About the Trust

Understanding the Trust

What Is a Special Needs Trust?

A Third-Party Special Needs Trust is the most common and powerful vehicle for large, long-term financial support for a disabled person established by someone other than Gabriel (parent, guardian, or other family/friends).

Funds in the trust are not counted as his assets for SSI/Medicaid eligibility — because the trust owns them, and distributions are controlled by a trustee.
Funds in the trust can pay for all the needs of the beneficiary (housing, caregivers, transportation, travel).
Any donor can gift or donate large amounts into it up to unlimited summed amounts. When Gabriel passes, remaining assets can go to other beneficiaries designated and are not subject to Medicaid payback (unlike first-party trusts).

Best for: Long-term funding goals, gifts from many donors, and ongoing support without affecting benefits.

The trust is professionally administered and operates in full compliance with federal and state law governing special needs trusts.

Our Foundation

What We Stand For

Everything we do is guided by four core values that honor Gabriel and the community that surrounds him.

Love

Gabriel is at the center of everything. Every decision is made with his best interests and happiness as the highest priority.

Integrity

We are responsible stewards of every gift entrusted to us. Funds are managed transparently and used exclusively for Gabriel's benefit.

Community

We believe Gabriel's life is enriched by the people around him. We welcome every supporter as part of his extended family.

Hope

We believe deeply in Gabriel's future — and in the power of a caring community to make that future bright.

The Process

How the Trust Works

Your gift moves through a clear, legally-protected process designed to maximize its impact for Gabriel.

You Make a Gift

Contributions are made by check, transfer, or other method to Gabriel's Angels Special Needs Trust — not to Gabriel personally.

The Trust Receives It

All gifts are received and held by the trust, legally separate from Gabriel's personal assets so his benefits are fully protected.

Trustees Review Needs

The trustee reviews requests for disbursements, ensuring each expenditure is in Gabriel's best interest and compliant with trust guidelines.

Gabriel Benefits

Funds are disbursed for approved expenses — therapy, equipment, recreation, and more — enriching Gabriel's life directly.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my gift affect Gabriel's government benefits?

No. Because Gabriel's Angels is a third-party special needs trust, contributions you make are not counted as Gabriel's personal assets. His Medicaid and SSI eligibility is fully protected.

Is my contribution tax-deductible?

Contributions to a special needs trust may be tax-deductible depending on your individual situation. We strongly encourage you to consult a qualified tax advisor for guidance specific to your circumstances.

Who manages the trust funds?

The trust is administered by a designated trustee whose responsibility is to act solely in Gabriel's best interest. All disbursements are reviewed for compliance with trust terms and applicable law.

What can trust funds be used for?

Trust funds can be used for a wide range of expenses that supplement — not replace — what government programs provide. This includes therapies, adaptive equipment, recreational activities, education, transportation, personal care items, and quality-of-life enhancements.

Can I specify how my gift is used?

We welcome notes with your gift indicating a preferred purpose. While the trustee retains final discretion to ensure legal compliance and Gabriel's best interests, we do our best to honor the spirit of each donor's intention.

What happens to the trust when Gabriel is no longer living?

As a third-party trust, any remaining funds at the end of Gabriel's life will be distributed according to the terms of the trust document — to named remainder beneficiaries of the family's choosing. There is no Medicaid payback requirement for third-party trusts.