Shared Horizons, Inc.

08/18/2025

This August and always, Shared Horizons commits to raising awareness and fostering community for people with a variety of needs. Discover how you can make a difference!

Read more: https://wix.to/CQ6yRvg

At Shared Horizons, we honor our mission of supporting individuals with complex needs by raising awareness and fostering community for those affected by life‑impacting conditions. August presents a unique opportunity to spotlight not one—but two—significant causes: Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA...

07/09/2025

The purpose of Pooled Special Needs Trusts (PSNTs) is to assist individuals with disabilities in maintaining government assistance eligibility while providing financial support. They must be managed by a nonprofit entity.

Local vs. National Trusts: Most PSNTs are focused on local, regional, or state populations, allowing for targeted support through familiarity with local needs. Some nonprofits operate PSNTs nationally, potentially offering more resources for transient beneficiaries.

Individualized Fund Management: Many PSNTs are now focusing on personalized fund management, creating custom spending plans tailored to each beneficiary's unique circumstances and desires.

Additional Services: Some PSNTs provide additional services, such as case management and advocacy, to help beneficiaries navigate benefits and community resources.

Key Questions for Choosing a PSNT:

Diverse Investment Opportunities: Trusts offering various investment choices help optimize fund management.

Affordable Administrative Fees: Transparency and reasonable costs in fee structures are essential to maximize funds for beneficiaries.

Expertise in Legal and Financial Matters: Skilled legal and financial teams ensure better management and compliance with laws.

Clear Communication and Accessibility: Trusts prioritizing open communication foster stronger relationships and understanding of services.

Selection Considerations: When choosing a PSNT, evaluate the beneficiary's specific needs, the trust's reputation, and the range of services offered to ensure a good fit.

Click below for the full article on my LinkedIn page:

Pooled Special Needs Trusts (PSNTs) serve people with disabilities by helping them maintain their eligibility for government assistance while providing financial support. A nonprofit entity must manage all PSNTs. Most Pooled Special Needs Trusts are Local, Regional, or state-focused Trusts. Nonprofi...

07/02/2025

As we prepare for the 4th of July and (hopefully) reflect on America's founding principles of freedom and inclusion, we must acknowledge the stark contrast between ideals and reality. Indigenous peoples faced violence and dispossession, slavery was rampant, and immigrants seeking refuge have too often been met with hardship and neglect.

Fast forward to 2025, and we still grapple with these disparities. Those in power, tasked with fostering change, often prioritize the interests of the wealthy over the well-being of marginalized communities. It's time we hold our leaders accountable and strive for a society that truly embodies freedom and equality for all. Let's amplify the voices of those who have been silenced and work together to create a more just future. ✊

07/01/2025

An analogy explaining the concept of a pooled special needs trust:

Imagine a community garden that allows various families to grow their vegetables. Each family has a plot (like a special needs trust) to cultivate their plants without worrying about losing access to shared water and resources (public assistance programs). However, to maximize the benefits of the garden, the community has also set up a larger shared plot (a Pooled Special Needs Trust) where families can contribute their seeds and gardening tools. This larger plot is managed by a dedicated nonprofit organization, which ensures that all families benefit from the pooled resources without losing their right to access the necessities provided by the community. Just as the community garden enhances individual growth while maintaining access to essential support, the Pooled Special Needs Trust allows individuals to benefit from investments that may yield greater returns while receiving necessary public assistance.

06/27/2025

A world that embraces diversity thrives on its differences. Individuals with disabilities often face challenges that can limit their opportunities for a fulfilling life. A Pooled Special Needs Trust (PSNT) can enhance their quality of life by providing financial security, promoting independence, and fostering community engagement.

Firstly, a Pooled Special Needs Trust offers financial security, allowing individuals to obtain life-enhancing goods and services without losing access to government benefits. For example, a PSNT enables individuals to set aside funds for personal care and medical expenses while still receiving support from programs like Medicaid and SSI. This protection empowers individuals to access necessary resources and make choices that improve their daily lives.

Moreover, a PSNT promotes independence by allowing individuals to manage their funds and make decisions about their care. This autonomy can lead to pursuing education or hobbies that bring joy. For instance, a young adult with a disability can use PSNT funds to enroll in art classes, fostering confidence and self-esteem.

Additionally, a Pooled Special Needs Trust encourages community engagement. It provides resources for social programs, helping individuals participate in events or activities that reduce isolation. For example, a trust can fund transportation to local events or assist with fees for clubs or classes, enhancing overall well-being.

In conclusion, a Pooled Special Needs Trust significantly improves the quality of life for people with disabilities by ensuring financial security, fostering independence, and encouraging community engagement. Advocating for these trusts is essential to create an inclusive environment where individuals can thrive.

Please feel free to contact our office for more information by calling 202-448-1460. In the meantime, you can also visit our website at www.shared-horizons.org.

05/05/2025

This May, we shine a light on Arthritis and Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. At Shared Horizons, we're dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to live with dignity and independence. Read more here -> https://wix.to/5ct6J3T

At Shared Horizons, our mission is rooted in empowering individuals with disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and peace of mind. This May, during Arthritis Awareness Month and Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, we stand with our beneficiaries, their families, and communities in raising awa...

04/23/2025

Important changes from the Social Security Administration that could impact you or your loved ones! Stay informed and empowered. Read more here: https://wix.to/knXZ8tu

04/02/2025

🔹 April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day! 🔹

Financial security is key to ensuring a bright future for people with autism. Shared Horizons, Inc. provides pooled special needs trusts to help families plan for long-term care while preserving essential benefits like Medicaid and SSI.

Learn more about financial planning for people with autism in our latest blog post! 💙🧩

🔗 Read here

03/11/2025

🚨Important update for Shared Horizons beneficiaries regarding social security overpayments! There are new policy changes you need to know about.

Click the link to read more: https://wix.to/ma3SUBE

As of March 11, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a significant policy change regarding the recovery of overpayments. Effective March 27, 2025, the SSA will increase the default overpayment withholding rate to 100% of a beneficiary’s monthly payment until the debt is ful...

01/02/2025

🎉✨ Happy New Year from Shared Horizons! ✨🎉

As we step into 2025, we want to take a moment to thank our incredible community for your continued trust and support. Together, we’ve worked to provide financial security and peace of mind for individuals with special needs and their families.

This year, we remain committed to empowering our beneficiaries and ensuring their futures are as bright as their dreams. 🌟

Here’s to a year of growth, inclusion, and new horizons! Cheers to 2025! 🥂

💻 Visit us at www.shared-horizons.org to learn more about our pooled special needs trust and how we can support you or your loved ones.

Shared Horizons' mission is to help people with disabilities access affordable Special Needs Trust options that protect their benefits and preserves personal finances.

12/09/2024

🌟 A Night to Remember! 🌟

Shared Horizons’ 14th Annual Dinner Dance & Reception, themed Winter Wonderland, was an incredible success! Held at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Bethesda, the evening was filled with joy, laughter, and celebration.

From the delicious hors d’oeuvres and open bar at the reception to the lively dinner, dancing, and unforgettable entertainment by DJ Angie D Productions and ArtStream, it truly was a magical night.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, including our beneficiaries, their loved ones, and supporters of Shared Horizons. Your presence and participation made this event so special.

A big shoutout to our amazing team, Board of Directors and partners for making Winter Wonderland come to life!

We hope you all enjoyed the evening as much as we did, and we look forward to seeing you again next year!

✨ Until then, let’s continue to celebrate and support our incredible community. Thank you for being part of the Shared Horizons family!