Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Relative Theatircs
Legal Name (if Different): Relative Theatrics of Laramie
Also Known As: RT
Mailing Address: 710 E Garfield st
City: Laramie
State: WY
Postal Code: 82070
Main Phone: 847-508-2314
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.relativetheatrics.com/
Employer ID Number: 81-1714890
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/30/25
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Play/Write
Project Description:

Play/Write is an arts education program that fosters the development of young artists in rural southeast Wyoming, provides paid performance opportunities for theater artists in the state, and celebrates the creativity of youth through an intergenerational community showcase. Play/Write it a two part program: a 21 week curriculum in Albany county Wyoming public school schools; and a community showcase celebrating young creative writers in theater arts, and uplifting theater artists statewide.

Over 21 weeks of in classroom instruction, Play/Write students learn creative writing skills that align with common core educational standards of achievement for 5th grade students, concurrently developing theater arts skills and training. Students write 8 short scripts to demonstrate mastery of objectives such as, stage directions, sound effects, dialogue and rhythm, and character development. Students choose a writing to develop into a final full length play (5-10 pages) which is published, bound and given to school and local libraries.

When in-class instruction is complete, a panel of community members and artists select 10 plays across participating schools to be produced for a community showcase. Student works are presented on stage with lights, sound, costumes, sets and props, by statewide Wyoming theater artists, to celebrate the creativity of young people and uplift the artistry of the state’s performing artists.

Play/Write provides an arts integrated experience for Wyoming students, a celebration of the creativity of young people, and a paid performance opportunity for performing artists statewide. Play/Write fosters young artists in the state and creates economic opportunities for rural communities. Thank you for your consideration and support.

Total Project Budget: 75000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): National Endowment for the Arts, Hughes Charitable Foundation, Wyoming Arts Councils, Wyoming Humanities Council, indivudual donations

Project Duration: Ongoing, teaching Sept – April. showcase May. Ongoing curriruclum developement
Geographical Area Served: Laramie,WY, greater southeast Wyoming
Age Group To Be Served: 10-50

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr
Contact First Name: William
Contact Last Name: Bowling
Contact Title: Education Director
Contact Phone: 8745082314
Contact Email: education@relativetheatrics.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Refugee Youth Solidarity Through Education (RYSE)
Legal Name (if Different): N/A
Also Known As: RYSE, Camp RYSE
Mailing Address: 127 Burnett St.
City: Providence
State: RI
Postal Code: 02907
Main Phone: N/A
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: https://www.campryse.org/
Employer ID Number: EIN 92-0282647
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c) (3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/30/25
Requested Amount: $3,850

Project Title: Empowering Futures: Teacher Mentors for Refugee Youth
Project Description:

The mission of RYSE (Refugee Youth Solidarity through Education) is to foster literacy, confidence, and community among K-12 refugee youth in Rhode Island. Camp RYSE is a free, five-week summer camp for refugee youth to experience hands-on, joyful learning and leadership development. We pair professionally-developed literacy and STEM lessons with traditional summer camp activities like arts and crafts, dance, sports, and swimming to provide daily opportunities for learning and enrichment. Outside of achieving our academic goals, Camp RYSE provides free, safe, and enriching childcare to refugee families in northern Rhode Island,and offers each child two free meals per day. Camp RYSE proudly improves students’ literacy while cultivating a lasting, supportive community of peers with shared experiences.

RYSE is requesting $3,850 to support refugee youth literacy by funding critical Camp RYSE personnel who are responsible for direct classroom instruction: Teacher Mentors. A grant of $3,850 would match funding already awarded by AmeriCorps, providing RYSE with the remaining funds required to hire two Teacher Mentors. Teacher Mentors are professional K-12 educators who join our team for the summer, ensuring a high-quality educational experience for all Camp RYSE participants by training program personnel in curriculum implementation, classroom management, and culturally competent teaching practices. During the program, they have a daily presence in classrooms, providing real-time advice, lesson adjustments, and student-specific strategies. Teacher Mentors work closely alongside Summer Educator AmeriCorps Members, who are responsible for managing a classroom of 10-15 refugee youth, leading daily literacy and STEM lessons, and facilitating afternoon activities. Teacher Mentors ensure that every Camp RYSE participant receives valuable summer education and enrichment that results in measurable growth in their literacy, confidence, and sense of community.

Total Project Budget: $7,700

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Camp RYSE 2025 has received financial support for a variety of projects from AmeriCorps/ServeRI ($100,100), United Way of Rhode Island ($75,000), and Papitto Opportunity Connection ($7,500). This funding covers the $3,850 salary of one Teacher Mentor but is otherwise allocated to RYSE programming, and we are currently seeking funding for the second Teacher Mentor position.

