Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Better Together
Legal Name (if Different): Better Together Strengthening Families Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 15725 Collier Blvd Suite 201-284
City: Naples
State: Florida
Postal Code: 34119
Main Phone: (239) 470-2733
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://bettertogetherus.org/
Employer ID Number: 47-5591391
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/192025
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Better Together: Building Strong Families and Communities.
Project Description:

Better Together helps families in crisis by empowering parents and surrounding them with community, work opportunities, and love so that no family struggles alone, ultimately preventing the need for foster care and ending government dependency.

In Florida, over 18,000 children are in foster care, with more than half placed due to neglect. This neglect often results from crises such as homelessness, unemployment, mental health issues, substance misuse, and isolation. As a result, parents often struggle to care for their children, leading to conflicts and increasing the likelihood of state intervention. Children in foster care often experience traumatic events, including sibling separation, loss of sense of belonging, and instability. Better Together offers a preventative solution, through community-driven programs, Better Families and Better Jobs.

Rather than being involved with foster care, Better Together engages families through its Better Families program. This program is tailored to support each family’s unique needs. Children are cared for by compassionate volunteer host families who are screened, vetted and properly trained. This approach provides stability during turbulent times by allowing children to remain in their school and activities, and maintain crucial relationships with their parents and peers. During this time, parents are supported by mentors who help them navigate challenges by offering moral support, providing clear guidance, and building meaningful connections.

Since its founding in 2015, Better Together has served over 15,000 children across Florida, with a 98% success rate in keeping families together. Better Together values strong partnerships and is eager to collaborate with the Hermanowski Family Foundation in its mission to transform the lives of children and young adults across the United States. Your support is essential for Better Together to expand its reach, serve more families in need, and make a greater impact, ensuring that no family struggles alone.

Total Project Budget: 9,467,551.37

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Better Together is entirely funded by private sources, including foundations, individual donors, donor-advised funds, churches, companies, and in-kind contributors. Each year, the organization works to steadily grow and diversify its donor base to support the mission of empowering families and individuals in need. Better Together deeply values transparency while also respecting the privacy and discretion of its donors. Therefore, detailed information about all major funding sources is not disclosed. However, there are few funding sources that can be shared, which are listed below: Southern Eagle Distributing Inc – $646,000 Triple P Distributing Co Inc – $390,000 Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation – $130,000 Wilson Sheehan Foundation – $100,000 Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation – $100,000 Volunteer Florida – $50,000

Project Duration: Better Together will focus on expanding its reach in the local community through this project, aiming to serve families from within 12-months after receiving the contribution. This timeline will allow the organization to strategically plan services, ensuring proper allocation of resources and enabling the team to achieve its goals within the 12-month period.
Geographical Area Served: Florida
Age Group To Be Served: 0-17

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Lora
Contact Last Name: Bostick
Contact Title: Director of Development
Contact Phone: (239) 470-2733
Contact Email: grants@bettertogetherus.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Cornerstone Family Programs
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: CFP
Mailing Address: 12 Flagler Street, Morristown, NJ
City: Morristown
State: NJ
Postal Code: 07960
Main Phone: 973-538-1229
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://cornerstonefamilyprograms.org/
Employer ID Number: 22-1489900
Organization Tax Status: 501C3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/19/25
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Creating diversified educational equity in PreK classrooms.
Project Description:

Children from low-income families may start kindergarten without necessary skills, disadvantaging them compared to peers. In addition, there has been a significant increase of neurodivergent learners in the last decade. To bridge this gap, we will create an equitable learning environment to purchase smart boards, sensory toolboxes, and a family literacy program to develop critical literacy and social-emotional skills. This will benefit 185 preschool students and their families. Expected outcomes include enhanced learning experiences, improved student engagement, teacher support, equity in education, and better preparation for future learning.

Cornerstone Family Programs (CFP) serves a community deeply affected by poverty in Morris County, particularly in Census Tract 435 (Morristown) and Census Track 5 (Dover) New Jersey where disparities are stark. The area’s demographics illustrate significant challenges: with an average household income less than half the county average, 18% of families living in poverty—more than triple the county rate—face pronounced socioeconomic barriers.

