Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Exploradoor
Legal Name (if Different): Exploradoor Inc
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 7654 William Penn Pl
City: Indianapolis
State: IN
Postal Code: 46256
Main Phone: 3173637575
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.exploradoor.com
Employer ID Number: 86-2728466
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 3/22/24
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Exploradoor
Project Description:

Exploradoor’s mission is to simplify access and connection of Indiana youth from marginalized and low-income communities to career, job and skill development programs and experiences that prepare them for life after high school. Exploradoor consists of two related initiatives: (1) The compilation, management and ongoing curation of a free, internet-based platform called Exploradoor.com that aggregates teen programs and experiences, including jobs and internships, into one easy to use location that organizes opportunities by student interest categories. Users of the platform can easily find and directly connect to the program and opportunities they choose based on their eligibility and interests. This one-stop resource helps provide transparency and connection to students who otherwise would not know what opportunities are available and/or where to look or how to get started. The second is the outreach initiatives via interns and staff to schools, community organizations, families and students to inform them about Exploradoor.com as a free resource and influence use of the platform throughout the year, especially during the school year, to access job shadows, college visits, career exploration programs and internships. Both parts of the Exploradoor program work in an integrated fashion to increase teen engagement and preparedness about career and life choices after high school, especially for teens who are left out of these opportunities due unawareness or lack of social capital. In 2023, Exploradoor.com was visited by over 30,000 unique visitors and made over 2800 referrals/connections to featured programs.
During that same period, over 75% of our users connecting to programs were minority youth: 55% AA; 22% Hispanic; 10% Asian. Additionally, over 90% of our interns were minority and 70% were female and 30% male. Over the 23-24 school year, Exploradoor hired, trained and provided ongoing skills and motivational coaching to 30 high school interns and 5 college interns.

Total Project Budget: 123, 250

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Old National Bank ($15K)(potential); Eli Lilly Foundation ($30K)(potential); Pacer’s Foundation ($5K)(potential); $35K service fees (potential); Mary Proctor Foundation ($5K)(potential); Private Donations ($20K)(potential);

Project Duration: ongoing annually
Geographical Area Served: Indiana
Age Group To Be Served: 13-18+

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Diane
Contact Last Name: Cruz-Burke
Contact Title: Co-Founder & Exec. Director
Contact Phone: 317-363-7575
Contact Email: dcruzburke@exploradoor.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Christodora: Nature, Learning, Leadership
Legal Name (if Different): Christodora, Inc.
Also Known As: Christodora
Mailing Address: 1 East 53rd Street, 6th Floor
City: New York
State: New York
Postal Code: 10022
Main Phone: 2123715225
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.christodora.org
Employer ID Number: 13-5562192
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 3/22/2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Christodora’s Winter Ecology Program
Project Description:

The Winter Ecology Program (WEP) is an engaging ecology program that helps young people discover that nature and wildlife exist in New York City and why and how these ecosystems matter. Students participate in multisensory hands-on experiments, which help them discover an ecosystem in action right in their neighborhood. For many students, WEP sparks an interest in science, nature, and learning more about Christodora’s other leadership and environmental programs.
WEP is over two decades old, and implemented through a network of partnerships with New York City public middle schools in the city’s most economically challenged communities. We work mainly in the Bronx but also have long-term partner schools in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. WEP reaches over 2,000 students across 20 partner schools annually, with new ones added yearly. Lessons are provided through a well-designed science and environmental curriculum that is reviewed and improved each year to ensure that it includes the most current science. The curriculum is also aligned with NYC Science Learning Standards. WEP academic tracks include biomes, endangered species, pollination, pollution, and water, where students engage in games and hands-on activities to help connect concepts to real-world examples. For instance, in our water track, examples include a game called The Story of Trash, where students learn where our rubbish goes (often, not recycled nor ending up in landfills!), or permeability studies to discover the importance of urban trees and green spaces for flood and temperature control. Following WEP, one student shared, “Christodora changed my understanding of nature in the city because it made me realize I’m a part of an ecosystem.”

