Hurricanes and tropical storms are an unfortunate part of the reality of living in Houston. The 2024 hurricane season was predicted to be an active one, and we’ve seen that firsthand.
Researchers at Colorado State have updated their Atlantic Hurricane Season forecast to now include 25 named storms (up from 23) and 12 hurricanes (up from 11). Of the 12 hurricanes predicted, the forecast says six will be major. But as we all know, it only takes one to make a life-altering impact.
The Employee Financial Assistance Fund (EFAF), a confidential fund sustained by voluntary donations from team members, is here for Texas Children’s employees experiencing those life-altering impacts. We all know things can change in an instant. Your once secure financial future can be blown away with gale-force winds. This is where you can rely on the members of your One Amazing Team to support you through those unexpected, unforeseen and unavoidable emergencies.
One such person facing those unexpected hardships was Candace Taylor, a Patient Administrative Liaison. Her home was directly in the path of Hurricane Beryl, and she sustained damage to her roof, windows and vehicle. Tragically, after replacing her fence due to the derecho storm in May, she would need to do so once again. Candace was forced to manage all those circumstances with no power and four small children at home, one on a breathing machine for asthma and one requiring special milk. With limited funds available, she was unsure of a path forward.
Candace turned to Texas Children’s in her time of need, and it did not let her down. Her EAP representative was able to get her funds for groceries. “Within three to five minutes, she called me right back and said, ‘You were approved!’ TCH deposited the money today,” said Candace. “That’s a weight off my shoulders. It’s so much more than just a dollar amount.”
The EFAF is always accepting voluntary donations. If you are interested in donating either one time or on a recurring basis, you can do so through Voyager. Simply click “Show More” under the “Quick Actions” section on the lefthand side of the screen and scroll down to “Compensation.” Then go to “Manage Personal Contributions” and click “Add.” In the “Plan” drop down, select “Charitable Giving.” From there, you can select a one-time donation to the EFAF or set up a recurring option deducted from your paycheck. If you have questions about donating, please email eap@texaschildrens.org or call 832-824-3327.
The members of this team took care of Candace in her time of need, and it made all the difference. She is only one example of the care and peace of mind this fund provides. Thank you for donating to the EFAF and supporting your fellow team members.