Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum
Legal Name (if Different): CATSKILL FLY FISHING CENTER INC
Also Known As: CFFCM
Mailing Address: PO BOX 1295
City: LIVINGSTN MANOR
State: New York
Postal Code: 12758-1295
Main Phone: 917-216-8477
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.cffcm.com
Employer ID Number: 11-2608536
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3 non profit

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: February 27, 2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Environmental Education and Stream Science Youth Programs
Project Description:

The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum (CFFCM) seeks funding to expand our Environmental Education and Stream Science Program, a free after-school initiative designed to provide underserved youth in rural Sullivan County, NY, with hands-on environmental education, social-emotional development, and outdoor learning experiences.

Many children in our region face economic hardship, limited after-school opportunities, and reduced access to outdoor activities. With 69% of Livingston Manor students receiving free or reduced lunch and 18.5% of children experiencing food insecurity, many families lack the resources to explore the natural beauty of the Catskills, despite its renowned fishing, hiking, and outdoor recreation. Our program removes these barriers by providing structured, no-cost workshops that introduce children (ages 10-18) to fly fishing, watershed conservation, entomology, and environmental ethics.

Through two six-week workshops per year, we expect to serve 250+ students annually, reinforcing STEM learning through hands-on activities. By collaborating with local schools (Livingston Manor, Roscoe, and Monticello), we strengthen academic engagement while fostering confidence, problem-solving skills, and social connections. Studies show that after-school programs play a critical role in child development, improving academic success, mental well-being, and future career readiness—yet our rural region offers very few structured enrichment opportunities.

Additionally, our program connects students to their own community’s history and culture. Livingston Manor is the historic birthplace of American dry fly fishing, yet many local youth remain disconnected from this heritage. Through our workshops, they gain not only environmental awareness but also a sense of identity and pride in their hometown.

With your support, we can provide young people with the tools to succeed—building confidence, fostering curiosity, and inspiring lifelong stewardship of the natural world.

Total Project Budget: 47400

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): New York State Council of the Arts, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Fund, M&T Bank

Project Duration: Eight months
Geographical Area Served: Sullivan County, New York
Age Group To Be Served: Youth ages 8-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Samantha
Contact Last Name: Laserson
Contact Title: Grants Coordinator
Contact Phone: 917-216-8477
Contact Email: samantha@cffcm.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: YWCA of Asheville and WNC
Legal Name (if Different): YWCA of Asheville & Western North Carolina, Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 185 S French Broad Ave
City: Asheville
State: NC
Postal Code: 28801
Main Phone: 8282547206
Main Fax:
Organization Website: ywcaofasheville.org
Employer ID Number: 560547476
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 02/27/2025
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Early Childhood Education
Project Description:

YWCA of Asheville has two high-quality childcare programs:

Empowerment Child Care (ECC) was designed to serve as a free/reduced-cost, short-term solution for families seeking to find employment, pursue education goals, and access social services. Our Early Learning Program (ELP) is a 5-star, licensed childcare provider in a more traditional Pre-K model. Child care is an essential need for low- to middle-income families, and this need is even more critical now, as our local economy slowly recovers from the damaging effects of Hurricane Helene. We also partner with Asheville Buncombe Technical and Community College and the Family Justice Center to serve parents enrolled in their educational programs and who may be seeking much-needed social services, including crucial disaster relief services.

However, quality child care is expensive to provide and to access. The cost of infant care ($12,000) exceeds the cost of in-state college tuition ($10,033 including books at UNC). Currently, 55% of ELP kids pay with vouchers. However, for each voucher, our reimbursement rate does not cover the full cost of care. We treat the difference like a scholarship and do not charge families the extra, using self-pay student income to cover the loss. This funding will support us, as we support families.

Finally, a stable and fairly compensated staff is essential to our ability to provide quality childcare. Childcare workers are among the lowest-paid professionals throughout North Carolina. We need to recruit, support, and retain our childcare workers to ensure continuity of care, and to build a long-term, sustainable workforce. Therefore, a portion of the funding would support staff salaries to ensure we can offer them the same quality of life and care that they provide our program participants.