Total Project Budget: $226,597

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): ConEdison ($10,000), Lily Auchincloss Foundation ($15,000)

Project Duration: January 2025 – December 2025
Geographical Area Served: Under-resourced New York City neighborhoods, especially the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and parts of Brooklyn
Age Group To Be Served: Middle School Students (11-13)

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Alexis
Contact Last Name: Sanborn
Contact Title: Manager of Development and Communications
Contact Phone: 212-371-5225
Contact Email: development@christodora.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Miami Book Fair a Miami Dade College
Legal Name (if Different): Miami Dade College Foundaion
Also Known As: Miami Book Fair
Mailing Address: 300 NE 2nd Aveue, Room 1365
City: Miami
State: FL
Postal Code: 33132
Main Phone: 305-237.7840
Main Fax: 305.237.7890
Organization Website: www.miamibookfair.com
Employer ID Number: 59-6169745
Organization Tax Status: 501(3)(c) Non Profit Organization

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 3/22/2024
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Generation Genius Authors (GGA)/Children’s Alley (CA) at Miami Book Fair
Project Description:

For nearly 40 years, Generation Genius Authors has been connecting students face-to-face with the authors behind the day’s most critically lauded and talked about books for children and youth, and its goal has remained the same: to cultivate literacy and learning while helping to rear the next generation of engaged world citizens. A variety of literary-focused activities – including book discussions, Q&As, and in-person meetings – is how we make that happen. Another unique component of GGA is Teen Press Conference, presented with the National Book Foundation. It’s a wonderful opportunity for high school-age GGA students to meet the “best of” authors of the year, and take on the role of journalists as they direct questions to the conference’s honoree panel.

We work closely with Miami-Dade County Public Schools in executing GGA, and to date have provided more than 306,000 students with thought-provoking and exciting opportunities to explore book culture, while also giving them the opportunity to hear about different careers in the literary and creative industries and develop critical literacy skills outside of traditional learning environments. We make a particular effort to reach students in underserved areas whose families are considered low- or moderate-income. In 2023, 72% of GGA participants were from Title 1 schools and we gifted 5,544 free books to students.

Additionally, GGA participants are invited to explore the many offerings found at Children’s Alley, a much-anticipated facet of children’s programming at the Fair. This educational playground provides opportunities for learning fun through a comprehensive scope of hands-on, creative, and interactive activities. Approximately 9,000 children and families visited the Alley in 2023, where they enjoyed culturally diverse musical and theatrical performances, storytelling, craft and art activities, science programs, and more – and where an additional 3,000 free books were distributed to kids.

Total Project Budget: $306,720

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Including but not limited to: Nicklaus Children’s Hospital: $50,000, The Batchelor Foundation – $40,000, Meredyth Anne Dasburg Foundation – $35,000, Frederick A. Deluca Foundation – $25,000, Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation – $25,000, Chapman Foundation – $15,000 Peacock Foundation – $15,000, Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation – $10,000, Dream Studios/Pomp Snow and CirqueUmstance – $10,00, Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe – $10,000, Jackson Health Services – $10,000, Publix Super Markets Charities – $10,000, The Children’s Trust – $10,000, Cowles Charitable Trust – $5,000, FrancineLee Hand Foundation – $5,000

Project Duration: November 17-124 2024
Geographical Area Served: South Florida, including Miami-Dade (primary), Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
Age Group To Be Served: GGA serves elementary, middle and high school students. Children’s Alley additionally serves toddler through high school age students.

