FAQ

How do I begin working with Tomorrow's Promise?

Contact us by phone or e-mail, and we will set up a time to meet with you one on one. During that first meeting, you will share your dreams and fears, as well as the details of your current situation. Your Advocate will help you set up a plan to conquer the fears and reach your dreams, grounded in reality.

Is there a fee associated with working with an Advocate?

The first meeting with your Advocate is complementary. At that time, we will talk with you to determine what parts of the Process for Protected Tomorrows® will help you the most. Our fees for such services will be explained at that time.

How long does the process take?

The Process for Protected Tomorrows® is an ongoing journey that you take at your own pace. Ideally, it is a year-round process that helps you structure care for your loved one with special needs, as well as your financial and legal responsibilities. Once you have made it through the entire process, we review your progress and set new goals for the future. We'll provide accountability to keep your plan on course and give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one will be able to live, work and play to his or her fullest potential.

Do we have to go through the entire process, or can we do parts of it?

Once we know your unique circumstances, we can help you decide which parts of the Process apply to you and which ones can be saved for a later date. Some families may choose to complete all eight stages of the Process for Protected Tomorrows®, and others may choose to work through only one or two.

Do I have to work with someone in person, or can I go through the process online?

The Process for Protected Tomorrows® recently was made available online for a modest fee. While you will not receive all the benefits of working with us in person, you will be able to put together a structure to help your loved one with special needs live, work and play to his or her fullest while giving yourself peace of mind.

I already have an estate plan. What is left to do?

The Process for Protected Tomorrows® is much more encompassing than an estate plan. The Process will help you create a Future Care Plan ™ for your loved one's education, employment, recreation, housing and retirement.

All I want to do is get information on benefits and how I can get additional benefits for my family member. Do you have a resource for that?

We do! Just contact us, and we can direct you to our Benefits Processing Center. Securing and maintaining benefits are also part of the process for Protected Tomorrows® and can be incorporated into the work you do with your Advocate at a reduced rate.

I am a member of a support group. Can an Advocate come speak to my group about life planning and benefits?

Absolutely! Scott speaks all over Southern California. You can request him to come to your event or group meeting by filling out this form. We also conduct one- and two-day workshops for groups of people who would like to work through the Process for Protected Tomorrows® together. This is a great opportunity to get the benefit of our Process with the support from your peers.

Why was PT founded?

Mary Anne Ehlert launched her company, Protected Tomorrows, Inc. to help families with special needs nationwide. Mary Anne has first-hand experience; her sister Marcia suffered from cerebral palsy. A financial planner by trade, Mary Anne realized that her own parents had done virtually no planning for Marcia. They were just keeping their fingers crossed. So Mary Anne began to research Social Security and Medicaid issues and become familiar with special needs trusts. In doing so, she realized that families with special needs require planning and assistance far beyond what is covered by traditional planners. Based on her own experience, Ehlert decided to take a proactive approach in helping families affected by disabilities.

What is a PT Advocate?

PT Advocates are specially trained professionals, life planners and supporters. Through the Protected Tomorrows® licensing program, Advocates learn how to help families with special needs achieve their current goals and address the tough, emotional question of "What happens when I'm gone?"