Asbury Seminary Shepherd’s Fund: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Asbury Seminary Shepherd’s Fund?
The Asbury Seminary Shepherd’s Fund is a retired clergy benevolence fund that has been set up by a generous friend of the seminary who deeply wishes to bless the people who have served God sacrificially through the years and who have experienced medical needs that cause a strain on their finances. If eligible, each alumnus and/or spouse can receive up to $10,000 in assistance, which is renewable yearly.
You can find an electronic application and an introduction video by clicking here. If you or someone you love would like to request a paper application (or if you need assistance of any kind regarding Shepherd’s Fund), you can contact us in three ways:
Phone
Patricia Taylor
Coordinator of Alumni and Church Relations
859-858-2085
Email
alumni@asburyseminary.edu
Patricia Taylor
Office of Alumni
Asbury Theological Seminary
204 N. Lexington Ave.
Wilmore, KY 40390
Who is eligible for this fund?
In order to qualify for this fund, you must meet all three of the following criteria:
1. You must be an alumnus of Asbury Theological Seminary or the spouse of an alumnus.
2. The alumnus must be retired.
3. You must have medical costs that place a strain on your finances (this fund is generous; you do not have to be destitute).
What does this fund cover?
The Shepherd’s Fund can cover any medical-related costs for the alumnus or spouse. This may include, but is not limited to:
Doctor and hospital bills
Home health care
Assisted Living Expenses
Prescription medications
Dental work
Vision care
Hearing aids
Medical equipment and supplies
Wheelchairs, power chairs
Other mobility aides
Wheelchair ramps
Grab bars and other medically necessary safety equipment in the home
Life-Alert pendants
Will I receive money personally? Will I have to claim it on my taxes?
The Shepherd’s Fund does not distribute money directly to the applicant, to avoid the applicant bearing a tax burden on the assistance s/he receives. The foundation pays out directly to the place where the bill is owed.
Is there still money available for 2019?
Yes! There is a great deal of money left for 2019, and will continue to be available to those who need it. It is our goal to increase the number of people being served by this kindness, and is our exceedingly great joy to report every single life that has been changed by this gift. Please apply!
Will my information be secure?
Absolutely! We are bound by confidentiality laws and must keep all our alumni information strictly confidential. There are only two people at Asbury Theological Seminary who handle these applications: Patricia Taylor, Coordinator of Alumni and Church Relations; and Tammy Cessna, Director of Alumni and Church Relations. We are committed to maintaining your privacy! Not only that, but you are welcome to give us a call if you need to talk about some of the things you are going through. It is our honor to pray with you if you would like. We want to make sure our alumni are taken care of throughout the stages of their lives. Asbury for Life!
I’ve applied, and someone who is not from Asbury Seminary contacted me. Is it safe to give them my information?
Yes! After we have confirmed your eligibility on our end, your application will be passed to a foundation called Helping Hands. This is where your application will be processed further, and if approved, payouts will also be made from there. Please provide the Helping Hands representative with any information they request from you. The more promptly you can send in your information to them, the more timely your assistance will be. They will also keep your information secure.
When I received the information about the Shepherd’s Fund last week it did indeed brighten my day. I did not know that such was available. Recently I had a knee replacement and now in intense therapy. (Thankfully all paid for by Medicare.) It will take a week or two for me to have time to get the exact requests itemized for submitting to you. Please let me know if there is a deadline for this submission. Lois M Miller jamesandlois6355@gmail.com 281 713 2427