Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Nature Discovery Center
Legal Name (if Different): Darenda Dorsey
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 7112 Newcastle St
City: Bellaire
State: Texas
Postal Code: 77401
Main Phone: (713) 667-6550
Main Fax:
Organization Website: naturediscoverycenter.org
Employer ID Number:
Organization Tax Status: 74-2132718

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/20/2026
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Nature Discovery Center: Enchanted Woods Nature Play Space & Classroom
Project Description:

Every child deserves a space where imagination knows no bounds and nature feels like home. The Enchanted Woods Nature Play Space & Classroom will bring this vision to our park and create a magical place rooted in learning, discovery, and playful adventure. The Enchanted Woods will reimagine the existing nature play area in the south corner of Russ Pitman Park as an immersive, ever-changing landscape. Here, children will be free to climb, dig, splash, build, invent, and uncover the wonders of the natural world.

Throughout the play space, children and caregivers will discover thoughtfully designed features including the Overlook Deck, sensory bins, parent seating areas, a play hut, water runnel and pump, dry creek, mulch paths, elevated boardwalk and more. Together, these elements will help create a landscape rich with movement, discovery, and connection to nature.

Over the past two years, the Nature Discovery Center has partnered with TBG Partners to design a play environment rooted in child development, nature education, and joyful exploration. With the design nearing completion, the Board of Directors has selected Forney Construction to bring this vision to life, marking an exciting milestone as the project moves toward construction. We hope that Hermanowski Foundation will join us in our next chapter at the Nature Discovery Center.

Total Project Budget: 2,000,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): We are deeply grateful for the generous support of leading philanthropic partners and community donors who have helped move this project forward. To date, we have raised $1,397,919, reaching 65% of our overall fundraising goal. Major support has been provided by the Brown Foundation, Cullen Foundation, Elkins Foundation, Fondren Foundation, Halliburton Charitable Foundation, Robert L. Cook Charitable Fund, Trees For Houston, The West Endowment, The Wortham Foundation, Inc., CenterPoint Energy, and The Williams Stamps Farish Fund. In addition, we are thankful for the commitment of Patrons for Bellaire Parks and numerous individual donors whose generosity reflects strong community investment in this initiative. Their collective support demonstrates broad confidence in the project’s impact and brings us significantly closer to full funding.

Project Duration: 1-2 years with groundbreaking construction starting fall 2026
Geographical Area Served: Houston region, Texas, Harris County, Bellaire TX
Age Group To Be Served: All ages – focused on early childhood development ages preschool to middle school.

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Darenda
Contact Last Name: Dorsey
Contact Title: Development Director
Contact Phone: 832-343-7970
Contact Email: ddorsey@naturediscoverycenter.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Friends of Foster Care
Legal Name (if Different): The Friends of Foster Care
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 999 Waterside Drive Suite 103
City: Norfolk
State: VA
Postal Code: 23510
Main Phone: 7022274187
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.friendsoffostercare.org
Employer ID Number: 1-2887214
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2.20.2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: TFFC Tutoring Program: Bridging the Gap
Project Description:

The Friends of Foster Care respectfully requests support for our one-on-one tutoring program serving youth in foster care across Hampton Roads and Central Virginia. Youth in foster care face some of the nation’s poorest educational outcomes due to frequent school disruptions, trauma exposure, and limited access to individualized academic support. Nationally, only 58% of foster youth graduate from high school, and academic gaps often begin as early as elementary school. Without targeted intervention, these disparities compound over time and contribute to poor long-term outcomes.

TFFC addresses this urgent need by providing free, professional, in-home tutoring delivered by licensed and retired teachers. Students receive individualized academic support weekly while in foster care and for up to two years after exiting care; an especially vulnerable period when many services end but educational needs remain high. Our tutors provide support across all core subject areas from Pre-K through post-secondary levels, with instruction tailored to each student’s learning goals.

A distinguishing feature of the TFFC model is continuity. Because foster youth often experience placement changes, our tutors follow the child from home to home whenever possible, serving as a consistent academic anchor and trusted adult presence. This stability, combined with high-quality instruction, helps rebuild confidence and re-engage students in learning.

The program is rigorously monitored. Tutors submit detailed reports within 48 hours of each session, enabling TFFC staff and social workers to track progress, identify needs, and adjust supports in real time. Outcomes demonstrate strong success: among students receiving four or more sessions, 95% were promoted, 88% passed all tutored classes, and 100% of seniors graduated high school.
Grant funding will directly support tutor hours, program coordination, and instructional materials, ensuring foster youth most at risk of falling behind receive the sustained academic support they need to succeed.