Our primary program is Preschool for ages 2-6. Preschool education is crucial for building a solid foundation for kindergarten success, helping children develop essential skills for future learning. Without equitable preschool education, children may lack confidence and face undiagnosed learning challenges, impacting their academic future. Additionally, about 20% of students in New Jersey are considered neurodivergent, which includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, ADD, anxiety disorders. These students are integrated into our general education classrooms and require targeted support strategies to facilitate their engagement and optimize their learning outcomes.

This project will enhance the learning environment by accommodating each child’s unique needs and providing an inclusive and equitable learning experience for all students. The new tools and programs will also improve student engagement, provide additional support for teachers, and promote equity in education, ensuring all children have the opportunity to succeed.

Total Project Budget: $487,100

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Impact100 Garden State grant request $100,000 (potential) Morris School District $215,250 (committed) Dover School District $109,200 (committed) Mimi Washington Starrett grant request $20,000 (potential) Brinley Next Generation Grant $15,000 (potential) Costco $48,000 (potential) Catholic Human Services $15,000 (potential) Dodge Fund for a Just and Equitable Morris $25,000 (potential)

Project Duration: 5-7 years
Geographical Area Served: Morristown and Dover New Jersey
Age Group To Be Served: 2-12

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: JoAnn
Contact Last Name: Hoppe
Contact Title: Grants Manager
Contact Phone: 908-787-3865
Contact Email: jhoppe@cfp-mnh.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Broward Moms, Inc. d/b/a Greater Fort Lauderdale Diaper Bank
Legal Name (if Different): Broward Moms, Inc.
Also Known As: Greater Fort Lauderdale Diaper Bank
Mailing Address: 8664 SW 55th Street
City: Cooper City
State: Florida
Postal Code: 33328
Main Phone: (954) 667-9672
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.ftldiaperbank.org/
Employer ID Number: 81-3498587
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 19, 2025
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Broward Diaper Program
Project Description:

We respectfully request your consideration of a grant of $10,000 to support the Greater Fort Lauderdale Diaper Bank (GFLDB) and our Broward Diaper Program. This program provides 1.2 million free diapers and period supplies annually to children in need. Approximately 500,000 diapers are distributed directly to families through our monthly neighborhood-based distribution events, and ~700,000 are distributed through 30+ community partners including Memorial Hospitals, Broward Healthy Start, Pantry of Broward, and more. We additionally distribute period supplies through our partnership with Broward Public Schools. As a result, at-risk children and young women have better access to hygiene supplies that improve their health and ability to participate in daycare, school, and daily life.

Access to diapers and period products is a critical need among low- and moderate income families. 50% of families in Broward are experiencing diaper need and/or period poverty — they are not able to consistently provide adequate diapers for their babies and infants, and girls are not able to access pads/tampons during their periods (Source: National Diaper Bank, 2024). This desperate need leads some families to skip paying essential bills in order to buy diapers, or to re-use soiled diapers, which leads to negative health outcomes, in order to save money.

Thanks to strong vendor partnerships, GFLDB can meet this need for .05¢ per diaper — 6.5X less than retail costs. Our program budget is lean; diapers and period products account for 34% ($55,500) of expenses, 28% ($47,000) is spent on community outreach to meet families where they are to provide the products they need, 25% ($41,375) is spent on staff and additional program supplies, and 13% ($21,600) is spent on storage. Your support will go a long way towards helping babies and girls meet their basic needs!

Total Project Budget: 165,500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): We are grateful to have the committed support of The Community Foundation of Broward, Memorial Healthcare System, and The Josephine Leiser Foundation. Support is pending from The Florida Panthers Foundation, The TJX Foundation, The City of Hollywood, and Elevance Healthcare Foundation.

