Although we were forced to cancel our in-person programming, TTFF immediately responded to the needs of the children we serve in new and creative ways.
Thanks to the support of so many, here’s a snapshot of what we accomplished this year:
Urgent Need Fund/Team KC
Shifting funding to our Urgent Need Fund and Team KC, TTFF fulfilled 468 requests in 2020 for families in urgent need due to their child’s illness. By far, the largest request we had this year was for groceries. The need for basic life necessities and medical supplies that insurance does not cover was greater than we’ve experienced in our 30-year history.
In addition, we helped fulfill wish lists for children admitted to local hospitals. To help pass the time and create some joy during a time of medical crisis, we sent items like art and craft kits, children learning kits, Paw Patrol toys, coloring books, Disney and Marvel figurines, board games, “sports” balls (e.g. soccer, football, etc.), Hot Wheel boxes with cars, infant learning toys and more than 400 Lego sets.
Equine Therapy
Even though we weren’t able to host kids at camp, our equine therapy partner Reins in Motion could resume operations. TTFF provided a grant that allowed nearly 1,000 at-risk and developmentally delayed children to experience the therapeutic aspects of horseback riding.
Sophie’s Place (Music Therapy)
“Music is helping me,” proclaimed one child seen by TTFF music therapists in the pediatric unit at John Muir Hospital. She had been nervous and somewhat suspicious of hospital staff, but once the music started, she grew more comfortable, sharing her story with our music therapist and taking part in the music making herself. By the end of the session, she was smiling, giggling and seemed to be in much better spirits. Besides helping to sooth pediatric patients on the spot, the more positivity we can bring to a child’s experience in the hospital, the more likely they are to get the care they need as an adult.
To date, our music therapy partner, The Pacific Resiliency Center, provided services to 183 participants.
Project Organic Produce
We provided organic produce for 202 children in northern California.
Virtual Camp
While hard to imagine creating a virtual camp program via zoom, to help ease some disappointment surrounding the cancellation of our residential camp program, our interns got in front of the camera and created 82 videos! These encompassed 24 camp related activities, 18 arts and crafts demos, 4 dance and yoga videos, 27 recipes featuring camp favorites, and 9 music therapy videos. All of these videos are available for anyone to enjoy through our website here.
Barry Taylor Scholarship Fund
The Barry Taylor Scholarship Fund was awarded to four students to further their education at local universities and vocational schools.
We want to give thanks to all those who partnered with us this year and over the past 30 years. We look forward to continuing our good work together in the new year.