Hardship Heroes Disclaimer & Eligibility Policy

At Hardship Heroes, our mission is to bring hope, connection, and meaningful experiences to individuals and families facing significant hardships. While we strive to make every experience possible, participation in any Hardship Heroes program is subject to the following terms, conditions, and eligibility requirements.

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Program Discretion

Hardship Heroes reserves the right to modify, postpone, or withdraw a gift experience at any time and for any reason. Circumstances that may result in changes or cancellation include, but are not limited to:

• Concerns regarding the accuracy or legitimacy of information provided in an application

• Health, safety, or logistical issues that could impact the experience

• Lack of sufficient funding or sponsor support

• Situations that may conflict with Hardship Heroes’ mission, values, or public reputation

Participation in a Hardship Heroes program is not guaranteed, even after an applicant has been selected or notified of preliminary approval.

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Eligibility and Verification

To ensure we serve families most in need, all applicants must complete the full application and provide honest, accurate information. Applicants may be asked to provide documentation verifying their hardship, such as:

• Medical verification (with proper consent)

• Employment or financial hardship confirmation

• Reference checks or personal statements

Failure to provide requested documentation or providing false or misleading information may result in immediate removal from consideration.

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Criminal Background & Conduct

Hardship Heroes is dedicated to creating safe and uplifting experiences for all participants, volunteers, and partners. As part of our eligibility process, applicants must disclose any relevant legal or behavioral history.

We ask that you answer the following question honestly:
Have you, or anyone in your immediate household or the individual(s) you are applying on behalf of, been involved in any criminal investigation or conviction, had any history of violence, abuse, or restraining orders related to domestic disputes, been the subject of allegations or findings of child abuse or neglect, are currently involved in any pending legal matters that could impact participation in a public or shared event, or have experienced any other circumstances that may pose a safety or reputational risk to our organization, volunteers, sponsors, or other families?

Disclosure of past incidents does not automatically disqualify an applicant; however, Hardship Heroes reserves the right to review each case carefully to ensure the safety and integrity of all involved. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in immediate disqualification or revocation of any gifted experience.

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County & Regional Priority

Hardship Heroes primarily serves families residing in Carbon and Monroe Counties, Pennsylvania, where our organization is based and most active. Applications from these counties will receive first consideration.
Applicants from surrounding counties and nearby regions may also be considered, depending on available resources, partnerships, and funding at the time of selection.

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Confidentiality and Privacy

All personal information shared with Hardship Heroes is handled with care and confidentiality. Only authorized members of our team and verified partners will review application details for eligibility purposes. No private or identifying information will be shared publicly without written consent.

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Program Availability

All experiences, gifts, and assistance are subject to availability, location, and funding. Hardship Heroes reserves the right to substitute elements of an experience as needed or to provide an alternative form of support that aligns with available resources.

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Acknowledgment

By submitting an application or participating in a Hardship Heroes program, applicants acknowledge that:

• They understand and agree to the above terms.

• Participation is based on the organization’s discretion and available resources.

• Hardship Heroes may withdraw or adjust support at any point if eligibility requirements are not met or circumstances change.

Our goal will always remain the same, to bring moments of joy, hope, and connection to those enduring hardship, while ensuring that each experience reflects integrity, compassion, and community care.

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Application Review & Selection Process

Once the application deadline has passed, the Hardship Heroes Board of Directors carefully reviews every submitted application. Our board members approach this process with compassion, empathy, and great care, understanding the trust it takes to share personal stories of hardship.

Applications are reviewed collectively, and the board works together to reach a thoughtful consensus on which applicants will be selected to receive experiences. References provided on the application are contacted as part of our verification process to help ensure the integrity of each story and the safety of all involved.

Once the review process is complete, applicants will be notified of their selection status. Due to the volume of applications we receive and the limited number of experiences available, not all applicants can be selected, but please know every story shared is treated with the utmost respect and confidentiality.