Associate Assistance Fund Program

Mission:
In keeping with the CHRISTUS Health mission "To extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ" and to demonstrate CHRISTUS Core Values, the Foundation provides financial assistance to CHRISTUS associates experiencing financial hardship.

Purpose:
To assist CHRISTUS associates with utility and/or medical bills when all other possible resources have been exhausted.

Geographic Scope:

• CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System locations
• Includes: Shreveport, Bossier, and Coushatta

Funding:
The program is funded by CHRISTUS Foundation Shreveport-Bossier through donations from associates who wish to contribute to help their fellow CHRISTUS associates in times of need.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Must:

• Be a full-time or part-time associate of CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System
• Have completed 6 months of continuous service
• Be in good standing (not on written disciplinary action or probation)
• Have exhausted all other possible resources
• Work at one of these locations: Shreveport, Bossier, or Coushatta

Re-application:

• Must wait 12 months after receiving a grant before reapplying

Eligible Expenses

Utilities (only):

• Gas
• Water
• Electric/Power
• NOT phone bills

Medical Expenses:

• Medical bills

Payment Method:

• Funds are paid directly to the utility company or medical billing entity (not to the applicant)

Program Details

Processing Time: 4-6 weeks

Confidentiality: All information is kept confidential

Related Resources:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to all CHRISTUS Associates
• HR Business Partners can provide information on financial planning resources

Contact Information:

• Foundation Phone: (318) 681-6781
• Foundation Fax: (318) 798-8317
• Address: 1400 East Bert Kouns, Suite 104, Shreveport, LA 71105

Online Application Process

How to Apply:

• Complete the online application form and digitally sign it
• All information must be provided clearly and completely

Processing Timeline:

• Processing time: 4-6 weeks
• Applicant will be contacted with the committee's decision

Required Information

1. Personal Information:
   • Full name (first and last)
   • Hire date (MM/DD/YYYY)
   • Location: Shreveport, Bossier, or Coushatta
   • Department
   • Cell phone
   • Last 4 digits of SSN
   • Email address
   • Home address (street, city, state, ZIP)
2. Financial Need Description:
   • Describe current situation and why financial assistance is needed
   • Must provide clear information and details
   • Explain actions already taken to resolve needs
   • Minimum 3 full sentences (more information is better)
   • Inadequate information will delay processing
3. Type of Assistance Needed:
   • Select: Utilities (gas, electric/power, water—not phone) OR Medical Expenses
4. Household Information:
   • Indicate if children under age 18 live in home
   • If yes, provide for each child:
   • Name
   • Age (0-18)
   • Gender
   • Relationship (child or grandchild)
   • Maximum 5 children in application
5. Bill Documentation:
   • Upload scanned copies of utility or medical bills
   • Upload requirements:
   • File types accepted: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, txt
   • Maximum file size: 5 MB per file
   • Maximum 3 files
   • Must be clear image
   • "Payment voucher/form" must be visible
   • Provide creditor name and contact information
6. Authorization:
   • Provide digitally signed authorization to release Personnel Associate Benefits records from HR for committee review
   • All information kept confidential
7. CAPTCHA Verification:
   • Complete CAPTCHA for security verification