New Castle County, DE – A Pennsylvania nonprofit called Fred’s Footsteps is extending a lifeline to families caring for seriously ill, injured or disabled children throughout the region. The organization, founded in memory of the late Fred DiBona, offers three core programs that address the most pressing financial and logistical challenges these families face.
Bridge Fund eases housing costs
The Bridge Fund provides direct assistance for mortgage or rent payments, helping families stay in stable housing while they focus on their child’s care. Executive Director Christine DiBona Lobley explained that the fund was created after she saw how quickly medical expenses can erode a family’s ability to keep a roof over their heads.
Keys to Mobility supplies accessible vehicles
Through the Keys to Mobility program, Fred’s Footsteps supplies or subsidizes wheelchair‑compatible vehicles, giving families the freedom to travel to appointments, school and community activities. One recent recipient, a family of a young boy with autism, now enjoys safe outings in a specially equipped van that lets the child explore his neighborhood without constant supervision.
Pat’s Projects improves home safety
The third initiative, Pat’s Projects, works directly with families to modify homes for greater accessibility and safety. Modifications range from installing ramps and grab bars to widening doorways, ensuring that children can move through their homes with independence.
“I’m so glad I was able to go on this journey and stay connected to my dad,” Lobley said. “Carrying on his legacy and creating our own legacy with the incredible families we’ve worked with is a true blessing.”
Since its inception, Fred’s Footsteps has touched hundreds of families across the Delaware‑Pennsylvania border, providing not only financial relief but also a sense of community and hope. The organization relies on donations, local business partnerships and volunteer labor to keep its programs running.
Community members are encouraged to support the nonprofit through monetary gifts, in‑kind donations or by volunteering for home‑modification projects. For families in need, the organization offers a straightforward application process that can be started online or by contacting the office directly.
As the demand for specialized support grows, Fred’s Footsteps plans to expand its outreach, adding more grant opportunities and increasing the number of homes it can retrofit each year. The nonprofit’s mission remains clear: to honor Fred DiBona’s memory by lifting the burden from families who give everything for their children’s well‑being.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
