I was worried about my legal name change for a bit. I worried that my name might be “too weird,” and that I should go for something more traditional. Sure, my name is Bridge, but maybe it should be something else for formal documents? As the two of them saw me fretting over my decision, one of my partners pulled me close and told me, “You’re the Bridge that brings people together—the Bridge that shows friends and loved ones where they need to go and how to get there.” Suddenly, I was calm. And I knew I was doing the right thing. There’s only one Bridge Rousseuax St. Germain, and that … [Read more...]
2019 Hembrough Grant Recipient – Alanna
Up to this day, Alanna has lived her whole life in Kentucky, with limited resources and connections to the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, she did not know she was a part of the community until about 2006; which is when she experienced puberty. She always had a natural discomfort and sadness to her personality, but could never pin-point the source until puberty. Her puberty experience felt like her body was betraying her by changing her body in all of the wrong ways. Even though this was a miserable experience, it at least helped identify the root cause of the negative emotions. Alanna overcame … [Read more...]
Announcing Change in Grant Name
As a way of honoring the vision of the co-founders, Tony Ferraiolo and M. Dru Levasseur, and their continuing commitment to the Jim Collins Foundation, the Board of Directors has changed the name of our General Grant Fund to our Founders’ Grant Fund. What is the Founders’ Grant Fund? The Founders’ Grant Fund covers 100% of the surgical fees associated with gender-affirming surgery. Who are the co-founders? Tony Ferraiolo is a life coach, motivational speaker, and author. For over 10 years he has dedicated himself to empowering transgender and nonbinary youth to walk their truth down … [Read more...]
Jim Collins Foundation Announces New Board Members
July 19, 2018 (New York, NY) – The Jim Collins Foundation (JCF), a national nonprofit organization with a mission to fund gender-affirming surgeries for transgender people who need them, is pleased to announce the appointment of new members to our Board of Directors. “I am excited to welcome such an impressive group to the JCF team,” said Jody Randall, JCF President. “Each of them brings experience and expertise in areas the Board has identified as integral to our continued development. Through their careers, lives, and endeavors, it is clear to see their commitment to supporting trans … [Read more...]
Leadership Transition Renews Foundation’s Focus On Trans Community
Trans Assistance Foundation turns over leadership reigns By: Jenna Spinelle/TRT Reporter— M. Dru Levasseur and Tony Ferraiolo have matching “JCF” tattoos on their arms. Those tattoos symbolize the work they’ve put into building the Jim Collins Foundation over the past 10 years and will serve as lasting memories as they transition out of their leadership positions. Levasseur and Ferraiolo met at a Yale University panel discussion in 2005 and quickly realized they shared a passion for spreading awareness about gender affirmation surgery and helping members of the transgender … [Read more...]
Dear Friends and Supporters:
Ten years ago, Tony Ferraiolo and M. Dru Levasseur recognized a particular need for some in our transgender community --- receiving funding support for gender-affirming surgeries. This led to the creation of the Jim Collins Foundation or (JCF). Ten years later, JCF has given grants to twenty recipients that has covered either fully or partially twenty surgical procedures. The organization has also provided a heightened awareness of the disparities within healthcare that may hinder some transgender people from achieving a healthy transition. It is with great respect and admiration of our … [Read more...]
Thank you & Goodbye from JCF Co-Founders Tony Ferraiolo and Dru Levasseur
Ten years ago, we co-founded the Jim Collins Foundation with a vision that we could help save lives with a simple mission – help trans people get the surgeries they need. No one else was doing it. Some organizations were supporting access to hormones, but trans people were on their own if they needed gender-affirming surgeries. Not every trans person needs surgery, but for those who do, it can be life-saving. In 2008, the same year the IRS granted our nonprofit status, the American Medical Association issued a resolution calling upon public and private insurance companies to remove … [Read more...]
Jim Collins Foundation Announces 2018 Grant Recipients
April 27, 2018 (New York, NY) – The Jim Collins Foundation (JCF), a national nonprofit organization with a mission to fund gender-affirming surgeries, is pleased to announce that we are awarding five grants for 2018. This is our highest number of grant recipients in the ten-years of the organization’s existence. This year JCF awarded three general fund grants and two matching fund grants. Our General Fund Grant covers 100% of the medical fees associated with gender-affirming surgery. Our matching fund grant, referred to as the Hembrough Grant, is from the Krysallis Anne Hembrough Legacy … [Read more...]
2018 Grant Recipient Mac
My name is Mac, and I am a statistical anomaly. Within the first week of my freshman year of college, I realized I was transgender. For a brief period, the sense of liberation that came with using a different name and different pronouns overshadowed the looming threat of social rejection. Not long after I bought my very first binder, the reality of my situation set in. The rejection I faced for being trans, combined with my own pre-existing mental health issues, caused my overall health to plummet. I lost my family’s financial support and was instantly thrown into debt. I saw no point in … [Read more...]
2018 Grant Recipient Hope
Born in Miami, Florida, Hope Giselle (founder of the HopeDisguised Project and #Allowme movement) began her journey into the world of theater at an early age. Attending the first and only magnet elementary and middle schools Miami had to offer (Charles R. Drew magnet school for the performing arts). Hope heavily involved herself in the arts of Dance and Theatre. Then attending Miami Senior High School not only to continue her studies in theatre but seek to master it! She won superior rankings in Florida regional and state competition her senior year and graduated top 10% of her … [Read more...]
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