welfare Rights Organizing Coalition, Phone: 206-324-3063, Toll Free: 1-877-330-3063, Fax: 206-860-8825
  
  
• State Organizations:
• Alabama Department of Human Resources, Phone: 334-242-1310, Fax: 334-353-1115
• Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Assistance, Phone: 907-269-6599, Fax: 907-269-6450
• Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility - Family Assistance Administration, Phone: 520-881-4081, Fax: 520-318-0986
• Arkansas Department of Human Services, Phone: 501-682-9200, Fax: 501-682-9382, TDD: 501-682-9222
• California Department of Social Services, Phone: 916-651-8848
• Colorado Department of Human Services, Phone: 303-866-5700, Fax: 303-866-5700, Fax: 303-866-4047
• Connecticut Department of Social Services, Phone: 800-842-1508, TDD: 800-842-4524
• Delaware Health and Social Services, Phone: 302-255-9040 or 302-744-4556, Fax: 302-255-4429
• District of Columbia, Department of Human Services, Phone: 202-671-4200, Fax: 202-671-4325, E-mail: http://dhs.dc.gov
• Florida Department of Health and Human Services, Phone: 850-487-1111, Fax: 850-922-2993
• Georgia Department of Human Resources, Phone: 404-657-7660
• Guam, Department of Public Health and Social Services / Bureau of Management Support,  Phone: 671-735-7205 or 671-735-7209, Fax: 671-734-5556
• Hawaii Department of Human Services, Phone: 808-586-4888, Fax: 808-586-4889
• Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Phone: 866-326-2485
• Illinois Department of Human Services, Phone: 1 800 843-6154
• Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Phone: 1-800-446-1993
• Iowa Department of Human Services, Phone: 515-281-5454. Fax: 515-281-4980, or E-mail: fdhs@dhs.state.ia.us
• Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, Phone: 785-296-3959, Fax: 785-296-2173
• Kentucky, Cabinet for Families and Children, Phone: 502-564-7050 or 800-372-2973, TTY: 800-627-4702
• Louisiana Department of Social Services (DSS), Phone: 225-342-0286, Fax:  225-342-8636
• Maine Department of Human Services, Bureau of Family Independence, Phone: 207-287-3707, Fax: 207-287-3005
• Maryland Department of Human Resources, Phone: 800-332-6347
• Massachusetts Health and Human Services, Department of Transitional Assistance (Formerly known as Department of Public Welfare), Phone: 800-249-2007
• Michigan Family Independence Agency, Phone: 517-373-2035, Fax: 517-335-6101, or E-mail: dhsweb@michigan.gov
• Minnesota Department of Human Services, Phone (toll free): 888-234-1322 or 218-723-4962, Fax: 218-723-4969, or E-mail: dhhs.duluth@state.mn.us
• Mississippi, Department of Human Services, Division of Economic Assistance, Phone: 800-345-6347
• Missouri Department of Social Services,  Phone: 573-751-4815, Fax: 573-751-3203
• Montana Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services, Phone: 406-444-5622
• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Economic and Family Support,  Phone: 402-471-9325,  or E-mail: Mike.Harris@hhss.ne.gov
• North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Phone: 919-733-4534, Fax: 919-715-4645
• North Dakota Department of Human Services, Phone: 800-472-2622 or 701-328-2310, Fax: 701-328-2359,  or E-mail: dhseo@nd.gov
• Nevada Department of Health Human Services, Division of Welfare and Supportive Services, Phone: 775-684-0500, Fax: 775-684-0646
• New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Phone: 800-852-3345 x4580 or 603-271-4238
• New Jersey, Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development, Phone: 609-588-2400
• New Mexico, Human Services Department, Phone: 505-827-7750, Fax: 505-827-6286
• New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Phone: 800-342-3009  or E-mail: nyspio@otda.state.ny.us
• Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Phone: 614-466-2000
• Oklahoma, Department of Human Services, Family Support Services Division, Phone: 405-521-3046, Fax: 405-521-668
• Oregon Department of Human Resources, Phone: 503-945-5944, Fax: 503-378-2897 or E-mail: dhs.info@state.or.us
• Pennsylvania Health and Human Services, Phone: 877-724-3358
• Puerto Rico, Department of the Family, Phone: 787-294-4900, Fax: 787-294-0732 -- The Web site appears to have been taken down and has not been replaced
• Rhode Island Department of Human Services,  Phone: 401-462-5274 
• South Carolina Department of Social Service,  Phone: 803-898-7601
• South Dakota Department of Social Services, Phone: 605-773-4678, Fax: 605-773-7183
• Tennessee Department of Human Services, Phone: 615-313-4700, Fax: 615-741-4165
• Texas Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Phone: 512-407-3250, Fax: 512-451-9316
• Utah Department of Human Services, Phone: (toll free) 800-662-3722 or 801-538-4001, Fax: 801-538-4016
• Vermont Department of Prevention, Assistance, Transition and Health Access, Family Services Division, Phone: (toll free) 800-287-0589 or 802 241-2800, Fax: 802 241-2830
• Virgin Islands Department of Human Services, Phone: 340-774-0930, Fax: 340-774-3466  -- This Web site has been taken down and is unavailable at this time
• Virginia Department of Social Services, Phone: (toll free) 800-552-3431 or (Richmond) 804-692-1900 or E-mail: citizen.services@dss.virginia.gov
• Washington State Department of Social and Health Services,  Phone: 800-737-0617
• West Virginia, Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Family Support, Phone: 304-558-8290, Fax: 304-558-2059
• Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, Phone: 608-266-1865
• Wyoming Department of Family Services, Financial Assistance Division, Phone: 307-777-5846

