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Compassionate Denton County LOSS Team receives Just One More grant to help families grieving after suicide of loved one

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WARNING: This post discusses suicide.

Denton County LOSS Team is doing such important work for families who have lost a loved one to suicide. While it sounds gruesome, the team is doing the very important and compassionate work of paying for clean up after a family’s loved one dies by suicide.

This is something you don’t have to think about until it tragically happens to you and your family. The team is located in Texas where the #1 method used in suicide is gunshot wound. It can cost more than $3,500 to get a proper biohazard cleanup after something as horrendous as a suicide takes place. Often this is inside a family’s home. Not surprisingly, many families are not in the proper head space to be able to coordinate something like a proper clean up. They also are vulnerable to be taken advantage of at such a difficult time. This is where TEAM Deanton comes in, coordinating and paying for cleaning services.

Their mission and story touched our founder, Richard Rogers, who lost his own father to suicide more than 40 years ago. See Richard share the good news that Just One More Foundation is granting TEAM Denton a generous award so they can continue to help more families.

If you are in crisis, please call: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 or 988.

Learning About Just One More

We have grants supporting second chances for both selected individuals and nonprofit organizations.

Learn more

Vinettea Freeman is a former IT professional who lost much of her professional and personal life when she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa.

She is just a few courses short of completing her master’s degree. She had to drop out of graduate school as she began to lose her sight. She has since learned many techniques and technology applications that help her function and work, however, because she hasn’t been able to work as an IT professional, she was short of funds to complete her degree.

Freeman will receive a $5,000 grant to re-enroll in graduate school to complete her degree. She plans to pursue a new career developing resources for other individuals with low vision challenges.

Want to witness a great moment? Watch as we surprise Ms. Freeman with news that Just One More is fulfilling 100% of the funds she requested in her application.

Learning about Just One More

By the way, Ms. Freeman learned about Just One More when CBS News did an incredible story on our foundation and founder Richard Rogers. Have you seen it? Freeman says she bawled her eyes out the first time she watched it.

We are thrilled to announce the recipients of our most recent Just One More Foundation grants.

The competition was very strong. We have awarded 15 grants awarded to individuals and nonprofit organizations from 10 states. 

The grants range from $4,000-$16,710.

Our winners are:

Nonprofit organizations

Individual winners

  • Becky Clarke
  • Vinettea Freeman
  • Belinda Nixon

Congratulations to our grantees!

Are you interested in a grant from Just One More? We will open applications for our next round of grants on January 1, 2024. We would love to hear from you.

Official News Release

Just One More Foundation

Mon, November 27, 2023

CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE, November 27, 2023:  Just One More Foundation has awarded 15 grants to people in 10 states to help them achieve their goals. All of the award winners have overcome obstacles to get to where they are and want to help others.

The Foundation has given out more than $250,000 in its first year of existence including more than $116,000 in its latest round of giving. Each grant ranged from $1,500-$22,500.

One individual, Vinettea Freeman, will receive a $5,000 to re-enroll in graduate school to complete her master’s degree. Freeman is a former IT professional who lost much of her professional and personal life when she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. She plans to use the money to complete her master’s degree and pursue a new career developing resources for other individuals with low vision challenges.

The Denton County LOSS Team in Denton, TX is one of 12 nonprofit organizations receiving a grant. They provide immediate on-scene resources to individuals impacted by suicide and loss of a loved one. Their $12,000 grant will fund cleaning services for families who have lost a loved one to suicide. These specific circumstances require specialized cleaning that is often unaffordable, especially for families managing other death-related expenses.

The Just One More Foundation grant winners come from across the United States including California, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Montana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

The group’s founder Richard Rogers says, “I created this foundation to inspire hope and provide an opportunity to individuals who have experienced hardships and the organizations that serve them. Foundation priorities include funding individuals or nonprofits who serve people dealing with substance use and/or mental health, general health care, education and opportunity issues.”

Rogers’ second chances include surviving a near fatal lightning strike and, with his brother’s help, bringing their family business back from the brink of bankruptcy following their father’s suicide, Rogers says. “We can’t save the world, but we can help out. And this is our way of giving back.”