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Corey
Contact Last Name: Lewis
Contact Title: Director of Development
Contact Phone: 305-237-7847
Contact Email: clewis2@mdc.edu

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Miami Book Fair a Miami Dade College
Legal Name (if Different): Miami Dade College Foundaion
Also Known As: Miami Book Fair
Mailing Address: 300 NE 2nd Aveue, Room 1365
City: Miami
State: FL
Postal Code: 33132
Main Phone: 305-237.7840
Main Fax: 305.237.7890
Organization Website: www.miamibookfair.com
Employer ID Number: 59-6169745
Organization Tax Status: 501(3)(c) Non Profit Organization

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 3/22/2024
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Generation Genius Authors (GGA)/Children’s Alley (CA) at Miami Book Fair
Project Description:

For nearly 40 years, Generation Genius Authors has been connecting students face-to-face with the authors behind the day’s most critically lauded and talked about books for children and youth, and its goal has remained the same: to cultivate literacy and learning while helping to rear the next generation of engaged world citizens. A variety of literary-focused activities – including book discussions, Q&As, and in-person meetings – is how we make that happen. Another unique component of GGA is Teen Press Conference, presented with the National Book Foundation. It’s a wonderful opportunity for high school-age GGA students to meet the “best of” authors of the year, and take on the role of journalists as they direct questions to the conference’s honoree panel.

We work closely with Miami-Dade County Public Schools in executing GGA, and to date have provided more than 306,000 students with thought-provoking and exciting opportunities to explore book culture, while also giving them the opportunity to hear about different careers in the literary and creative industries and develop critical literacy skills outside of traditional learning environments. We make a particular effort to reach students in underserved areas whose families are considered low- or moderate-income. In 2023, 72% of GGA participants were from Title 1 schools and we gifted 5,544 free books to students.

Additionally, GGA participants are invited to explore the many offerings found at Children’s Alley, a much-anticipated facet of children’s programming at the Fair. This educational playground provides opportunities for learning fun through a comprehensive scope of hands-on, creative, and interactive activities. Approximately 9,000 children and families visited the Alley in 2023, where they enjoyed culturally diverse musical and theatrical performances, storytelling, craft and art activities, science programs, and more – and where an additional 3,000 free books were distributed to kids.

Total Project Budget: $306,720

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Including but not limited to: Nicklaus Children’s Hospital: $50,000, The Batchelor Foundation – $40,000, Meredyth Anne Dasburg Foundation – $35,000, Frederick A. Deluca Foundation – $25,000, Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation – $25,000, Chapman Foundation – $15,000 Peacock Foundation – $15,000, Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation – $10,000, Dream Studios/Pomp Snow and CirqueUmstance – $10,00, Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe – $10,000, Jackson Health Services – $10,000, Publix Super Markets Charities – $10,000, The Children’s Trust – $10,000, Cowles Charitable Trust – $5,000, FrancineLee Hand Foundation – $5,000

Project Duration: November 17-124 2024
Geographical Area Served: South Florida, including Miami-Dade (primary), Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
Age Group To Be Served: GGA serves elementary, middle and high school students. Children’s Alley additionally serves toddler through high school age students.

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name:
Contact Last Name:
Contact Title:
Contact Phone:
Contact Email:

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Jesse Stuart Foundation, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 4440 13th St.
City: Ashland
State: KY
Postal Code: 41102
Main Phone: 606-326-1667
Main Fax: 606-325-2519
Organization Website: jsfbooks.com
Employer ID Number: 61-0959617
Organization Tax Status: tax exempt under Section 501 (c) 3 of Internal Revenue Code

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 3-22-2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Appalachian Treasures Rediscovered
Project Description:

“Appalachian Treasures Rediscovered” is a $35,000 public service outreach project of the Jesse Stuart Foundation, Inc., to provide 25 elementary and middle school and public libraries in Eastern Kentucky with a series of approximately 50 books in print and digital formats, written by notable national and regional authors grouped as the Appalachian Treasures Collection. These new books would replace important volumes damaged or destroyed in the catastrophic flooding of July 2022 which significantly impacted 13 counties in the region and claimed 40 lives.

A corporate foundation has pledged a grant of $25,000, but the estimated balance of $10,000 remains unfunded. We are confident that providing an Appalachian Treasures Collection to those libraries hardest hit will make a significant local impact.

As a non-profit publishing organization, the JSF relies on producing and marketing books and related materials, along with private gifts, to underwrite its operating budget. It also seeks external grants to fund its service projects and outreach programs.

Our previous outreach projects include the strengthening of reading programs at public schools and adult education centers. We also regularly assist in resource acquisition for underfunded libraries, both public and school based.