Project Duration: Five Weeks in July-August 2025
Geographical Area Served: Providence, RI and surrounding areas
Age Group To Be Served: RYSE serves refugee youth, grades K-12 (roughly ages 5-18).

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Sunni
Contact Last Name: Ryan
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 919-946-4026
Contact Email: sunni.ryan@campryse.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Journey Church of the Christian & Missionary Alliance
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Journey Home or Journey Kids
Mailing Address: 502 E Melgaard Rd
City: Aberdeen
State: South Dakota
Postal Code: 57401
Main Phone: 605-262-0514
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.thejourneyaberdeen.com/
Employer ID Number: 32-0201098
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c ) (3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3-30-2025
Requested Amount: $9,000

Project Title: The Journey Kids Secure Sanctuary Initiative
Project Description:

Journey Kids is an innovative ministry of The Journey Church addressing
Aberdeen’s critical childcare shortage while creating a secure environment for
children’s spiritual nurturing. We’re expanding our childcare capacity from 35 to 80 children through the renovation of a recently acquired commercial building into a safe, state-of-the-art learning center.

What makes our initiative unique is our commitment to creating a "secure
sanctuary" where children can grow spiritually without parents worrying about
their physical safety. In today’s world, church ministries must prioritize both
spiritual formation and comprehensive security measures.

Our approach integrates advanced security systems with Christ-centered early
education. Each day includes Bible Quest time, prayer, and Christian character
development in an environment protected by modern security protocols.

Unlike many childcare facilities that sacrifice either safety or spiritual depth, we recognize both as essential ministry components.

Journey Kids creates transformative community impact by:

*Providing safe, secure childcare in a region with severe shortages

*Creating protected spaces where children can encounter God’s love

*Demonstrating to families that spiritual care and physical security are
intertwined priorities

*Setting a replicable model for other churches seeking to minister to families
while addressing security concerns

The $9,000 grant would primarily support the acquisition of security cameras,
playground safety equipment, safety gates, and door security systems, ensuring our ministry protects the precious children God has entrusted to our care.

Total Project Budget: $535,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): The Brotherhood Mutual Foundation, The Presentation Sisters, State of South Dakota

Project Duration: 4 to 6 months
Geographical Area Served: Aberdenn, South Dakota
Age Group To Be Served: Preschoolers and their parents

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Devin
Contact Last Name: Hebeisen
Contact Title: Senior Pastor & Executive Director of Journey Kids
Contact Phone: 605-228-1437
Contact Email: journeyman1@midconetwork.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Freedom Waters Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 2860 W State Road 84, Suite 109
City: Fort Lauderdale
State: Florida
Postal Code: 33312
Main Phone: 239-263-2377
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://freedomwatersfoundation.org/
Employer ID Number: 204513735
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/30/2025
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Therapeutic Boating for Children with IDD
Project Description:

Freedom Waters Foundation empowers children with intellectual and developmental disorders (IDD) to experience the joy of adaptive sailing and therapeutic boating to grow confidence, foster social connection, and create unforgettable and transformative memories.

Although there is no definitive public data available for the number of children with IDD in South Florida, 61,000+ Floridians have been diagnosed, and many struggle to secure enriching and skill-building services. The CDC reports that the prevalence of children with IDD continues to increase. Many of the children we served in 2024 reported accessibility-related restrictions that limit their life experiences and overall well-being.

Most children served by this program have never been on a boat or experienced the
water, despite their geographic proximity. Our accessible boats allow us to provide adaptive sailing and individual and group boating experiences that families thought were out of reach for their child.

Seeing the pure joy radiate from a child with an IDD who is learning to sail on their own, catch their first fish, navigate the vessel, or feel the sea breeze on their face is why we continue to work hard towards our mission.

Research shows that therapeutic boating benefits children with IDD by reducing stress and anxiety, improving self-esteem and social skills, providing a sense of freedom and independence, and encouraging bonding. Our outcome evaluations confirm this impact on those we serve.

We graciously request a grant of $10,000 to continue to support the increasing number of referrals we receive from our community partners. We are a lean organization, and our cost is $125/participant, which includes docking fees, fuel, accessible sailboat maintenance, a t-shirt and hat, lunch, and water.

This does not include staffing or our office space. We aim to serve 1000 children with IDD over the 12- month grant cycle. Our program budget is $250,000, and we have already raised $125,000 through grants, donations, and fundraising.

