How To Give
Connect with your LEAP representative (scroll down to the LEAP Representatives section of this website to find their names) to make a donation by check or cash
How To Apply
If you need help completing the application, please contact your school’s LEAP representative (scroll down to the LEAP Representatives section of this website to find their names) or contact Heather Johnson, LEAP Administrator, at 803-821-1288 or hyjohnson@lexington1.net.
Who and What LEAP Helps
Parents/guardians of actively enrolled Lexington One students and current employees may apply for LEAP assistance. Temporary and contracted employees and substitutes are not eligible.
Situations that profoundly impact financial circumstances may include, but are not limited to:
- House fire
- Severe weather event
- Critical health condition
- Unexpected hospitalization
- Death of immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent)
- Medical crisis
- Loss of or changes in employment (dismissal for cause is not eligible for LEAP assistance)
- Major vehicle repairs (LEAP cannot pay for vehicle repairs, but it can provide assistance for other needs if the repairs result in significant financial hardship)
- Student health issue not covered by insurance
- Car wreck
- Eviction
LEAP Representatives
How LEAP Helps
LEAP funding provides critical support in the following areas:
HOUSE FIRES OR SEVERE WEATHER (resulting in loss of housing)
- $1,000 for partial loss, plus $100 per additional person if there are more than four people in the immediate household
- $2,000 for total loss, plus $100 per additional person if there are more than four people in the immediate household
- Check written directly to applicant
- Only one application and one payment per household for an incident
MEDICAL CRISIS
- Rent/mortgage assistance ($2,500 maximum) paid directly to service provider
- Utility bills ($900 maximum) paid directly to service provider
- $200 per person for groceries and necessities, plus $50 per additional person if there are more than four people in the immediate household, given to the applicant in a store gift card
- Medical bills for currently enrolled students or employees ($5,000 maximum) paid directly to service provider
- Lexington One insurance premiums for employees who missed paychecks due to the medical crisis
OTHER SITUATIONS
- Rent/mortgage assistance ($2,500 maximum) paid directly to service provider
- Utility bills ($900 maximum) paid directly to service provider
- $200 per person for groceries and necessities, plus $50 per additional person if there are more than four people in the immediate household, given to the applicant in a store gift card
BED BUG INFESTATIONS
- Must be referred by school social worker
- Full cost of treatment paid directly to service provider
The LEAP Process
- Applicant submits application, bills, and documentation online or with LEAP representative within 90 days of qualifying event
- LEAP Administrator reviews the application to ensure it is complete, removes identifying information, then sends it to the LEAP Review Committee
- LEAP Review Committee reads the application, determines if it is eligible for assistance, and decides on the amount of assistance to provide
- LEAP Administrator notifies the applicant of the LEAP Review Committee’s decision
- If the LEAP Review Committee approves funding, Lexington One Educational Foundation submits payments directly to service providers; in certain circumstances, payment will be made directly to the applicant
Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or assistance.
Questions? Contact Heather Johnson, LEAP Administrator, at 803-821-1288 or hyjohnson@lexington1.net.
What Is Not Covered By LEAP Funding
LEAP cannot assist with:
- Loss of employment due to dismissal for cause
- Workers’ compensation cases
- Legal domestic situations (e.g., nonpayment of child support, separation, divorce, custody cases, domestic violence, etc.)
LEAP financial assistance cannot be used to pay for:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Car payments, rental fees, insurance, or repairs
- Cable, satellite, or internet services
- College tuition or student loans
- Credit card bills
- Childcare
- Down payments or security deposits
- Elective surgical procedures
- Firearms
- Funeral expenses
- Holiday purchases
- Homeowners or renters insurance
- Illegal substances or activities
- Lottery tickets or other forms of gambling
- Nicotine products
- Property taxes
- Reimbursements of any kind
- School or lunch fees
- Storage unit rental fees
- Telephone services (mobile or landline)
- Veterinary fees
LEAP cannot provide annual leave for employees. Employees may check with their HR generalist to determine if they are eligible to apply for up to 10 days from the district annual leave bank. Employees may apply for LEAP assistance regardless of their leave bank eligibility.
Cats Kick Cancer
Lexington One employees, students, and parents who are battling cancer may apply for financial assistance through Cats Kick Cancer by contacting their school’s LEAP representative or completing the online application for assistance. Cats Kick Cancer is funded by the Lexington High School Men’s Soccer Team.
Helping Hands Grants to Schools
Helping Hands Grants to Schools are flexible funds for small or inexpensive emergency needs or immediate needs that cannot wait for the full LEAP application review process. Each school receives an annual Helping Hands Grant proportional to its size. Please contact your school’s administration or social worker if you would like to request assistance through this program.
