Second Chance Foundation
Helping Those with Disabilities
HISTORY
The Second Chance Foundation began as a dream of Dr. Edward F. Thomas and David S. Kritser, III. Working closely with rehabilitation patients, Dr. Thomas found that many people had inadequate insurance, no insurance, or had exhausted other financial resources on the road to recovery. David Kritser, a quadriplegic, understood firsthand the overwhelming changes that take place when someone has a head or spinal cord injury. In 1986, Second Chance was founded to financially help those with disabilities have an opportunity to lead a more active and productive life. Funding is available to help with resources needed to get back to work or live more independently. Over the years, the Foundation has provided prosthetics, hearing aids, specialized motor chairs, home modifications, college tuition, and vehicles with lifts.
SECOND CHANCE II
In 2017, long-time Second Chance supporter and board member, John Templer, had an idea that he couldn’t stop thinking about. Over the years, he had watched friends and employees struggle with alcohol and drug addiction, often to the point of losing everything they had. John recognized that addiction is also a disability and wanted to be able to give those who commit to a lifestyle free of drugs and alcohol a second chance. John generously gave the initial funding to expand the mission of Second Chance to help those in recovery with the initial transition from addiction to a life free of substance abuse. Applicants may apply for funds to cover expenses such as a down payment on a car, the first month’s rent, or tuition to start school.
Our mission
Second Chance Foundation’s purpose is to financially help those with disabilities to have an opportunity to lead more active and productive lives.
Qualifications For Assistance
Every application is considered and reviewed by the Second Chance Board of Directors.
To qualify for assistance, applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Have a verifiable disability
- Possess valid Texas ID or Texas Driver’s License
- Require equipment/services to be able to work, attend college, or live more independently
- Must have exhausted all other resources and have no access to other financial options for their specific needs
- Have met with Texas Workforce Solutions – Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
- If applying for vehicle assistance: must demonstrate financial responsibility for the vehicle including registration, full insurance coverage, and have a valid TX DL
- Reside within the upper 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle at the time of application provide proof of residency
- Must be a U.S. citizen and provide proof of citizenship (SS card/Medicare care/Medicaid card, etc.)
SECOND CHANCE II
Second Chance II helps qualifying individuals committed to living substance-free as they transition back into the community.
Qualifications For Assistance
Every application is considered and reviewed by the Second Chance Board of Directors.
Qualifications for Assistance for Individuals Who Successfully Completed Drug/Alcohol Rehab:
These funds are inteded to help qualifying individuals committed to living substance-free as they transition back into the community.
• Maximum amount per candidate: $2,500.00
• Recommended use of funds:
– Down payment on vehicle ($1,500 max)
– Liability insurance for vehicle (up to 3 months)
– 1st month’s rent
– College Tuition
To qualify for assistance, applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Completed an approved recovery treatment program
• Recommended by his/her counselor/social worker
Application Process
You can Help
Your donation goes a long way
When you make a gift to HCHF, its programs and events, you are directly impacting the lives of residents of Amarillo and surrounding communities. Thank you for your interest in helping improve the regional Amarillo, Texas community.
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