Total Project Budget: 3488333

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Buncombe County (committed), Trinity Episcopal Church (committed), First Horizon Foundation (committed)

Project Duration: Ongoing
Geographical Area Served: Asheville, Buncombe County
Age Group To Be Served: 0-5

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Rebecca
Contact Last Name: Boyd
Contact Title: Grants Manager
Contact Phone: 8282547206
Contact Email: rebecca.boyd@ywcaofasheville.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: YWCA of Asheville and WNC
Legal Name (if Different): YWCA of Asheville & Western North Carolina, Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 185 S French Broad Ave
City: Asheville
State: NC
Postal Code: 28801
Main Phone: 8282547206
Main Fax:
Organization Website: ywcaofasheville.org
Employer ID Number: 560547476
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 02/27/2025
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Early Childhood Education
Project Description:

YWCA of Asheville has two high-quality childcare programs:

Empowerment Child Care (ECC) was designed to serve as a free/reduced-cost, short-term solution for families seeking to find employment, pursue education goals, and access social services. Our Early Learning Program (ELP) is a 5-star, licensed childcare provider in a more traditional Pre-K model. Child care is an essential need for low- to middle-income families, and this need is even more critical now, as our local economy slowly recovers from the damaging effects of Hurricane Helene. We also partner with Asheville Buncombe Technical and Community College and the Family Justice Center to serve parents enrolled in their educational programs and who may be seeking much-needed social services, including crucial disaster relief services.

However, quality child care is expensive to provide and to access. The cost of infant care ($12,000) exceeds the cost of in-state college tuition ($10,033 including books at UNC). Currently, 55% of ELP kids pay with vouchers. However, for each voucher, our reimbursement rate does not cover the full cost of care. We treat the difference like a scholarship and do not charge families the extra, using self-pay student income to cover the loss. This funding will support us, as we support families.

Finally, a stable and fairly compensated staff is essential to our ability to provide quality childcare. Childcare workers are among the lowest-paid professionals throughout North Carolina. We need to recruit, support, and retain our childcare workers to ensure continuity of care, and to build a long-term, sustainable workforce. Therefore, a portion of the funding would support staff salaries to ensure we can offer them the same quality of life and care that they provide our program participants.

Total Project Budget: 3488333

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Buncombe County (committed), Trinity Episcopal Church (committed), First Horizon Foundation (committed)

Project Duration: Ongoing
Geographical Area Served: Asheville, Buncombe County
Age Group To Be Served: 0-5

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Rebecca
Contact Last Name: Boyd
Contact Title: Grants Manager
Contact Phone: 8282547206
Contact Email: rebecca.boyd@ywcaofasheville.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: YWCA of Asheville and WNC
Legal Name (if Different): YWCA of Asheville & Western North Carolina, Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 185 S French Broad Ave
City: Asheville
State: NC
Postal Code: 28801
Main Phone: 8282547206
Main Fax:
Organization Website: ywcaofasheville.org
Employer ID Number: 560547476
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 02/27/2025
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Early Childhood Education
Project Description:

YWCA of Asheville has two high-quality childcare programs:

Empowerment Child Care (ECC) was designed to serve as a free/reduced-cost, short-term solution for families seeking to find employment, pursue education goals, and access social services. Our Early Learning Program (ELP) is a 5-star, licensed childcare provider in a more traditional Pre-K model. Child care is an essential need for low- to middle-income families, and this need is even more critical now, as our local economy slowly recovers from the damaging effects of Hurricane Helene. We also partner with Asheville Buncombe Technical and Community College and the Family Justice Center to serve parents enrolled in their educational programs and who may be seeking much-needed social services, including crucial disaster relief services.

However, quality child care is expensive to provide and to access. The cost of infant care ($12,000) exceeds the cost of in-state college tuition ($10,033 including books at UNC). Currently, 55% of ELP kids pay with vouchers. However, for each voucher, our reimbursement rate does not cover the full cost of care. We treat the difference like a scholarship and do not charge families the extra, using self-pay student income to cover the loss. This funding will support us, as we support families.

Finally, a stable and fairly compensated staff is essential to our ability to provide quality childcare. Childcare workers are among the lowest-paid professionals throughout North Carolina. We need to recruit, support, and retain our childcare workers to ensure continuity of care, and to build a long-term, sustainable workforce. Therefore, a portion of the funding would support staff salaries to ensure we can offer them the same quality of life and care that they provide our program participants.

