About
The Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund (the Fund) will distribute funds as gifts to victims and survivors of the October 25, 2023, shootings at Just-In-Time Recreation and Schemengee’s Bar and Grill in Lewiston, Maine. The funds may be used however the recipients wish.
Decisions about eligibility and distribution are made by the local Steering Committee with intentions of transparency, integrity, compassion, and fairness. This Final Protocol was informed by the experience of numerous similar efforts after mass casualty events, and the feedback received on the Draft Protocol published on November 20, 2023.
The Mass Violence Survivors Fund is the leading authority on financial assistance to victims of mass casualty events. They help coordinate fundraising efforts nationwide and locally with strategies and tools for how the money is deployed effectively using a community-based decision making process. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
If you are a victim, family member, donor, concerned citizen, or member of the media who wish to receive information and updates about the Fordyce Survivors Fund, please sign up for the contact list at the link below.
SIGN UP FOR CONTACT LIST
By signing up for this list, you will receive information on when applications are available.
About
On June 21, 2024, Fordyce, Arkansas endured horrific violence when a gunman opened fire at a Mad Butcher Grocery store, killing four people and wounding nine. The entire state is heartbroken. Many have asked how to help.
Arkansas Community Foundation has established the Fordyce Survivors Fund to provide direct financial assistance to the survivors of the deceased and those directly affected by this tragedy.
The Community Foundation is partnering with the Mass Violence Survivors Fund, which has extensive experience in supporting survivors of mass shootings.
100% of donations* will go to support victims directly affected. Qualifying charitable donations to this fund are tax deductible. *A payment processing fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per donation will be applied to donations made via GoFundMe.
Click the button below to donate online. We recommend that those wishing to donate $5,000 or more pay by check or electronic transfer. For more information, click on the “donate offline” button below.
The Mass Violence Survivors Fund is the leading authority on financial assistance to victims of mass casualty events. They help coordinate fundraising efforts nationwide and locally with strategies and tools for how the money is deployed effectively using a community-based decision making process. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
If you are a victim, family member, donor, concerned citizen, or member of the media who wish to receive information and updates about the Fordyce Survivors Fund, please sign up for the contact list at the link below.
Contact us
Information and eligibility guidelines coming soon.
Other Information
Oakland County’s Board of Commissioners (BOC) is partnering with the Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) to launch an Oxford School Mental Health Funding Assistance Program in support of persons directly impacted by the recent tragedy.
Town Hall
A Town Hall will be hosted by the local Steering Committee on June 20, 2023 at 6:00pm to hear public comment on the Draft Protocol and explain the application process.
West End Community Church
235 White Bridge Pike
Nashville, TN 37209
Application & Payment Information
Each type of application has documents which may need to be completed and uploaded as part of the process. Please click “Before you start…” document below for the appropriate category, download, and complete the information before beginning the online application. Please note that some documents may require signatures and notarization.
- Before you start your Category B application
- HIPPA Form
- Other Medical Provider Verification
- TN UTMA Custodian Certification
Payment Information
Funds are distributed once the Steering Committee approves a distribution plan for approved applicants. Funds will be distributed in the following ways:
- Zelle (For those who are 18 or over only)
- Check (For those under the age of 18, utilizing Special Needs Trusts, or those unable to receive funds via Zelle)
Zelle payments:
Victims or beneficiaries over the age of 18, who do not require a Special Needs Trust, may be paid via Zelle.
Find Zelle in the mobile banking app of your bank or by downloading the Zelle app. Zelle is supported through many major banks.
Check payments:
Custodial Accounts – In accordance with the Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA), payments to minor victims or beneficiaries must be placed in a custodial bank account. A custodial bank account is one that is in the child’s name, but for which the parent or guardian acts as custodian. If the child does not already have a custodial bank account, we recommend that you open one prior to submitting your application. Any bank can set up a custodial account for you. A custodial account will typically be named something like: “Custodian John Smith on behalf of Adrian Smith” or ”Custodial Account for Adrian Smith”.
Special Needs Trusts– If you are receiving income-based government assistance, we recommend that you consult an attorney. They may advise you to set up a Special Needs Trust so none of your government benefits will be negatively affected by receiving this gift. If you happen to already have a Special Needs Trust, that Trust might be able to be used for your Fund payment.
PROCESS OVERVIEW
Timeline
Shooting occurs
November 30, 2021Publish Draft Protocol and public comment period begins
February 15, 2022Town Hall Meeting and public comment period ends
March 21, 2022Steering Committee meets to approve Final Protocol
March 22, 2022Fund closes to donations
May 20, 2022All personal meetings requested with the Fund Administrators completed
March 21, 2021 – May 6, 2022Deadline for submission of applications
May 6, 2022Steering Committee approves Funds Distribution Plan
June 13, 2022Register for the Town Hall & Submit Written Feedback
Written feedback and questions about the Draft Protocol and must be submitted by January 18th. The Town Hall will be held on January 19, 2023 at 7:00pm at the Pikes Peak Metropolitan Community Church, 1102 S. 21st St, Colorado Springs, CO 80804.