Social Services Departments, County by County:

• California:
  
• Alameda Social Services Department, Phone: (toll free) 888-999-4772 or 510-670-8560
• Contra Costa Employment and Human Services Department, Phone: 925-313-1579
• Fresno County Human Services System, Phone: 559-253-9450, or E-mail: dch@co.fresno.ca.us
• Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services, Social Services Branch, Phone: (toll free) 800-891-8551 or 707-269-3590
• Kings County Department of Human Services, Phone: 559-582-3241
• Los Angeles County Department of Public Services, Phone: 562-908-6603
• Madera County Department of Social Services,  Phone: 559-675-7841 - or e-mail: offices@mcdoss.net
• Marin County Health and Human Services, Phone: 415-499-3696, Fax: 415-499-3791
• Mendocino County Social Services, Phone. Ukiah office: 707-465-7700 or (toll free) 877-327-1711, Fax: 707-453-7859; Phone, Willits office: 707-459-7750, Fax: 707-459-7743; Phone, Fort Bragg office: 707-962-1000 or (toll free) 877-327-1677, Fax: 707-962-1010; Phone, Point Arena office: 707-882-3457, Fax: 707-882-3261 or e-mail: mcdss@mcdss.org
• Monterey County Department of Social Services, Phone, (Salinas District Office): 831-755-4400; Phone: (King City District Office): 831-385-7400; Phone:  (Seaside District Office) 831-899-8015
• Napa County Social Services Department, Phone: 707-253-4279
• Orange County Social Services Agency, Phone: 714-834-5400
• Plumas County Social Services, Phone: 530-283-6350, Fax: 530-283-6368 - or E-mail: elliottsmart@countyofplumas.com  
• San Benito County Health and Human Services, Public Assistance, Phone: 831-636-4180
• Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance, Phone: 916-874-2072
• San Bernardino County Human Services Department,  Transitional Assistance Department, Phone: 909-388-0245, Fax: 909-388-0233
• San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, Phone:858-694-3900  -- General information line help you find the right office
• San Francisco City and County Department of Human Services, Phone: 415-557-5000, Fax: 415-431-9270
• Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services, Phone: (Lampoc): 805-737-7080; Phone: (Santa Barbara:) 805-681-4401; Phone: (Santa Monica) 805-346-7135
• Sierra County Social Services, Phone 530-993-6700 - or E-mail: socialservices@sierracounty.ws
• Shasta County Social Services, Phone: 530-225-5704, Fax: 530-225-5361 or E-mail: dssweb@co.shasta.ca.us
• Sonoma County Department of Human Services, Economic Assistance Division, Phone: 707-565-5200
• Stanislaus County Community Services Agency, for general assistance, Phone: 209-558-2000
• Trinity County Health and Human Services, Phone: 530-623-1265 or (toll free) 800-851-5658, Fax: 530-623-1250
• Ventura County Human Services Agency, Phone: 805-652-7601
• Yuba County Health and Human Services, Phone: 530-749-6311, Fax: 530-749-6281
  