This is “Just One More Foundation’s” second round of giving. The nonprofit plans two rounds of giving each year; and will be accepting applications for next round beginning January 1, 2024. For more information on the foundation and grant process, contact Executive Director Daryn Kagan, daryn@justonemorefoundation.org or go to the website: justonemorefoundation.org.

Correspondent David Begnaud captures the story of our founder, Richard Rogers

We are thrilled to let you know that CBS News has produced an in depth report on the story behind Just One More Foundation.

In early September, correspondent David Begnaud and his crew came to Chattanooga, Tennessee, spending two days chronicling the story of founder Richard Rogers.

They met some early grant recipients like Scottie Bowman of The Launch Pad, a sober living home for women in recovery.

They traveled up into the hills of southeastern Tennessee to hear Richard tell the story of how he was struck by lightning back in 1995.

They visited U.S. Stove Company in South Pittsburg, Tennessee to see where so much of Richard’s story began.

They did a phenomenal job capturing his story of tragedy and triumph.

We are forever grateful.

Just One More Foundation founder Richard Rogers and CBS News lead national correspondent David Begnaud. September 2023. Chattanooga, TN.

Just One More Foundation founder Richard Rogers and CBS News lead national correspondent David Begnaud. September 2023. Chattanooga, TN.

Applications are open

Applications are currently open for grants. They will be awarded to selected individuals and nonprofit organizations. Please go here to learn more about how our process works.

How you can help

You can be a part of giving a second chance to someone who has put together a solid plan to overcome obstacles with hard work and dedication. Donate to Just One More Foundation here.

We are so appreciative to David Begnaud and the entire CBS crew who include producer Christine Weicher, videographer Jeff Duncan, audio tech Tracy Duncan and editor Herb Bennett.

Founder’s daughter inspired to give hope and promote second chances

We are very excited to announce the world premiere of “Rain,” a song written, produced and performed by Chanel Lóran and Daniel Cali.

Chanel is the daughter of Just One More Foundation founder Richard Rogers. She and her partner, Daniel were inspired to create this original song by the great work the foundation is doing with second chance grants.

Daniel Cali and Chanel Loran perform at The Hooch in South Pittsburg, TN. October 2022.
Daniel Cali and Chanel Lóran perform at The Hooch in South Pittsburg, TN. October 2022.

Overcoming obstacles is a big part of going for a second chance. Chanel and Daniel hope this song will help give support and inspiration.

Please check out our grant opportunities for both individuals and nonprofit organizations.

Rain – Chanel Lóran, Daniel Cali Lyrics:

[Verse 1]

I know that I only get older 

This road I leave under my feet 

And when all the chaos is over

This life will be worth it, you’ll see

[Pre-Chorus]                             

When the sadness that you hold inside

takes from you, leave your pride 

Don’t let the rain in the way 

steal from your miracles

[Chorus]

Feels like everyone’s afraid of the changes 

and their mistakes

You just gotta face the outcome that’s been made 

No need to fight anymore

What you need is through that door I swear

don’t turn away

Let’s walk through the rain

[Verse 2]

In time, you may find new perspectives 

It’ll all be okay, you’ll feel hurt, you’ll feel pain remind to 

go back to the start like a drop in a rain cloud

For His love will forever surround

[Pre]                        

When the sadness that you hold inside

takes from you, leave your pride 

Don’t let the rain in the way 

steal from your miracles

[Chorus]

Feels like everyone’s afraid of the changes 

and their mistakes

You just gotta face the outcome that’s been made 

No need to fight anymore

What you need is through that door I swear

don’t turn away

Let’s walk through the rain

[Bridge]

Walk through, nothing stopping you

Let it rain on you, become something new

Let them see the truth that’s inside of you

Push the clouds now you’re in bloom

Walk through, nothing stopping you

Let it rain on you, become something new

Let them see the truth, let them see

More from Chanel and Daniel

Chanel Lóran:

Follow on Spotify: https://shorturl.at/jBCT6 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanelloran/

Twitter (X): https://x.com/chanelloran

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chanelloran

Daniel Cali: 

Follow on Spotify: https://shorturl.at/hzLXZ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilac.daniel/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@danielcali-barrera7323

Just One More Foundation announced its first grants on May 18, 2023!

