Jonathan Shepherd’s Wheelchair Van Fund
Donation protected
Our current van that we use to transport Jonathan for school, therapies and doctor visits, as well as family travel, is now over 15 years old. It has worked well for us but is starting to show signs of its age and is becoming increasingly unreliable. In addition to this, Jonathan is growing! That’s great for his health, but his additional weight and length make the task of lifting him and his wheelchair more difficult. Because of those reasons, we feel that it’s the best time to transition to a wheelchair accessible van.
Since January, Erin has been applying for multiple medical grants from various foundations. These grants are designed to cover the cost of the conversion. As of the writing of this letter, Jonathan has been awarded six separate grants totalling $12,500 that will go directly to the cost of the conversion. Most conversions cost between $25K-35K, in addition to the cost of the vehicle. Many of the grants awarded also have an expiration, varying from 2 months to 1 year. We are still waiting to hear back from five different foundations, plus an additional two that we can not apply for until we hit 80% of funds raised. However given the current pandemic, many foundations are not meeting to discuss grant allocations.
Any grants awarded to Jonathan are required to go towards the cost of the conversion. The cost of the vehicle itself falls completely on our shoulders. Most foundations awarding the grants, along with the company that converts the vans, require that the van be no more than 2 years old with less than 50K miles. Because most of these grants are once-in-a-lifetime grants, we hope to get a van that will last us at least 10+ years. The average cost for the vehicle, plus conversion, can fall between $60K-$75K depending on the type of vehicle. Unfortunately this is not financially feasible for us being a one income family.
While the timing is not ideal during these uncertain times of pandemic, we know our need is present and becoming more so each day. We trust that we serve a God that promises to “meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” – Philippians 4:19. Because we believe this, we are boldly asking for financial assistance in meeting our current need. This is a big request that we do not take lightly. We know that reaching our goal will likely be a marathon, not a sprint. We’re content on waiting on God’s timing on this and trust that He’ll provide.
If God has put it on your heart to help financially, we’d welcome any support. If you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation by mail, our church has offered to collect any donations and hold on to them until we’ve raised enough funds. Please email [email redacted] and we will send you a stamped return envelope, plus a donation slip to include along with your donation. Donations can also be made anonymously if you prefer. You can also donate through this Go Fund Me, however those donations are not tax-deductible and Go Fund Me deducts 3% from all donations. Regardless, if you choose to donate, please do so in any way that you’re comfortable with.
Finally, we want to say thank you for all of your prayers these last 7 years on Jonathan’s behalf. Many times when we’ve faced a medical crisis or a need for him, we find out that God has already gone before us and awakened his prayer warriors to get on their knees and pray for our son. We firmly believe God has already gone before us with this need and prepared the hearts of those who have been called to help. We know that no matter your contribution: whether through prayer, large or small financial support, God will continue to meet all of our needs.
Thank you for considering Jonathan and our family’s needs during this unprecedented time.
Sincerely,
Cody & Erin Shepherd
Since January, Erin has been applying for multiple medical grants from various foundations. These grants are designed to cover the cost of the conversion. As of the writing of this letter, Jonathan has been awarded six separate grants totalling $12,500 that will go directly to the cost of the conversion. Most conversions cost between $25K-35K, in addition to the cost of the vehicle. Many of the grants awarded also have an expiration, varying from 2 months to 1 year. We are still waiting to hear back from five different foundations, plus an additional two that we can not apply for until we hit 80% of funds raised. However given the current pandemic, many foundations are not meeting to discuss grant allocations.
Any grants awarded to Jonathan are required to go towards the cost of the conversion. The cost of the vehicle itself falls completely on our shoulders. Most foundations awarding the grants, along with the company that converts the vans, require that the van be no more than 2 years old with less than 50K miles. Because most of these grants are once-in-a-lifetime grants, we hope to get a van that will last us at least 10+ years. The average cost for the vehicle, plus conversion, can fall between $60K-$75K depending on the type of vehicle. Unfortunately this is not financially feasible for us being a one income family.
While the timing is not ideal during these uncertain times of pandemic, we know our need is present and becoming more so each day. We trust that we serve a God that promises to “meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” – Philippians 4:19. Because we believe this, we are boldly asking for financial assistance in meeting our current need. This is a big request that we do not take lightly. We know that reaching our goal will likely be a marathon, not a sprint. We’re content on waiting on God’s timing on this and trust that He’ll provide.
If God has put it on your heart to help financially, we’d welcome any support. If you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation by mail, our church has offered to collect any donations and hold on to them until we’ve raised enough funds. Please email [email redacted] and we will send you a stamped return envelope, plus a donation slip to include along with your donation. Donations can also be made anonymously if you prefer. You can also donate through this Go Fund Me, however those donations are not tax-deductible and Go Fund Me deducts 3% from all donations. Regardless, if you choose to donate, please do so in any way that you’re comfortable with.
Finally, we want to say thank you for all of your prayers these last 7 years on Jonathan’s behalf. Many times when we’ve faced a medical crisis or a need for him, we find out that God has already gone before us and awakened his prayer warriors to get on their knees and pray for our son. We firmly believe God has already gone before us with this need and prepared the hearts of those who have been called to help. We know that no matter your contribution: whether through prayer, large or small financial support, God will continue to meet all of our needs.
Thank you for considering Jonathan and our family’s needs during this unprecedented time.
Sincerely,
Cody & Erin Shepherd
Organizer
Erin Shepherd
Organizer
Overland Park, KS