• Florida:
• Alachua Social Services,  Phone: 352-264-6750, Fax: 352-264-6756
• Brevard County Housing and Human Services, Support Services, Phone: 321-633-2076
• Broward County Human Services Department, Phone: 954-357-6385, Fax: 954-468-3592
• Charlotte County Human Services Department, Phone: 941-833-6500, Fax: 941-833-6565
• Citrus County Community Support Services Division, Phone: 352-527-5900, Fax: 352-527-5437
• DeSoto Community Services, Phone: 863-993-4808, Fax: 863-993-4857 - or Email: paul@co.desoto.fl.us
• Flagler Human Services Department, Phone: 386-586-2324, Fax: 386-437-7461 - or E-mail: msheets@fcbcc.org
• Hendry County Social Services Department, Phone: 863-675-5356 or 863-983-1590  
• Hernando County Health and Human Services Department, Phone: 352-540-4338, Fax: 352-540-4339
• Hillsborough County Health and Social Services, Phone: 813-272-5040, Fax: 813-276-2865
• Lee County Department of Human Services, Phone: 239-332-2737
• Manatee County Community Services Department, Phone: 941-749-3030, Fax: 941-749-3040
• Martin County Health and Human Services Department, Phone: 772-288-5785, Fax: 772-221-2397
• Miami-Dade Department of Human Services, Phone: 305-514-6000
• Monroe County Community Services Division, Social Services Department, Phone: 305-292-4573, Fax: 305-292-4517
• Orange County Youth and Family Services, Phone: 407-836-7600
• Osceola County Human Services Department, Social Services Office, Phone: 407-870-2019
• Palm Beach County Community Services Department, Human Services, Phone: 561-355-4775
• Pasco County Community Services Department, Phone: 727-834-3258 - or E-mail: areyes@pascocountyfla.net
• Pinellas County Human Services Department, Phone: (Clearwater Office) 727-464-8400, or (St. Petersburg Office) 727-581-7781, or dial 2-1-1 for 24-hour emergency help - or E-mail: humansvs@pinellascounty.org
• Polk County Department of Human Services, Phone: 863-534-5200
• Sarasota County Health and Human Services Department, Phone: 941-816-2900
• Seminole County Community Services, Community Assistance Program, Phone, 407-665-2360 or E-mail: CSpiessbach@seminolecountyfl.gov
• St. James County Social Services Department, Phone: 904-209-6140
• Volusia County Community Services, Phone: (West Volusia Office) 386-943-7039, extension 2956, (Daytona Beach Office) 386-254-4648, extension 2956, (New Smyrna Beach Office) 386-423-3375, extension 2956 - or E-mail: chiers@co.volusia.fla.us
   
• Illinois:
• The Illinois Department of Child and Family Services, Phone: 312-814-6800 (Chicago office) or 217.785.2509, (Springfield)
  |
• New Jersey:
• Atlantic County Financial Assistance, Phone: 609-348-3001, extension 2776
• Bergen County Human Services, Phone: 201-336-7474
• Burlington County Human Services, Phone: 609-265-5546, Fax: 609-265-5382
• Camden County Health and Human Services: Phone: (toll free) 800-999-9045 or 856-374-6000
• Cape May County Human Services, Phone: 609-465-1055, Fax: 609-465-4639 - or E-mail: devaneyp@co.cape-may.nj.us
• Cumberland County Social Services, Phone: 856-691-4600, Fax: 856-692-7635
• Essex County Department of Citizen Services - Welfare, Phone: 973-733-3326, Fax: 973-504-9316
• Glouchester County Division of Human Services, Phone: 856-384-6870, Fax: 856-384-0207
• Hunterdon County Department of Human Services, Phone: 908-788-1253, Fax: 908-806-4204 - or E-mail: humansvc@co.hunterdon.nj.us
• Mercer County Board of Social Services, Phone: 609-989-4320 or (toll free) 800-564-1595
• Middlesex County Human Services Department, Division of Social Worker Services, Phone: 732-745-4519, Fax: 732-745-3282
• Monmouth Human Services Department, Phone: 732-308-3770, Fax: 732-431-7412
• Morris County Human Services, Temporary Assistance Program Services, Phone: 973-989-6015
• Ocean County Human Services Department, Phone: 732-341-5374
• Passaic County Human Services Department, Phone: 973-881-2834, Fax: 973-881-2733
• Somerset County Social Services, Phone: 908-704-6300, Fax: 908-704-1629
• Union County Human Services Department, Phone: 908-527-4808, Fax: 908-527-4875
• Warren County Division of Temporary Assistance and Social Services, Phone: 908-475-6301, Fax: 908-475-1533 - or E-mail: SocialServices@co.warren.nj.us
  
