How CPOF’s Catastrophic Assistance Program Helps Families Keep Going

When a medical crisis strikes, the bills arrive faster than answers. The Catastrophic Assistance Program exists for these moments—bridging the gap so correctional families can focus on healing, not hardship.

“In Their Own Words”

“I want to first express my gratitude for the financial donation you made to my family… My life has changed for sure, but my family gives me the strength to fight back what my body is trying to take from me—my smile.” — Keyna Duncan, FCC Petersburg, VA

Keyna’s letter arrived with two photos: a “before” snapshot and one taken after her medical event. In both, her strength—and the strength of her family—shines through.

What the Catastrophic Assistance Program Does

• Delivers rapid financial relief for urgent, eligible expenses not covered elsewhere.

• Keeps the process compassionate and discreet, centered on the dignity of each applicant.

• Focuses on stability, so families can prioritize medical care, therapy, and recovery.

This support is powered by members and donors who believe no one in our correctional family should carry crisis alone.

Case Spotlight: Keyna Duncan, FCC Petersburg (VA)

Keyna has served in corrections since 2011, beginning with the South Carolina Department of Corrections. She never expected the work she loved would one day intersect so sharply with her personal life.

One morning, Keyna woke up and it became clear something was terribly wrong. She was rushed to the ER, where she was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome after suffering a stroke. The path forward was daunting: relearning how to eat and speak, adjusting to facial droop and slurred speech, and embracing a long road of occupational, speech, and physical therapy.

Through it all, Keyna’s anchor has been her family—her wife, Brittany, and their daughters Baleigh (14) and Phoebe (7). The girls joined their family through South Carolina foster care in 2021, and the adoption was finalized in August 2024, a milestone the Duncans describe as nothing short of a miracle.

“We often refer to difficult obstacles as ‘life life-ing us.’ In this moment, I’m choosing to consider myself one of the lucky ones… a second chance to balance a healthy life with the one I allowed myself to become.”

CPOF’s Catastrophic Assistance Program provided financial assistance to help the Duncans navigate immediate costs during recovery. For families in crisis, this kind of timely support creates breathing room, covering essentials while loved ones focus on healing and hope.

“Although it does not seem adequate, thank you for helping my family financially and encouraging us through a foundation I have always appreciated but now feel indebted to.”

How Help Reaches a Family

1. A need is identified. A member, loved one, or supervisor contacts CPOF.

2. Documentation & review. We confirm what happened and where help will do the most good.

3. Assistance is issued. Approved, targeted support is provided quickly.

4. We stay with you. As circumstances evolve, we remain available.

Why It Matters

Crises don’t wait for the right time. They disrupt paychecks, routines, and the sense of normalcy that families count on. When you support CPOF, you turn compassion into action—keeping lights on, gas tanks full, and families together at the bedside.

To Keyna, Brittany, Baleigh, and Phoebe: thank you for letting us share your story. Your courage reminds us what community looks like.

Get Help • Get Involved

• Need assistance? Visit cpof.org or call 800-800-CPOF.

• Want to help? Become a member, make a gift, or share this story so others know support is here

Dear Correctional Peace Officers Foundation and Mrs. Labio,

I want to first express my gratitude for the financial donation you made to my family. I have
enclosed several pictures, because I want you to know whom you helped. One picture is of
my family prior to the medical event, and one is after. My life has changed for sure, but my
family gives me the strength to fight back what my body is trying to take from me, my smile.
The before picture I stare at all the time. I am the one in green, my wife in pink, and then our
blessings Baleigh (14) and Phoebe (7). Our girls are a light when life presents difficult
obstacles. Baleigh and Phoebe came to us through South Carolina foster care in 2021, we
were able to finalize adoption living in VA in August of 2024. These girls have faced the
unimaginable at a very early age in life. I often refer to our family as a miracle, and we often
refer to difficult obstacles as “life life-ing us”. I have been in Corrections since 2011 when I
started in the South Carolina Department of Corrections I never imagined it would be my
career. Working in corrections is a lot different as a single person than one who has a
family. So, saying that I am grateful does not seem like it is enough. However, sometimes
relying on words is all we have. Through occupational, speech, and physical therapy I hope
to return to work better than I left. Throughout my career, I have constantly heard about the
tole it eventually takes on your body. In this moment, I am choosing to consider myself one
of the lucky ones. I am choosing to consider this a second chance to balance a healthy life
with one that I allowed myself to become.

Again, although it does not seem adequate, thank you for helping my family financially, and
encouraging us through a foundation I have always appreciated but now feel indebted to.
With all love and appreciation,

Keyna Duncan