Air Force Staff Sgt. Alfred Perkins III is one of three individual recipients. He applied earlier this year asking for financial support to take a grant writing course. Basically, he wanted a grant to learn how to be a professional grant writer and use those skills to help veterans and people with low incomes.

We set up the call telling him we needed more information for his grant application. Watch to experience this joyous moment Staff Sgt. Perkins learns he is actually one of first grant recipients.

Just One More Foundation is dedicated to giving second chances to people who have a hard-working plan to overcome obstacles. This first round gave grants to 14 non-profit organizations who are serving those working to overcome obstacles such as mental health, education, drug misuse, and health challenges. We also gave grants to two other individuals. You can see the full list of winners here.

Founder Richard Rogers set up the foundation in 2022 because he and his family have been the beneficiaries of second chances and now he wants to use his good fortune to give second chances to others.

Our next round of grant applications opens July 1, 2023.

We are thrilled to announce the recipients of our first Just One More Foundation grants.

The competition was very stiff. We have awarded 17 grants awarded to individuals and nonprofit organizations from 13 states + Washington DC. (CA, FL, IL, KS, LA, MD, MT, NH, NY, TN, TX, UT, VA, Washington, DC)

The grants range from $1,500-$22,500.

Our first round winners are:

Nonprofit organizations

Individual winners

  • Tausoa Mulitalo
  • Alfred Perkins, III
  • Katelin Viens

Congratulations to our first grantees!

Are you interested in a grant from Just One More? We will open applications for our next round of grants on July 1, 2023. We would love to hear from you.

Official News Release

Just One More Foundation

Mon, May 22, 2023 at 9:00 AM EDT

CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE, May 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — “Just One More Foundation” has awarded 17 grants to people in 13 states and Washington DC to help them achieve their goals, to help other people. All of the award winners, nonprofits, and individuals have overcome obstacles to get to where they are and want to help others.

The Foundation gave out more than $110,000 in its first round of giving. Each grant ranged from $1,500-$22,500.

One individual, Air Force Staff Sergeant Alfred Perkins III, will receive an award of $3,000 to become a professional grant writer to help veterans and people in inner-city neighborhoods.

The Launch Pad in Chattanooga, Tennessee is one of 14 nonprofit organizations receiving a grant. They serve women recovering from addiction. They will receive $22,500 toward additional staff to create a third sober living facility.

The winners come from across the United States; including California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and, Washington, D.C.

The group’s founder, Richard Rogers says, “I created this foundation to inspire hope and provide an opportunity to individuals who have experienced hardships and the organizations that serve them. Foundation priorities include funding individuals or nonprofits who serve people dealing with substance use and/or mental health, general health care, education and opportunity issues.

Rogers’ second chances include surviving a near fatal lightning strike and, with his brother’s help, bringing their family business back from the brink of bankruptcy following their father’s suicide,” Rogers says. “We can’t save the world, but we can help out. And this is our way of giving back.”

This is “Just One More Foundation’s” first round of giving. The nonprofit plans two rounds of giving each year; and will be accepting applications for a second round beginning July 1st. For more information on the foundation and grant process, contact Executive Director Daryn Kagan, daryn@justonemorefoundation.org or go to the website: justonemorefoundation.org.

In 1979, brothers Richard and Steve Rogers made a vow in raging rainstorm following their father’s death by suicide.

Leonard Rogers suffered from mental illness and alcoholism and a lifetime of living up to his father’s success building the United States Stove Company.

Realizing their father had run the company to the verge of bankruptcy, the brothers vowed to bring the company back and restore their family name.

Together, they beat incredible odds, giving their family company just one more chance to make it.

The hard work, grit, and in some ways luck that led to that comeback story have gone onto to inspire Just One More Foundation, dedicated to giving second chances.

Here the brothers tell the story of their father’s suicide and the night they made the vow that would change their lives and the fate of their family’s company.

Resilience, Tragedy, & Tenacity tells the story of S.L. Rogers, Sr. and his descendants.

Buy the book!

It’s a story that reads like a Hollywood movie.