  
• New York:
• Albany County Department of Social Services, Phone: 518-447-7300
• Broome County Social Services Department, Phone: 607-778-8363
• Cattaraugus Department of Social Services, Phone: (Olean, main office) 716-373-8065 or (Little Valley office) 716-938-6913
• Clinton County Department of Social Services, Phone: 518-565-3300
• Cortland County Department of Social Services, Phone: 607-753-5248
• Delaware County Social Services and Youth Bureau, Phone: 607-746-2325
• Jefferson County Social Services Department, Phone: 315-782-9030
• Lewis County Social Services, Phone: 315-376-5400, Fax: 315-376-4112
• Livingston County Department of Social Services, Phone: 585-243-7300
• Madison County Social Services, Phone: 315-366-2111, Fax: 315-366-2553
• Monroe County Human and Health Services, Phone: 585-753-6298, Fax: 585-753-6296 or E-mail: mchhs@monroecounty.gov
• Nassau County Department of Social Services, Phone: 516-227-8519
• Niagara County Social Services, Phone: 716-439-7600, Fax: 716-439-7609
• Oneida County Department of Social Services, Phone: 315-789-5700 or E-mail: socialservices@ocgov.net
• Ontario County Department of Social Services, Phone:585-396-4060 or (toll free) 877-814-6907, Fax: 585-396-4980  (Hopewell); Phone: 315-789-2841, Fax: 315-781-2942 (Geneva)
• Orange County Department of Social Services, Phone: 845-291-4000 or (after-hours emergencies), 800-782-5480 (5 p.m.-9 p.m.) 845-291-4033 (9 p.m.-9 a.m.)
• Orleans County Department of Social Services, Phone: 585-589-7000, extension 3228, Fax: 585-589-7479 - or E-mail: DIANA.FACKLER@DFA.STATE.NY.US
• Putnam County Department of Social Services and Mental Health, Phone: 845-225-7040, extension 200, Fax: 845-225-8635
• Rockland County Department of Social Services, Phone: 845-364-2000 or 845-364-3410 or 845-364-2185 (24-hour response)
• Saratoga County Social Services, Phone: (Adult and Family Services) 518-884-4159 or (Food Stamps) 518-884-4155
• Schenectady County Social Services, Phone: 518-388-4470, Fax: 518-382-0310
• Seneca County Temporary Assistance, Phone: 315-539-1800, Fax: 315-539-1447
• St. Lawrence Department of Social Services, Phone: 315-379-2111, Fax: 315-379-2278
• Suffolk County Social Services, Phone: 631-854-9935 or (after-hours emergencies) 631-854-9100, Fax: 631-854-9996 - or e-mail jmccrossen@co.wayne.ny.us
   
• Texas: 
• Texas administers  its Health and Human Services resources through regional agencies. The easiest and quickest way for anyone in Texas to obtain information on how to get help is to dial 2-1-1. When you select option one, you will talk to a trained resource specialist who has access to a comprehensive database listing of nearly all health and human services that exists in Texas. This includes but is not limited to: rent and utility assistance, food, emergency shelters, where to get employment help, medical and mental health assistance, help with transportation, and trained suicide intervention counseling. You can also get information on affordable childcare, information about caring for an aging relative, or help recovering from a disaster. Information and referral is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the year. Information can be provided in over 90 different languages. An alternate phone number is 1-877-541-7905. For more information, visit the Texas Health and Human Services Web site or Finding Help in Texas.

Important Books:

Please use our link below to search Amazon.com. Also, we have listed individual title recommendations below the search link. Our non-profit foundation will receive a commission on each purchase initiated from these links.

• Finding the Money: A Guide to Paying Your Medical Bills - by Diane Tolley, Dummee; ISBN: 0970622007--Another
  excellent medical dictionary
• The Support Group Sourcebook : What They Are, How You Can Find One, and How They Can Help You
   - by Linda L. Klein; ISBN: 0471347892
• Laurie Blum's Free Money for Heart Disease and Cancer Care - Laurie Blum; ISBN: 1560549289

Warmest Regards....Barry Sugarman, B.S.ENGR., President
The Cure Our Children Foundation
mailto:barry@cureourchildren.org
http://www.cureourchildren.org
Phone: 310-355-6046
Fax: 310-454-9592

Should you have any specific questions about transportation, financial or other social and logistic issues, please contact our Take My Hand Project c/o Barry Sugarman,  barry@cureourchildren.org, http://www.cureourchildren.org/takemyhand.htm

© Copyright, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, Barry Sugarman, B.S.ENGR., All Rights Reserved.

Phone 310-355-6046, FAX 310-454-9592

e-mail: barry@cureourchildren.org, URL: http://www.cureourchildren.org/