Total Project Budget: 250,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed Grants: $100,000 Donors: $10,000 Fundraising: $15,000

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Palm Beach and Broward Counties
Age Group To Be Served: 5-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Julie
Contact Last Name: Starr
Contact Title: Grants Coordinator
Contact Phone: 239-263-2377
Contact Email: Julie@jstarrmedia.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Solid Rock Florida
Legal Name (if Different): Solid Rock Community School
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 2801 Keystone Road
City: Tarpon Springs
State: Florida
Postal Code: 34688
Main Phone: 727-934-0909
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://solidrockflorida.org/
Employer ID Number: 731695232
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/30/2025
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Sanctuary for Animals and Veterinary Education (SAVE)
Project Description:

The SAVE (Sanctuary for Animals and Veterinary Education) program at Solid Rock Community School is an innovative and transformative educational initiative designed to engage high school students in veterinary and humane education. This multi-year program fosters a deep understanding of animal care and cultivates essential life skills such as compassion, critical thinking, and responsibility.

At the heart of the SAVE program is the commitment to providing students with hands-on experience caring for abandoned and abused animals. Participants engage in practical learning opportunities that allow them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their understanding of animal behavior, health, and welfare. This immersive approach equips students with the skills necessary for future veterinary medicine and animal care careers.

The program emphasizes a holistic educational experience, blending academic rigor with vocational training. Students can earn career certificates and dual enrollment credits, positioning them for higher education and workforce success. Through collaborative projects and community service, students learn the importance of teamwork and develop a strong sense of social responsibility.

The SAVE program fosters a nurturing environment where students can explore their passions for animal welfare while building lasting relationships with their peers and mentors. The sanctuary cares for a diverse group of rescued animals including domesticated animals, farm animals (pigs, cows, chickens), exotic animals (chinchillas, hedgehogs), primates (marmosets, lemurs), and a variety of birds. By integrating compassion and kindness into the curriculum, Solid Rock Community School aims to inspire the next generation of advocates for animals and the environment.

Funding the SAVE program is not just investing in an educational pathway; it is fostering a vital community resource that empowers students to positively impact the lives of animals and the broader community. With continued support, this program will expand its reach and enhance its offerings, ensuring students are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.

Total Project Budget: 250,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): JW Couch Grant (Potential): $50,000, Private Donations: $75,000, School Tuition Contribution: $30,000, Fundraising: $35,000

Project Duration: Upcoming School Year (August 2025-May 2026)
Geographical Area Served: Tampa Bay/Tarpon Springs area, Florida
Age Group To Be Served: 13-19

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Julie
Contact Last Name: Starr
Contact Title: Grants Coordinator
Contact Phone: 727-934-0909
Contact Email: JStarr@Jstarrgrants.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Blue Diamonds Training and Consulting Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1035 Godfrey
City: Grand Rapids
State: Michigan
Postal Code: 49503
Main Phone: 6162752242
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.bluediamondsgr.org/
Employer ID Number: 92-1455149
Organization Tax Status: 501c3 Tax-exempt

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/30/2025
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: The One Choice Leadership Program
Project Description:

The One Choice Leadership Program is a six-month workforce development and mentorship initiative designed to prepare youth ages 14 to 21 for successful careers, with a focus on the food service industry. The program provides hands-on job training, personal mentorship, and essential life skills to help youth build confidence, earn certifications, and gain real-world experience.

Participants receive full sponsorship for the nationally recognized ServSafe certification, along with professional development workshops in resume writing, interview skills, and financial literacy. Youth are also connected to paid summer employment through our partnership with Power of the Tongue Catering, allowing them to apply what they’ve learned in a supportive, real-world setting.

In addition to workforce preparation, One Choice provides holistic support through mental health-informed mentoring and guidance. Many of the youth we serve face barriers such as poverty, trauma, or lack of access to opportunity. Our program meets them where they are and walks with them as they build a foundation for long-term success.

What makes One Choice unique is its deep community collaboration. We work closely with organizations like Hope Gain Center of West Michigan, Blue Pathways, and STEM Greenhouse to ensure youth receive wraparound support. Together, we are creating a village of care that surrounds each participant with the tools, relationships, and encouragement they need to thrive.

One Choice is not just about employment. It is about helping youth make empowered decisions that shape their future, opening the door to new possibilities through one supportive, life-changing choice.