Kentucky-based but serving a national constituency, the Jesse Stuart Foundation was established in 1979 by noted Eastern Kentucky author Jesse Stuart and his wife, Naomi Deane Stuart. The JSF controls the rights to Stuart’s works and republishes his out-of-print works along with new and existing books by other Kentucky and Appalachian authors.

The mission of the Jesse Stuart Foundation is to preserve the human and literary legacy of Jesse Stuart and the Appalachian way of life. We believe that access to the writings of Stuart and other Appalachian authors enhances the appreciation of education and history in the cultural development of citizens of all ages.

Total Project Budget: $35,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): AEP Foundation, JSF Endowment

Project Duration: one year
Geographical Area Served: 13 counties of Eastern Kentucky
Age Group To Be Served: Pre-school through adults

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Keith
Contact Last Name: Kappes
Contact Title: Director of Resource Development
Contact Phone: 606-356-0912
Contact Email: keithkappes@gmail.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Volta Music Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: PO Box 668092
City: Pompano Beach
State: Florida
Postal Code: 33069
Main Phone: 954-470-9450
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://voltamusicfoundation.org
Employer ID Number: 83-2167948
Organization Tax Status: 509(a)(2). 501 C 3

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 03/22/2024
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Link Up
Project Description:

The Link Up program brings high-quality music education to over 2000 students in Title 1 schools across South Florida. It provides an opportunity for elementary school schools to develop musical abilities and allows performance through singing and instrument playing with professional musicians at a culminating symphony concert. Volta partnered with Carnegie Hall to leverage Link Up’s acclaimed curriculum and resources to transform basic school music programs into dynamic learning experiences.
Schools that Volta engaged have been defunded or lack arts programming. Volta understands that arts programs can improve school performance and social developmental skills for students with low-income backgrounds; this is why we target Title I schools in South Florida with greater need. Volta provides free instruments that include recorders for all students enrolled; Volta also supports transportation for students to attend the final concert at The Parker Playhouse Theater for Broward County students and the World Theater at Lynn University for Plam Beach County students.
School educators receive training through Volta to prepare and deliver the curriculum, as well as support from Volta mentor visits, which our organization schedules throughout the school year. The final highly participatory concert with a symphonic orchestra at The Parker Playhouse and Wold Theater is for students to sing and play along with a symphony orchestra to culminate the program. Students will perform the songs they learned throughout the year and play on the donated recorders that Volta provided.

Total Project Budget: 32,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Broward Center for the Performing Arts: $10,000 Committed

Project Duration: 8 months
Geographical Area Served: Palm beach and Broward County
Age Group To Be Served: 3rd-5th grade ( Elementary)

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Yalyen
Contact Last Name: Savignon
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 954-470-9450
Contact Email: Yalyen.savignon@voltamusicfoundation.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan
Legal Name (if Different): The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan
Also Known As: Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan
Mailing Address: 27655 Middlebelt Rd. Suite 160
City: Farmington Hills
State: MI
Postal Code: 48334
Main Phone: 2485303000
Main Fax: 2485303042
Organization Website: bcfmichigan.org
Employer ID Number: 38-1682300
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c) (3)

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: March 22, 2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Social support for children with blood cancer
Project Description:

Research indicates that social support may play a protective role in the face of stress and help children and adolescents cope with the demands and challenges they face on a daily basis during their cancer journey.
Greater levels of social support have been linked to better adaptation among siblings of children with cancer.

Having honed our programming since 1952, The Blood Cancer Foundation of MI (BCFM) regards social supports and social events as a critical aspect of the 4 pillars we offer for patients with blood cancer. For patient families, this support is integral. Explained by “the Doe’s”, regarding our Holiday Toys Program:
“It took such a heavy burden off our shoulders,” Jane Doe explained. “With just my husband working, and all of the expenses that come with the addition of my cancer and other illnesses, every bit of help we can receive is always a blessing. The gifts you guys gave to our children definitely made it [the first anniversary of Jane’s cancer returning] brighter and easier for us.”
The Holiday Toys program in which over 750 children receive gift(s) from us, is available to all pediatric patients, siblings and kids of adult patients. Holiday toys provide a vastly significant relief for parents dealing with life threatening illness in the home.