Project Duration: Year Round
Geographical Area Served: Broward County
Age Group To Be Served: Children ages 0-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Brittany
Contact Last Name: Wolfe
Contact Title: Founder & Executive Director
Contact Phone: (954) 667-9672
Contact Email: bwolfe@ftldiaperbank.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Wholistic Wellness Community
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1111 East Interstate 65 Service Rd S
City: Mobile
State: Alabama
Postal Code: 36606
Main Phone: 2517210804
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.wholisticwellness.org
Employer ID Number: 99-3050702
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/18/2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Building a Healthier Community: The Healthy Snack Program and Community Cooking Classes
Project Description:

This project aims to combat childhood food insecurity and promote healthy lifestyles within the Mobile County Public School System (MCPSS) and surrounding communities. Building upon the success of our existing Healthy Snack program, currently serving three schools, we seek to expand access to nutritious snacks to at least 2 more schools over the next year, targeting schools with high needs. Simultaneously, we will launch quarterly community cooking classes for children, providing hands-on experience in preparing healthy meals and fostering a lifelong appreciation for nutritious food. These initiatives will empower underserved youth with the knowledge and resources to make informed dietary choices, improve their overall health, and cultivate essential life skills. By bridging the gap between food access and nutritional education, we are investing in the long-term well-being of Mobile’s children.

Total Project Budget: $9,500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Department of Education/Alabama

Project Duration: Academic school year
Geographical Area Served: Mobile, AL & surrounding areas
Age Group To Be Served: Pre-K to 10yrs old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Angelia
Contact Last Name: Dickinson
Contact Title: Founder/President
Contact Phone: 2517210804
Contact Email: info@wholisticwellness.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Wholistic Wellness Community
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1111 East Interstate 65 Service Rd S
City: Mobile
State: Alabama
Postal Code: 36606
Main Phone: 2517210804
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.wholisticwellness.org
Employer ID Number: 99-3050702
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/18/2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Building a Healthier Community: The Healthy Snack Program and Community Cooking Classes
Project Description:

This project aims to combat childhood food insecurity and promote healthy lifestyles within the Mobile County Public School System (MCPSS) and surrounding communities. Building upon the success of our existing Healthy Snack program, currently serving three schools, we seek to expand access to nutritious snacks to at least 2 more schools over the next year, targeting schools with high needs. Simultaneously, we will launch quarterly community cooking classes for children, providing hands-on experience in preparing healthy meals and fostering a lifelong appreciation for nutritious food. These initiatives will empower underserved youth with the knowledge and resources to make informed dietary choices, improve their overall health, and cultivate essential life skills. By bridging the gap between food access and nutritional education, we are investing in the long-term well-being of Mobile’s children.

Total Project Budget: $9,500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Department of Education/Alabama

Project Duration: Academic school year
Geographical Area Served: Mobile, AL & surrounding areas
Age Group To Be Served: Pre-K to 10yrs old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Angelia
Contact Last Name: Dickinson
Contact Title: Founder/President
Contact Phone: 2517210804
Contact Email: info@wholisticwellness.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Wholistic Wellness Community
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1111 East Interstate 65 Service Rd S
City: Mobile
State: Alabama
Postal Code: 36606
Main Phone: 2517210804
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.wholisticwellness.org
Employer ID Number: 99-3050702
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/18/2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Building a Healthier Community: The Healthy Snack Program and Community Cooking Classes
Project Description:

This project aims to combat childhood food insecurity and promote healthy lifestyles within the Mobile County Public School System (MCPSS) and surrounding communities. Building upon the success of our existing Healthy Snack program, currently serving three schools, we seek to expand access to nutritious snacks to at least 2 more schools over the next year, targeting schools with high needs. Simultaneously, we will launch quarterly community cooking classes for children, providing hands-on experience in preparing healthy meals and fostering a lifelong appreciation for nutritious food. These initiatives will empower underserved youth with the knowledge and resources to make informed dietary choices, improve their overall health, and cultivate essential life skills. By bridging the gap between food access and nutritional education, we are investing in the long-term well-being of Mobile’s children.

Total Project Budget: $9,500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Department of Education/Alabama

Project Duration: Academic school year
Geographical Area Served: Mobile, AL & surrounding areas
Age Group To Be Served: Pre-K to 10yrs old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Angelia
Contact Last Name: Dickinson
Contact Title: Founder/President
Contact Phone: 2517210804
Contact Email: info@wholisticwellness.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Platinum Minds Inc
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 95 W Main St STE 5-166
City: Chester
State: New Jersey
Postal Code: 07930
Main Phone: 9083042779
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.platinumminds.org
Employer ID Number:
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c) 3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/18/25
Requested Amount: $15,000

Project Title: Five-Initiative Program
Project Description:

Our programs focus on life, academics, literacy, and leadership skills. We provide
materials, workshops, summer camps, mentors, speakers, and volunteer opportunities. Our
scholars are selected in conjunction with local schools and other prominent individuals in the
students’ lives. We strive to help as many boys as possible, and grant assistance, along with
individual donors allows us to do this.