Total Project Budget: 60.000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): United Way of West Michigan Potential 20,000, Grand Rapids Community Foundation $10,000 potential, Induvial Donors $5000 Committed

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: Kent County Grand Rapids, Mi
Age Group To Be Served: 14-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Dr. Andrea
Contact Last Name: Blue
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 6166849362
Contact Email: info@bluediamondsgr.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Blue Diamonds Training and Consulting Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1035 Godfrey
City: Grand Rapids
State: Michigan
Postal Code: 49503
Main Phone: 6162752242
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.bluediamondsgr.org/
Employer ID Number: 92-1455149
Organization Tax Status: 501c3 Tax-exempt

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/30/2025
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: The One Choice Leadership Program
Project Description:

The One Choice Leadership Program is a six-month workforce development and mentorship initiative designed to prepare youth ages 14 to 21 for successful careers, with a focus on the food service industry. The program provides hands-on job training, personal mentorship, and essential life skills to help youth build confidence, earn certifications, and gain real-world experience.

Participants receive full sponsorship for the nationally recognized ServSafe certification, along with professional development workshops in resume writing, interview skills, and financial literacy. Youth are also connected to paid summer employment through our partnership with Power of the Tongue Catering, allowing them to apply what they’ve learned in a supportive, real-world setting.

In addition to workforce preparation, One Choice provides holistic support through mental health-informed mentoring and guidance. Many of the youth we serve face barriers such as poverty, trauma, or lack of access to opportunity. Our program meets them where they are and walks with them as they build a foundation for long-term success.

What makes One Choice unique is its deep community collaboration. We work closely with organizations like Hope Gain Center of West Michigan, Blue Pathways, and STEM Greenhouse to ensure youth receive wraparound support. Together, we are creating a village of care that surrounds each participant with the tools, relationships, and encouragement they need to thrive.

One Choice is not just about employment. It is about helping youth make empowered decisions that shape their future, opening the door to new possibilities through one supportive, life-changing choice.

Total Project Budget: 60.000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): United Way of West Michigan Potential 20,000, Grand Rapids Community Foundation $10,000 potential, Induvial Donors $5000 Committed

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: Kent County Grand Rapids, Mi
Age Group To Be Served: 14-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Dr. Andrea
Contact Last Name: Blue
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 6166849362
Contact Email: info@bluediamondsgr.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Giving Hope
Legal Name (if Different): Giving Hope Inc
Also Known As: N/A
Mailing Address: 13040 I-10 Service Road
City: New Orleans
State: LA
Postal Code: 70128
Main Phone: (504) 940-1592
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: https://givinghopenola.org/
Employer ID Number: 46-3449360
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit exempt

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 30, 2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Giving Food Security to Children & Families in Greater New Orleans
Project Description:

Food insecurity has significantly risen in New Orleans, with 65% of residents now living in food-insecure communities, according to a recent study by Urban Footprint. Of the city’s 351,000 residents, 230,000 face uncertainty about where their next meal will come from on a regular basis. Alarmingly, 20% of those affected are children under the age of 18. This means that every day, roughly 46,000 children in New Orleans are on the brink of hunger, which is not only dire but unacceptable. This is where Giving Hope steps in. We are a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to alleviating hunger, poverty, and social isolation for low-income residents across Greater New Orleans. Last year, we served 38,000 people with approximately 50% of the households served having minor children. These children and their families received 320,000 hot meals and over 1.7 million pounds of groceries. As a crisis food provider, we recognize that hunger is inextricably connected to poverty. Over the years, our food pantry has become a community hub providing additional vital resources that enable vulnerable children to access economic mobility as they grow from youths to adulthood, including mentorship and educational programs, job training, sports/recreation/arts/culture activities, and summer Bible camps. Specific examples include STEM education, SAT/ACT prep classes, paid internships at our food pantry, and the teaching of Christian principles. With change looming over critical programs like SNAP and Summer EBT, in addition to grocery prices steadily rising, our city’s children are facing an urgent crisis now more than ever. We humbly request your support in ensuring that our city’s children will be fed nutritionally, grow both mentally and physically, and thrive economically.

Total Project Budget: $1,131,850

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Baptist Community Ministries $100,000 committed; Government Grants $200,000 committed; Premier Automotive $100,000 committed; Additional Corporate Donations; $275,000 potential; Events $326,850 potential; Foundation Grants $75,000 potential; Individual Donors $55,000 potential

Project Duration: 1/1/2026 – 12/31/2026
Geographical Area Served: Greater New Orleans
Age Group To Be Served: minor children under the age of 18 and their families

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Alphonse
Contact Last Name: Smith
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: (504) 620-6698
Contact Email: alphonse@givinghopenola.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Rodney Street Tennis & Tutoring Association
Legal Name (if Different): Rodney Street Tennis Association
Also Known As: RodneyStreet
Mailing Address: 504 S Clayton St.
City: Wilmington
State: DE
Postal Code: 19805
Main Phone: 302-293-3198
Main Fax:
Organization Website: rstta.org
Employer ID Number: 01-0652445
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3 Nonprofit

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/30/2025
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Rodney Street Tennis & Tutoring
Project Description:

Rodney Street Tennis & Tutoring Association (RSTTA) provides underserved youth in Wilmington, Delaware, with structured academic support, athletic training, and workforce development opportunities. Our year-round programming combines tennis instruction, tutoring, and life-skills development to help students build confidence, improve academic performance, and develop the discipline and leadership skills necessary for future success.

