John Theissen Children’s Foundation ‘Smiles and Miles” Transportation Program, provides families and children with transportation to and from hospitals, clinics, family “themed” parks, ballgames and more. Transportation to and from treatments is one of the most difficult challenges families have.
Our goal is too take the stress away from the families and children by providing the transportation in our luxury twelve passenger van. The van is equipped with hand held video games, portable DVD players, movies, snacks and drinks.
One of our goals for the “Smiles and Miles” program is to help alleviate the burden of transportation costs, such as parking, tolls, gas, trains or bus fees. This program brings many smiles by providing full day, paid trips for the family and friends to places such as: Yankee, Mets, Jets and Giants games, Great Adventure, Water Parks etc.
The Family Fun Center provides hours of fun for sick and underprivileged children and their siblings. The center has three separate areas. Area # 1 has thirteen flat screen televisions mounted on the walls and each one is equipped with an XBOX One or PlayStation 4 game system. Area #2 is our “sweet station” we have a Jelly Belly Candy station equipped with all kinds of treats from Jelly Belly Co., a popcorn machine and ice cream freezer loaded with assorted frozen treats. Area # 3 we have five classic arcade games includes 4 “ride-on’ games. Area # 4 is our Arts and Crafts area with face painting, tattoo stations, arts and crafts and even a nail salon station.
The Family Fun Center helps these children and their families focus on something other than their illnesses or their financial situation. The center is available for the children to celebrate their birthdays, end of treatment parties or any other occasion at no cost. The Family Fun Center is open seven days a week for the children to enjoy anytime at no cost, so they can feel like a regular kid.
The children are identified and referred to the organization by their doctors or social workers. Children ages infant to seventeen-years-old are eligible to take part in the Family Fun Center.
The Back to School Program will help underprivileged children from low-income families. Children in Kindergarten through High School will be provided with back to school clothes and school supplies for the school year. Each child will receive new clothes to wear including everything from socks and underwear to shirts, pants, and new shoes. The supplies will include but not be limited to backpacks, spiral notebooks, pencils and pens and other classroom necessities.
Back to school time can be difficult for many children whose families cannot afford new clothes or school supplies. Every child should have a chance to attend school and feel good about themselves. Studies have shown that many children do not attend the first day of school because they are too embarrassed that they do not have new supplies and clothing. New clothes and school supplies are all significant items for a child who would otherwise go without.
The children will be given a profile page to fill out which will include: their name, age, sex, favorite color, clothing size, shoe size, what their preferences are as far as dresses or pants for girls and sportswear or plain clothes for boys. These children will be carefully selected through agencies and centers. The distribution will take place in late August or early September before their first day of school.
The children who have benefited from our donations in the past have made us realize there is a greater need out there and we are hoping to promote higher self esteem as these children begin their new school year.
“Surf’s Up For Kids” focuses on helping children battling cancer, life threatening illnesses and children with special needs. Therapy services include all aspects of pony care, from basic grooming, to walking and even assisted riding. Children focus on Surf, instead of the illness or disability that they are living with or fighting. Surf’s Up For Kids is one hundred percent free to the families and the children we serve. Surf’s home is in Old Brookville, New York at The Red Barn. If you would like to refer a child for our Surf’s Up For Kids Program, Please call 516-679-5098 or email john@jtcf.org they will have a blast will Surf!!
Medical Expenses/ Wish Giving - Throughout the year, we provide special wishes and gifts. We also help families with their medical expenses/bills. Hospitals, Agencies or Social workers must submit all requests in writing to the foundation. All recipients are required to sign a form of acknowledgment upon receiving the gift. All requests are considered.