Total Project Budget: 138,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): grant, individual, and fundraising events

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: At-risk communities in New Jersey
Age Group To Be Served: Economically-challenged boys of African-American descent grades 1-12

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Yvette
Contact Last Name: Long
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 9083042779
Contact Email: alexandra@platinumminds.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Compass Education
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 5184 Caldwell Mill Ste 204
City: Hoover
State: AL
Postal Code: 35244
Main Phone: 9494299411
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.compasseducation.org
Employer ID Number: 47-4557475
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c)3 non profit

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 18, 2025
Requested Amount: $6,500

Project Title: Empowering Students and Educators to Lead Change in a Complex World
Project Description:

Our world is full of challenges that don’t have simple answers. Today’s students need more than just knowledge — they need the skills and confidence to think critically, ask big questions, and take action to make a difference.

This project is designed to help both educators and students in Orange County Public Schools do just that.
We will begin by hosting a one-day workshop for middle school Service Learning Coordinators and interested educators. This professional development session will give educators fresh ideas, simple tools, and new approaches to help their students understand the world’s challenges and feel empowered to tackle them. Teachers will learn how to guide students in looking at problems from different angles, thinking creatively, and working together to come up with solutions that matter.

After the educator workshop, we will host a half-day student training designed to inspire and equip young people to become leaders in their communities. Through fun, hands-on activities, students will explore the big issues they care about, learn how those problems are connected, and discover how their ideas and actions can create real change. They will practice working together, communicating their ideas, and thinking in new ways – all essential skills for their future.

This project will help educators feel confident guiding their students in service learning projects that go beyond checking a box and truly make an impact. It will help students realize that they are capable of making a difference right now. In the end, we hope to inspire a new generation of thoughtful, creative, and compassionate problem-solvers, ready to lead in an ever-changing world.

Total Project Budget: $10,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Collaboration with Orange County Public Schoools

Project Duration: 90 days
Geographical Area Served: Orange County Public Schools, Florida
Age Group To Be Served: 12-15 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Nicole
Contact Last Name: Swedlow
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 949-429-9411
Contact Email: nicole@compasseducation.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Connections to Independence
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 310 E 38th Street
City: Minneapolis
State: MN
Postal Code: 55409
Main Phone: (612) 986-4165
Main Fax: (612) 354-2785
Organization Website: c2iyouth.org
Employer ID Number: 80-0542940
Organization Tax Status: Connections to Independence

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/18/2025
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Housing Stability Program Housing Stability Program Housing Stability Program
Project Description:

Connections to Independence (C2i ) is a community-based organization whose mission is to provide unique programming and advocacy for foster youth, ages 14-25, to promote a successful and healthy transition to living independently as they reach adulthood.
The program/project this grant will support is entitled Direct Impact: Housing Stability Program.
The purpose is to provide C2i youth with a safe and supportive living environment. Youth are required to be enrolled in a postsecondary institution and employed at least part time. Youth rent a room in a supportive home environment with others. They share common space as they learn how to live with one another. They participate in household chores (indoors and out) and pay rent and bills on time as they navigate living independently.
The goals of the program are to:
Address racial disparities in housing
Create housing access to vulnerable populations as they transition from foster care (including fosters with children)
Direct financial assistance (including incentives and work opportunities)
Continue to deliver programming that includes pathways to stability in housing
Work towards independence and even home ownership
To ensure our ability to meet our clients’ housing needs, Connections to Independence owns and manages six (6) permanent supportive apartments. C2is also maintains strong working relationships with local landlords housing foster youths throughout the Twin Cities.
Connections to Independence operates homes in the following locations:
Historic Rondo Community of St. Paul, located on St. Albans Avenue, serving up to four females, equipped with an emergency bed.
North Minneapolis is located on Humboldt Avenue, serving a family of two.
North Minneapolis is located on Queens Avenue, serving a family of three.
Sheridan Place is a duplex for a single renter.
Cedar Lake Place 2-bedroom, single occupant, also used for emergency shelter.
Uptown Condo, two units, with emergency efficiency.
C2i’s approach to “housing stability” is through the lens of homelessness prevention. We are intentional about preparing the whole person rather than just focusing on how to obtain and sustain housing. Young people often come to us mistreated and hesitant to trust anyone. Our team is trained on how to create and build trusting relationships through a youth- and trauma-centered approach. Everything we do at C2i is about relationship building with each other, other youth, their families/support networks, and community. Then the work begins:
Youth at C2i attend weekly Independent Living Skills (ILS) programming in our five core areas of education, employment, housing, financial wellness, and personal wellness. The ILS component is typically for our 14-18-aged youth.