In 1898, Richard and Steve Rogers’ grandfather was a determined 16-year-old determined to leave his family’s abusive home in small town Tennessee. He  went on to become one of the most powerful men in southeastern Tennessee both in business and politics.

“Resilience, Tragedy, & Tenacity: 150 Years of the U.S. Stove Story & The Family of S.L. Rogers, Sr.”  tells the story of this family’s many generations of struggle and triumph.

Read this book to better understand how S.L. Rogers’ grandson, Richard, was inspired to start this unique, inspirational movement, Just One More Foundation.

In 2020 Richard decided it was time to chronicle his family’s story.  He commissioned former CNN anchor Daryn Kagan to undertake the project. Over the course of two years, Daryn interviewed more than 20 descendants of S.L. Rogers, Sr. and a number of current and former company employees.

The process of working on the book and closely examining his story and his family’s story, Richard began to see that his most important life’s work had just begun.

He’s determined to use his good fortune to help people who want to put hard work into overcoming their obstacles.

Richard also believes in the power of storytelling. Just One More Foundation is dedicated to telling the stories of people who have overcome their obstacles in order to provide hope to those who are still struggling.

 

News release announces grant applications are open!

CHATTANOOGA, TN, Jan. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  If you’ve been knocked down and need a little help to achieve your goals, this may be an opportunity for you or the community you represent.  A new organization, “Just One More Foundation,” aims to give people the help they need to begin again. The foundation opened its first grant cycle January 1, 2023 for individuals and nonprofits.

The foundation will award grants to people across the United States who have a constructive plan to overcome their obstacles and need support as they put in the hard work. The foundation’s funding priorities are: mental health, addiction, health care and education. All of these causes are dear to founder Richard Rogers’ heart. He’s a true believer in second chances.

Rogers has had his share of them. He owns the US Stove Company. He and his brother Steve helped rescue the company that’s been in his family for generations, from the brink of bankruptcy to give it a second chance.  Rogers’ personal game changer was a lightning strike that almost took his life.

“I sat in the bed and prayed,” says Rogers. “It was I don’t want to live for me; if you’ll give me one more chance, I want to help others… here it is 25 years later and I’m just getting the chance to honor my promise and my prayer.”

Rogers’ foundation’s mission is to inspire hope and provide opportunity to individuals who have experienced hardships and the organizations that serve them. This can include anything from someone who is getting back on their feet after having drug issues and they want to give back through what they do, to a nonprofit that serves the substance use or mental health community through advocacy or services.

For information on how to apply for a grant, go to our website: JustOneMoreFoundation.org and click on “Grants.” Tell us your story, your “why.” The grant application deadline is March 31, 2023.

Our motto is we can’t save the world, but we can help out. And this is our way of giving back.

The Just One More Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. To learn more about us, go to our website: JustOneMoreFoundation.org and to cover this and hear more of our founder’s amazing story of second chances, please contact me, Daryn Kagan, Daryn@justonemorefoundation.org .

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Richard Rogers gets just one more chance at life and makes a vow to give back

November 11, 1995.

Richard Rogers was on a hunting trip with his good friend, Mike Barry, and Mike’s two young sons, Brandon, 10, and Jason, 14.

That night a freak storm hit the Tennessee mountain top while they were asleep.

It’s a night none of them will ever forget.

The lightning ran traveled through Richard’s body, literally setting him on fire.

For some time, his heart stopped and Richard can remember levitating above his body.

Hear Richard and the Barry brothers tell the story in their own words.

Richard shares how he had to fight for this second chance at life and the vow that led me to create Just One More Foundation.

Resilience, Tragedy, & Tenacity tells the story of S.L. Rogers, Sr. and his descendants.

Read more of the incredible Rogers’ Family story!

Resilience, Tragedy, & Tenacity: 150 Years of the U.S. Stove Story & the Family of S.L. Rogers, Sr.  tells the incredible story of Richard Rogers’ grandfather, the tragedy he survived, the greatness he achieved and his lasting legacy of the United States Stove Company.

Richard Rogers says, “This is a story of success, tragedy, and adversity. Success that was mishandled leading to tragedy, tragedy overcome in the process of creating success.”

 

 
Buy The Book