FINANCIAL SUPPORTS
This page contains information about agencies that provide funding as well as resources for assisting with financial decisions (special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, etc.)
ZALE DOWLEN, JD, MBA
Attorney Zale Dowlen is an estate planner and financial planner. He can assist with special needs trusts and financial guardianship for minors. He also has experience with children in the Juvenile Court system and is active in the Autistic adult community.
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Contact Information
Address: PO Box 335, Goodlettsville TN 37070
Phone: (615) 497-0763
Website: www.ZaleDowlen.com
FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAM
The Family Support helps individuals with severe disabilities by providing funds for such things as respite care, home modifications, medical supplies, personal assistance, homemaker services, and health-related needs. The funds are for families of children who are school-aged or younger as well as for adults. The program is funded with state dollars and managed by H.A.T.S. in Sumner County. Applications are available online.
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Contact Information
Phone: (615) 451-0974
Address: 545 Airport Road, Gallatin
KACI FISHER- NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL
Kaci Fisher specializes in financial security for special needs families. She is a mom, an advisor, and an advocate who is very active in the special needs community. She helps families plan for their loved ones with special needs via ABLE accounts, trust funding, cost of life planning, and more.
Contact Information
Phone: (615) 290-2772
Email: kaci.fisher@nm.com
Website: www.kacifisher.nm.com
KATIE BECKETT PROGRAM
Tennessee’s Katie Beckett program provides funding for children under the age of 18 with disabilities or complex medical needs who are not Medicaid eligible, though the first step toward getting enrolled is to apply for Medicaid. Part A helps children with the most significant disabilities or complex medical needs. Children enrolled in part B can receive funds to use for services such as medical expenses, insurance premiums, non-traditional therapy, respite, or supportive care.
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Contact Information
Phone: (800)-654-4839
KID S.M.A.R.T.
Kid S.M.A.R.T. (Support for Medication, Assessment, Research, and Therapy) is a nonprofit that provides scholarships to low-income families who need access to pediatric neuropsychological testing and treatment. Families can apply on their website.
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Contact Information
Phone: (615) 933-3571
Website: www.kidsmarttn.org​
RUSS EDWARDS
Attorney Russ Edwards of has extensive experience helping special needs families with special needs trusts, wills, powers of attorney, conservatorships, and more.
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Contact Information
Phone: (615) 822-0431
Website: https://edwards-and-edwards.com/
THE JISELLE LAUREN FOUNDATION
The Jiselle Lauren Foundation is a nonprofit organization that exists to advocate for children with disabilities. They provide financial support to children. They review grant applications in November of each year.
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Contact Information
Website: www.thejisellelaurenfoundation.org