Total Project Budget: 3488333

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Buncombe County (committed), Trinity Episcopal Church (committed), First Horizon Foundation (committed)

Project Duration: Ongoing
Geographical Area Served: Asheville, Buncombe County
Age Group To Be Served: 0-5

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Rebecca
Contact Last Name: Boyd
Contact Title: Grants Manager
Contact Phone: 8282547206
Contact Email: rebecca.boyd@ywcaofasheville.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: HeartBound Ministries
Legal Name (if Different): HeartBound Ministries, Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: PO Box 191703
City: Atlanta
State: GA
Postal Code: 31119
Main Phone: 404-822-4224
Main Fax:
Organization Website: heartboundministries.org
Employer ID Number: 37-1474501
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: February 26, 2025
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Little Readers
Project Description:

The connection between low literacy, limited educational opportunities, and incarceration is well established. HeartBound recognizes that one of the most effective ways to disrupt the cycle of crime and incarceration is through literacy intervention and educational support for children and youth affected by incarceration.
In Georgia alone, an estimated 200,000 children have an incarcerated parent, and 80% of these children live at or below the poverty line. The absence of a parent due to incarceration often results in reduced opportunities for being read to – a critical factor for academic success. Daily reading by a family member is one of the strongest indicators of future academic achievement, yet many of these children lack this fundamental support.
To address this issue, HeartBound launched the Little Readers program in 2014. This initiative aims to break the generational cycles of low literacy and incarceration, foster a culture of literacy and book access within families, and alleviate the trauma of family separation. Our goal is to provide literacy resources to 2,000 children annually and to reach thousands more through our Little Readers Book Club program, which places carts filled with books, games, and educational materials in 73 prison visitation rooms.
The Little Readers program also includes a unique feature where children can see and hear their loved one reading a book to them via video. Trained facilitators conduct workshops for incarcerated parents, teaching them how to select appropriate books, read aloud effectively, and build a strong bond with their child through reading. After the workshop, parents are recorded reading a storybook, which, along with two books and a list of literacy and nutritional resources, is sent to the child. This allows children to repeatedly watch the video and read the books, strengthening their connection with their parent and fostering a love of reading.

Total Project Budget: 56,235

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): 2025 Committed: Sartain Lanier $25K, indiviual donation $75 for a total of $25,075. As for potential sources. we continue to research available grants and personal donations.

Project Duration: Ongoing
Geographical Area Served: Georgia, Mississippi, Tennesee
Age Group To Be Served: birth to 13 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Andrea
Contact Last Name: Shelton
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 404-822-4224
Contact Email: aheartbound@comcast.net

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: HeartBound Ministries
Legal Name (if Different): HeartBound Ministries, Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: Post Office Box 191703
City: Atlanta
State: GA
Postal Code: 31119-0703
Main Phone: 404-822-4224
Main Fax:
Organization Website: heartboundmininstries.org
Employer ID Number: 37-1474501
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: February 25, 2025
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Little Readers
Project Description:

The connection between low literacy, limited educational opportunities, and incarceration is well established. HeartBound recognizes that one of the most effective ways to disrupt the cycle of crime and incarceration is through literacy intervention and educational support for children and youth affected by incarceration.
In Georgia alone, an estimated 200,000 children have an incarcerated parent, and 80% of these children live at or below the poverty line. The absence of a parent due to incarceration often results in reduced opportunities for being read to – a critical factor for academic success. Daily reading by a family member is one of the strongest indicators of future academic achievement, yet many of these children lack this fundamental support.
To address this issue, HeartBound launched the Little Readers program in 2014. This initiative aims to break the generational cycles of low literacy and incarceration, foster a culture of literacy and book access within families, and alleviate the trauma of family separation. Our goal is to provide literacy resources to 2,000 children annually and to reach thousands more through our Little Readers Book Club program, which places carts filled with books, games, and educational materials in 73 prison visitation rooms.
The Little Readers program also includes a unique feature where children can see and hear their loved one reading a book to them via video. Trained facilitators conduct workshops for incarcerated parents, teaching them how to select appropriate books, read aloud effectively, and build a strong bond with their child through reading. After the workshop, parents are recorded reading a storybook, which, along with two books and a list of literacy and nutritional resources, is sent to the child. This allows children to repeatedly watch the video and read the books, strengthening their connection with their parent and fostering a love of reading.

