Theresa Alessandra Russo Foundation Inc
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Programs and results
What we aim to solve
There is a significant shortage of opportunities in the arts and recreation for children with special needs. The few available programs across the nation often lack quality, and their participation costs are prohibitively high. However, the Theresa Foundation is committed to enhancing the availability and improving the quality of programs in art, music, dance, drama, and recreation for these children. The foundation firmly believes in nourishing each child's growth and upholding their undeniable rights to express themselves artistically and engage in physical activities.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Theresa Pooled Trust
The Theresa Foundation Pooled Trust of New York is a special type of trust that allows a beneficiary of any age to become financially eligible for public assistance benefits, such as Medicaid home care, while preserving their monthly income in trust for living expenses and supplemental needs. The Center for Special Needs Trust Administration, Inc. (The Center) is the trustee that administers The Theresa Pooled Trust (Trust).
Upon the beneficiary’s death, any remaining assets in the pooled trust must either be retained in the Trust or used to reimburse the state of New York for all medical benefits provided by the beneficiary. As part of their charitable mission, the Theresa Foundation and the Center have partnered to provide comprehensive services to the entire community of people with disabilities in New York.
Where we work
External reviews
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Number of grants and research funding awarded to the institution
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
The Theresa Foundation funded 22 grants to different organizations in 2023.
Our Sustainable Development Goals
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Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Our mission is to foster each child's unique abilities by providing direct services and creating spaces where they can express themselves creatively. We aim to accomplish this by offering grants to organizations that focus on these areas, allowing them to develop and implement programs tailored to the needs and abilities of these children. In addition, the foundation also provides adaptive recreational equipment for families who cannot afford it, ensuring that every child has access to enjoyable and therapeutic recreational activities. Through these initiatives, the Theresa Foundation continues to enrich the lives of children with special needs, helping them to thrive and reach their full potential.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
1) Program Support: The Theresa Foundation backs programs that specialize in art, music, dance, drama, and recreation for children with special needs. By funding these programs, the foundation ensures that a diverse range of creative and recreational opportunities are available for these children.
2) Grant Program: The Theresa Foundation runs a grant program that offers financial assistance to organizations that align with their vision. These grants enable these organizations to develop and implement programs that cater to the needs and abilities of children with special needs.
3) Community Building and Inspiration: The foundation's work goes beyond direct support. It aims to inspire the community and enrich the world with various events throughout the year including bowling parties, comedy nights, and taking part in 5ks, nurturing each child's unique abilities and contributing to building strong families.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
1) Financial Support: The Theresa Foundation has the ability to provide financial assistance through grants to organizations that align with our mission. This funding is used to develop and implement programs that cater to the unique needs and abilities of children with special needs.
2) Network and Partnerships: The Theresa Foundation has a network of partnerships with various organizations that focus on art, music, dance, drama, and recreation. These partnerships allow the foundation to reach a wider national and international audience.
3) Community Engagement: The Theresa Foundation actively engages with the community, inspiring them to recognize and appreciate the unique abilities of all children, regardless of their abilities. This community involvement helps in the acceptance and inclusion of children with special needs.
4) Expertise and Experience: The Theresa Foundation was established in 1992 by a team of experienced professionals who are skilled in identifying the best programs that can cater to the unique needs of children with special needs. We ensure that the funds are directed towards the most impactful initiatives.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
The Theresa Foundation has made significant strides in supporting over 200 organizations (and counting). As of 2022, the foundation has provided over $2.6 million in grant funding to 202 programs across 29 states throughout the U.S., as well as four international grants.
The foundation also presents an annual Theresa Award, honoring a National Academy of Elder Law Attorney (NAELA) in recognition of their outstanding efforts. Additionally, we have supported numerous projects aimed at improving health and overall care in various communities.
Furthermore, the foundation has successfully established "Theresa's Fun Place," a state-of-the-art, fully adaptive playground that serves 240 children daily.
What's next for The Theresa Foundation? We aim to continue expanding our reach, supporting more programs, and providing more opportunities for artistic expression and physical recreation for children with special needs.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Theresa Alessandra Russo Foundation Inc
Board of directorsas of 02/12/2024
Susan Russo
The Theresa Foundation
Dante Russo
Robert Russo
Susan Russo
Vincent Russo
Elizabeth Einhart
Judy Murdaugh Jackson
Jane James
Laury Adsit Gelardi
Beth Meyers
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
The organization's co-leader identifies as:
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No data