Additionally, we provide social outings during the year, including a Valentine’s Day dance, sporting events, zoo and water park visits, family picnics, harvest season events, and seasonal parties.

Play helps children relax and reduces stress and anxiety. It helps children with cancer to express thoughts and feelings about a diagnosis and treatment. In play, their experiences are normalized, families reconnect, friendships emerge, and children and siblings understand that they are not alone and that community in like circumstances can make the difference. Find additional stories at:

Patient Stories

Total Project Budget: $80,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Carl’s Foundation, NFL Players Association, Gerstacker Family FDN, Eagles for Children

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: Michigan residents
Age Group To Be Served: 21 and younger

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Ann
Contact Last Name: Katynski
Contact Title: Grants Associate
Contact Phone: 2485303000
Contact Email: akatynski@bloodcancerfoundationmi.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Emily Griffith Foundation
Legal Name (if Different): Emily Griffith Foundation, Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1860 Lincoln Street Suite 605
City: Denver
State: CO
Postal Code: 80203
Main Phone: 720-523-9222
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.egfoundation.org
Employer ID Number: 84-1169001
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 3/22/2024
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Supporting youth in Career and Technical Concurrent Enrollment programs
Project Description:

Emily Griffith Foundation provides educational and charitable funding for the support of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and programs of Emily Griffith Technical College (EGTC), whose mission is to prepare students for today’s workforce and tomorrow’s opportunities. EGTC offers a multitude of workforce training programs including 19 Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificate programs. The students EGTC serves represent populations with the greatest opportunity for economic mobility: 67% are considered low-to-moderate income, 81% are BIPoC, and 43% are first-generation college students.

EGTC serves more than 350 area high school students annually through Concurrent Enrollment, which allows students to earn credits and learn valuable career skills while still in high school. Some students’ school districts cover tuition for Concurrent Enrollment; however, these students must pay for their own transportation, books, materials, student fees, and exam/licensure fees. As many students come from historically underserved populations, and many hold jobs outside of school to help support their families, having to pay additional educational costs can be a significant financial barrier for many. In addition, school districts only cover the cost of college tuition while the student is still enrolled in high school, so if an individual does not complete their CTE program while still enrolled in high school, they must cover the gap in tuition and often are less likely to complete their certification. Students enrolled in Health Sciences programs are required to be 18 years old to complete their clinical rotations, so many are unable to complete these program requirements while still enrolled in high school.

Total Project Budget: 50,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Emily Griffith Opportunity Endowment, LARRK Foundation, Connie Burwell & William White Foundation

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Denver-Metro (Colorado)
Age Group To Be Served: 17-20

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Lindsay
Contact Last Name: Sandham
Contact Title: Grants & Communications Manager
Contact Phone: 7205239222
Contact Email: lsandham@egfoundation.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Baton Rouge Youth Coalition, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: BRYC
Mailing Address: 460 N 11th Street
City: Baton Rouge
State: LA
Postal Code: 70802
Main Phone: 2254565752
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: thebryc.org
Employer ID Number: 26-2477597
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: March 22, 2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: BRYC’s College Mentor Program
Project Description:

It’s a common misconception that all students who perform well academically will attain college success. This assumption ignores or underestimates resource gaps that cause 89 percent of lower-income students nationally to drop out of college. Those who do persist carry $59,730 student debt on average. A systemic lack of academic, financial, and personal support during the college application process leaves high-achieving, under-resourced students in Baton Rouge unable to access affordable higher education and become leaders and innovators for Louisiana.

BRYC was founded in 2009 when two high school teachers realized even their brightest students would struggle to realize college success due to a dearth of resources. Today, we provide best-in-class college preparatory services — for free — to over 300 teen “Fellows,” preparing them to enter, persist in, and graduate from college. Closing out our 15th year, BRYC’s 667 alumni have collectively earned $85.11 million in scholarships and boast an 82% persistence rate – five times the national average for lower-income students.