Total Project Budget: 56,235

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed for 2025: Sartain Lanier Family Foundation-$25K (coming late 2025), $75 from an individual for a total of $25,075 committed. As

Project Duration: Ongoing
Geographical Area Served: Atlanta, GA
Age Group To Be Served: Age group to be served is typically birth to age 13.

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Andrea
Contact Last Name: Shelton
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 404-822-4224
Contact Email: aheartbound@comcast.net

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Equest Center
Mailing Address: 3777 Rector Ave NE
City: Rockford
State: Michigan
Postal Code: 49341
Main Phone: 616-866-3066
Main Fax: 616-863-6460
Organization Website: www.equestcenter.org
Employer ID Number: 38-2938949
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/26/25
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Horses + Special Kids = Success
Project Description:

Equest is a powerful beacon of hope and healing for children with disabilities in West Michigan. Equest Center’s mission is to improve quality of life through equine-based therapy to physically, mentally, and socially/emotionally challenged individuals. Our unique program integrates academic, social, and physical skills using the horse as a catalyst. Equest makes therapy enjoyable for people with many different needs in our YEAR-ROUND Therapeutic Riding program, which is a critical piece for many that we serve. Recreational opportunities for children with physical, mental, and social/emotional disabilities in Kent County are scarce. Our center has been key in filling many gaps created from local school and community budget cuts regarding critical care and education for those with disabilities by offering unique and specialized equine-based therapy programming options that offer a multitude of educational, emotional and mental benefits. “Therapy Disguised as FUN!”

Costs associated with caring for someone with a disability can be staggering, and in this time of economic difficulty for so many, program scholarship funds are CRITICAL to the majority of our riders and their families. Many of our riders are unable to pay anything at all and need larger partial scholarships or full scholarships. The funds from this grant will be used to provide scholarship funds for the children that would be unable to participate in our program without a scholarship. The support of The Charles and Joan Hermanowski Foundation will directly affect the number of individuals with disabilities who receive the opportunity to benefit from this life-changing therapy!

Total Project Budget: $263,375

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Northern Cross Foundation $55,000 – Committed, Ron L. Fate Revocable Trust $50,112 – Committed, Beth Spica $50,000 – Committed, Janice Barnes $24,608 – Committed, The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation $20,000 – Committed, Mary Free Bed Fund $17,000 – Committed, Brian DeVries $10,000 – Committed, The Steve and Amy Van Andel Foundation $10,000 – Committed, Eileen DeVries Family Foundation $10,000 – Committed, Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation $10,000 – Potential

Project Duration: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026
Geographical Area Served: Kent County – West Michigan
Age Group To Be Served: 2-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Sara
Contact Last Name: Mulder
Contact Title: Development Coordinator
Contact Phone: 616-866-3066 x113
Contact Email: saramulder@equestcenter.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Queen Academy, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different): Queen Academy, Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 101 Eagles Pointe Pkwy, Ste. A
City: Stockbridge
State: GA
Postal Code: 30281
Main Phone: 7707429883
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.QueenAcademy.org
Employer ID Number: 88-4015555
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/26/25
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: REGAL Mentoring Program
Project Description:

The REGAL Mentoring Program is based on a small group model, with 8-12 student participants per group. Queen Academy, Inc. partners with foster care agencies, alternative school programs, and juvenile justice departments in metro Atlanta and Central Georgia school districts to facilitate weekly small groups during the school day or after school using the REGAL Mentoring curriculum. In addition to weekly small-group mentoring sessions, participants also engage in free monthly field trips. Currently, Queen Academy, Inc. has a total of 3 school partnerships within the Bibb County School District, Henry County School District, and Jasper County School District. Additionally, Queen Academy partners with Christian City Residential Programs, a foster care group home in Fulton County, as well as with the Macon Judicial Circuit Court to serve female juvenile offenders. Queen Academy, Inc. actively recruits and trains volunteers to facilitate small groups, and provide ongoing training and support to volunteer mentors. The goal is to serve 75 young women in the REGAL Mentoring Program by the end of 2025. Currently, there are 61 young women enrolled in the program.