Through our after-school and summer programs, RSTTA serves students ages 6-18 with a focus on academic achievement, physical fitness, and career readiness. Our tutoring services provide targeted support in core subjects, helping students improve literacy and math proficiency. Simultaneously, our tennis instruction encourages teamwork, goal-setting, and perseverance. Additionally, our workforce development component introduces older students to career pathways through mentorship, job readiness training, and internships in sports management, coaching, and related fields.

With funding, RSTTA will expand access to programming by providing scholarships for low-income families, purchasing necessary sports and educational equipment, and investing in staff training to maintain high-quality instruction. Over the next year, we aim to increase program enrollment by 20%, improve student academic outcomes, and enhance workforce preparedness through hands-on training.

Delaware faces persistent challenges related to academic underperformance and workforce readiness, particularly among underserved communities. By addressing these gaps with structured, skill-building programs, RSTTA empowers students to achieve long-term success in both education and career pathways. With strong partnerships, dedicated staff, and a track record of impact, our organization is committed to developing the next generation of leaders through academic excellence, athletic discipline, and career preparedness.

Total Project Budget: 71000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): USTA Foundation ($8,000), Dot Foods ($5,000), Laffy McHugh Foundation

Project Duration: Year-Round
Geographical Area Served: Delaware
Age Group To Be Served: 5-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Matthew
Contact Last Name: Johnson
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 302-293-3198
Contact Email: matt@rstta.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Mindful Life Project
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: MLP
Mailing Address: 1001 Canal Boulevard
City: Richmond
State: CA
Postal Code: 94804
Main Phone: 5109956450
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://mindfullifeproject.org/
Employer ID Number: 47-5066819
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 30, 2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Health and Well-Being Programming for Title I Middle School Students in Contra Costa County, California
Project Description:

Mindful Life Project (MLP) supports the mental, emotional, and behavioral health and well-being of Title 1 elementary and middle school communities through mindfulness-based direct-service programming.

Our work directly addresses the ongoing mental, emotional, and behavioral health crises affecting our nation’s youth, which the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association declared a national emergency in a joint 2021 statement.

If granted, we will use funds from the Foundation to implement our programming at three middle schools (Delta Vista Middle, Rancho Medanos Junior High, and Lovonya DeJean Middle) in Contra Costa County, California, during the spring semester of the 2025-2026 school year. MLP will reach approximately 1,320 students aged 11 to 14 in sixth through eighth grades through this project.

MLP provides each of our three middle school partner schools with a dynamic, highly trained MLP Coach who will be present on their campuses full-time. Coaches deliver our two distinct yet complementary curricula: Mindful Community and Rise Up. The content and teaching methods of these curricula are developmentally appropriate, culturally and linguistically responsive, and trauma-informed.

Mindful Community is a comprehensive school-wide push-in program in which all students and teachers participate. In Mindful Community, MLP Coaches lead weekly 25-minute mindfulness sessions in every classroom across all partner schools throughout the academic year.

Rise Up is a targeted small-group pull-out program that offers personalized support to students facing significant mental, emotional, and behavioral health challenges due to exposure to toxic stress and/or trauma. In addition to their weekly 25-minute Mindful Community lesson, Rise Up students engage in two 40-minute Rise Up sessions each week. Rise Up programming enhances, reinforces, and builds upon the knowledge and skills that students gain through their concurrent involvement in Mindful Community.

Total Project Budget: $210,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): City of Richmond Fund for Children and Youth (Committed); Contra Costa County – Measure X Funding (Pending); Crescent Porter Hale Foundation (Pending – Renewal); Kaiser Permanente (Committed)

Project Duration: 2025-2026 Academic Year (funds will be applied to our work during the spring semester, which runs from January to June 2026)
Geographical Area Served: Contra Costa County, California (Oakley, Pittsburg, and Richmond)
Age Group To Be Served: Students aged 11 to 14 in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Alexandra (Ali)
Contact Last Name: Hawkins
Contact Title: Senior Director of Development
Contact Phone: 5135815831
Contact Email: ali@mindfullifeproject.org