Total Project Budget: $360,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Pohlad Family Foundatied (C0mmitted), GTCUW Pathways Home (Committed), Otto Bremmer Foundation: (Potential (Past Funder), WCA Foundation: Potential (Past Funder) GTCUW Pathways Hom: Committed Otto Bremer Foundation: Potential (Past Funder) WCA Foundation: Potential (Past Funder)

Project Duration: Standard/Yearly
Geographical Area Served: Minneapolis-Hennepin County & St. Paul, Ramsey County
Age Group To Be Served: 14-25

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): MS.
Contact First Name: Jessica
Contact Last Name: Rogers
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: (612) 986-4171
Contact Email: jrogers@c2iyouth.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Connections to Independence
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 310 E 38th Street
City: Minneapolis
State: MN
Postal Code: 55409
Main Phone: 6129864165
Main Fax: 6123542785
Organization Website: c2iyouth.org
Employer ID Number: 80-0542940
Organization Tax Status: 501(C)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/18/2025
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Housing Stability Program Housing Stability Program Housing Stability Program
Project Description:

Connections to Independence (C2i ) is a community-based organization whose mission is to provide unique programming and advocacy for foster youth, ages 14-25, to promote a successful and healthy transition to living independently as they reach adulthood.
The program/project this grant will support is entitled Direct Impact: Housing Stability Program.
The purpose is to provide C2i youth with a safe and supportive living environment. Youth are required to be enrolled in a postsecondary institution and employed at least part time. Youth rent a room in a supportive home environment with others. They share common space as they learn how to live with one another. They participate in household chores (indoors and out) and pay rent and bills on time as they navigate living independently.
The goals of the program are to:
Address racial disparities in housing
Create housing access to vulnerable populations as they transition from foster care (including fosters with children)
Direct financial assistance (including incentives and work opportunities)
Continue to deliver programming that includes pathways to stability in housing
Work towards independence and even home ownership
To ensure our ability to meet our clients’ housing needs, Connections to Independence owns and manages six (6) permanent supportive apartments. C2is also maintains strong working relationships with local landlords housing foster youths throughout the Twin Cities.
Connections to Independence operates homes in the following locations:
Historic Rondo Community of St. Paul, located on St. Albans Avenue, serving up to four females, equipped with an emergency bed.
North Minneapolis is located on Humboldt Avenue, serving a family of two.
North Minneapolis is located on Queens Avenue, serving a family of three.
Sheridan Place is a duplex for a single renter.
Cedar Lake Place 2-bedroom, single occupant, also used for emergency shelter.
Uptown Condo, two units, with emergency efficiency.
C2i’s approach to “housing stability” is through the lens of homelessness prevention. We are intentional about preparing the whole person rather than just focusing on how to obtain and sustain housing. Young people often come to us mistreated and hesitant to trust anyone. Our team is trained on how to create and build trusting relationships through a youth- and trauma-centered approach. Everything we do at C2i is about relationship building with each other, other youth, their families/support networks, and community. Then the work begins:
Youth at C2i attend weekly Independent Living Skills (ILS) programming in our five core areas of education, employment, housing, financial wellness, and personal wellness. The ILS component is typically for our 14-18-aged youth.

Total Project Budget: $360,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Pohlad Family Foundation: Committed GTCUW Pathways Hom: Committed Otto Bremer Foundation: Potential (Past Funder) WCA Foundation: Potential (Past Funder)

Project Duration:
Geographical Area Served:
Age Group To Be Served:

Contact Information

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