Total Project Budget: 53750

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: Truist Foundation, Invest in Others Grant Program, Frances Wood Wilson Foundation, EcoLab

Project Duration: Ongoing
Geographical Area Served: Metro Atlanta and Central Georgia (Fulton County, Henry County, Clayton County, Bibb County, Jasper County)
Age Group To Be Served: 11-20 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Danielle
Contact Last Name: Pojah
Contact Title: Founder/Executive Director
Contact Phone: 7707429883
Contact Email: dwashington@queenacademy.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Queen Academy, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different): Queen Academy, Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 101 Eagles Pointe Pkwy, Ste. A
City: Stockbridge
State: GA
Postal Code: 30281
Main Phone: 7707429883
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.QueenAcademy.org
Employer ID Number: 88-4015555
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/26/25
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: REGAL Mentoring Program
Project Description:

The REGAL Mentoring Program is based on a small group model, with 8-12 student participants per group. Queen Academy, Inc. partners with foster care agencies, alternative school programs, and juvenile justice departments in metro Atlanta and Central Georgia school districts to facilitate weekly small groups during the school day or after school using the REGAL Mentoring curriculum. In addition to weekly small-group mentoring sessions, participants also engage in free monthly field trips. Currently, Queen Academy, Inc. has a total of 3 school partnerships within the Bibb County School District, Henry County School District, and Jasper County School District. Additionally, Queen Academy partners with Christian City Residential Programs, a foster care group home in Fulton County, as well as with the Macon Judicial Circuit Court to serve female juvenile offenders. Queen Academy, Inc. actively recruits and trains volunteers to facilitate small groups, and provide ongoing training and support to volunteer mentors. The goal is to serve 75 young women in the REGAL Mentoring Program by the end of 2025. Currently, there are 61 young women enrolled in the program.

Total Project Budget: 53750

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: Truist Foundation, Invest in Others Grant Program, Frances Wood Wilson Foundation, EcoLab

Project Duration: Ongoing
Geographical Area Served: Metro Atlanta and Central Georgia (Fulton County, Henry County, Clayton County, Bibb County, Jasper County)
Age Group To Be Served: 11-20 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Danielle
Contact Last Name: Pojah
Contact Title: Founder/Executive Director
Contact Phone: 7707429883
Contact Email: dwashington@queenacademy.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Queen Academy, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different): Queen Academy, Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 101 Eagles Pointe Pkwy, Ste. A
City: Stockbridge
State: GA
Postal Code: 30281
Main Phone: 7707429883
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.QueenAcademy.org
Employer ID Number: 88-4015555
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 2/26/25
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: REGAL Mentoring Program
Project Description:

The REGAL Mentoring Program is based on a small group model, with 8-12 student participants per group. Queen Academy, Inc. partners with foster care agencies, alternative school programs, and juvenile justice departments in metro Atlanta and Central Georgia school districts to facilitate weekly small groups during the school day or after school using the REGAL Mentoring curriculum. In addition to weekly small-group mentoring sessions, participants also engage in free monthly field trips. Currently, Queen Academy, Inc. has a total of 3 school partnerships within the Bibb County School District, Henry County School District, and Jasper County School District. Additionally, Queen Academy partners with Christian City Residential Programs, a foster care group home in Fulton County, as well as with the Macon Judicial Circuit Court to serve female juvenile offenders. Queen Academy, Inc. actively recruits and trains volunteers to facilitate small groups, and provide ongoing training and support to volunteer mentors. The goal is to serve 75 young women in the REGAL Mentoring Program by the end of 2025. Currently, there are 61 young women enrolled in the program.

Total Project Budget: 53750

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: Truist Foundation, Invest in Others Grant Program, Frances Wood Wilson Foundation, EcoLab

Project Duration: Ongoing
Geographical Area Served: Metro Atlanta and Central Georgia (Fulton County, Henry County, Clayton County, Bibb County, Jasper County)
Age Group To Be Served: 11-20 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Danielle
Contact Last Name: Pojah
Contact Title: Founder/Executive Director
Contact Phone: 7707429883
Contact Email: dwashington@queenacademy.org