BRYC humbly requests $10,000 from the Hermanowski Foundation to support our College Mentor Program, which continuously delivers impressive results. Our 14th class (2023) received 505 college acceptances and $9.45 million in gift aid. One-hundred percent are enrolled in college; 70 percent with less than $5,500 of debt/year. We ask the Hermanowski Foundation to support this program because, quite simply, it works.

BRYC’s 100 Class of 2025 Senior Fellows will receive:
–1:2 support from dedicated BRYC College Counselors and trained College Mentors
–Robust essay coaching
–College tours/preview visits
–Family financial aid counseling
–Min. $250 direct financial assistance

Senior Fellows focus on submitting the FAFSA; writing and submitting applications; applying for scholarships; and choosing a best-fit school. They cap off senior year with “College 101,” BRYC’s eight-week course focused on the transition to college life.

Total Project Budget: $365,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): – Unum, $35,000, potential – Baton Rouge Alliance for Students, $20,000, committed – Entergy Corporation, $10,000, potential – Rotary Club of Baton Rouge Foundation: $10,000, committed – Papa John’s Foundation, $5,000, committed – Junior League of Baton Rouge: $2,500, committed

Project Duration: January 2025 – August 2025
Geographical Area Served: Greater Baton Rouge Area, Louisiana
Age Group To Be Served: 14-18 years

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Elin
Contact Last Name: Hawkinson
Contact Title: Director of Communications and Development
Contact Phone: 917-209-7094
Contact Email: elin@thebryc.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: BRIGHT BEGINNINGS INC
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: BBI
Mailing Address: 3418 4th St SE
City: Washington
State: DC
Postal Code: 20032
Main Phone: (202) 842-9090
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.bbidc.org/
Employer ID Number: 52-1697917
Organization Tax Status: 501( c) 3

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 03/22/2024
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Health & Therapeutic Services for Children in Wards 7 & 8
Project Description:

Bright Beginnings respectfully requests a grant of 10,000 from The Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation to support our Health and Therapeutic Services Program, which serves up to 308 children and their parents who are experiencing housing instability and financial hardship. Under this program, all children receive free in-house developmental screening within 45 days of enrollment and vision, dental, and hearing screenings throughout the school year. Following health screenings, each family is assigned a CARE Team – a multi-disciplinary cohort providing coordinated services and resources tailored to their needs. Our CARE Teams encompass all aspects of a family’s well-being.  

In addition to routine center-based and home-based health and therapeutic services, we now incorporate behavioral health interventions. In FY23, we launched a new screening period to track progress and identify students needing additional services. The ASQ, ASQ-SE and Brigance screening results, combined with teacher consultation and classroom observation, have helped us identify students with additional need for services and inform strategies to support them. Our Child and Family Support Specialist conducts classroom observations, providing tools and strategies to support overall behavior, enhance trauma-informed care practices, and build social-emotional wellness skills. We create psychological safety through consistent routines, calm transitions, clearly posted expectations, and positive discipline. We teach children to express emotions healthily through techniques like deep breathing.

In FY24, our goal is to continue investing in early screening, therapy, and family empowerment strategies to help break cycles of trauma and build a strong foundation for lifelong achievement. Our dedicated staff will collaborate with teachers to develop individualized plans and implement evidence-based techniques, ensuring every child receives the necessary guidance and support to thrive academically and personally.

Total Project Budget: $970,744

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: Autism Speaks $5000, Alexander and Margaret Stewart Trust $125,000, David and Leighan Rinker Foundation $20,000 / Potential: Lichtenberg Family Foundation $50,000, Qlarant Foundation $25,000, Ginn Foundation $7500

Project Duration: Ongoing
Geographical Area Served: Washington DC
Age Group To Be Served: 0-5 Ages

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Rebecca
Contact Last Name: Rorke
Contact Title: Director of Development
Contact Phone: 2028682495
Contact Email: hyamir@bbidc.org