Total Project Budget: $1,190,700.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): TFFC operates on a fully funded model utilizing foundation support, private donors, and corporate sponsors.

Project Duration: We operate the project year round
Geographical Area Served: Southeastern and Central VA
Age Group To Be Served: 5-26 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Amanda
Contact Last Name: Pine
Contact Title: Development Director
Contact Phone: 703-625-7649
Contact Email: amanda.pine@friendsoffostercare.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Encourage Me Im young Inc
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: EMIY Inc
Mailing Address: 22114 Telegraph Rd
City: Southfield
State: MI
Postal Code: 48033
Main Phone: 3133323323
Main Fax: 3137310592
Organization Website: www.emiyworld.com
Employer ID Number: 56-2501306
Organization Tax Status: Exempt

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 02/20/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Reading Is Life
Project Description:

*EMIY Reading IS Life Initiatives (featuring fathers)
EMIY is utilizing its media platforms for literacy and to express the great need for active fathers to read to children. The Reading IS Life Fathers Read is an opportunity to gather fathers willing to read pre-identified books that reach boys and offer all children the "father reads" experience. This ongoing effort invites fathers to select a book, pre-record its reading and share the experience with others on our YouTube channel so the children can hear fathers read. The recording takes place at Lit Podcast Studios, Southfield.

Total Project Budget: Books- $500.00, Recording-$5000.00, Readers- $1500 stipend for 15 fathers, Food-2 days-$500, RIL Shirts-$375.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Good Fathers Only Organization and Men of IOTA fraternity

Project Duration: within the year as requested
Geographical Area Served: Southeastern, Michigan
Age Group To Be Served: ages 3-7

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Dr.
Contact First Name: Heather
Contact Last Name: Miller
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 313-415-4185
Contact Email: Emiyinc@gmail.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: LMCimpact Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: PO Box 1422
City: Buffalo
State: NY
Postal Code: 14240
Main Phone: 7163398518
Main Fax: 7162152460
Organization Website: www.LMCimpact.org
Employer ID Number: 99-3153747
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: February 20, 2026
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Creative Impact Youth Arts and Wellness Initiative
Project Description:

LMCimpact Inc. respectfully requests a $10,000 grant to support the Creative Impact Youth Arts and Wellness Initiative in Buffalo, New York. This year-long program will engage youth ages 5 to 21 through structured arts, media, and creative expression workshops combined with social emotional learning and wellness support. Our mission is to empower young people from underserved neighborhoods by building skills, fostering self-confidence, and strengthening community connections through creative learning.
Participating youth will attend monthly workshops focused on visual arts, photography, storytelling, music expression, digital media basics, and creative portfolio development. Each session pairs artistic skill building with youth development activities designed to promote resilience, healthy communication, teamwork, and goal setting. Professional teaching artists and trained youth mentors will lead all sessions, providing safe, supportive space for exploration and personal growth.
Barriers to participation are removed by offering materials, meals, and limited transportation support at no cost to families. Outcomes will be measured with youth attendance tracking, pre- and post- engagement surveys, completed creative projects, participant testimonials, and a final showcase event for families and community partners. The program supports positive youth development, improved creative literacy, enhanced self-expression, and stronger adult-youth relationships.
Funds from this request will be fully used in calendar year 2027, and LMCimpact will submit a final evaluation report upon completion. This initiative serves children and young adults within the foundation’s birth through age 21 service range, and aligns with the foundation’s focus on arts, education, health, and welfare services

Total Project Budget: $10,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): LMCimpact program reserves, community sponsor support, in-kind partner contributions

Project Duration: anuary 1 through December 31, 2027 (per guidelines requiring the project to be in the year following the grant)
Geographical Area Served: Buffalo, NY (primarily East Side neighborhoods)
Age Group To Be Served: Ages 5 to 21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs
Contact First Name: LaKishia
Contact Last Name: Collins
Contact Title: CEO
Contact Phone: 7163398518
Contact Email: info@LMCimpact.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Encourage Me Im young Inc
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: EMIY Inc
Mailing Address: 22114 Telegraph Rd
City: Southfield
State: MI
Postal Code: 48033
Main Phone: 3133323323
Main Fax: 3137310592
Organization Website: www.emiyworld.com
Employer ID Number: 56-2501306
Organization Tax Status: Exempt

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 02/20/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Reading Is Life
Project Description:

*EMIY Reading IS Life Initiatives (featuring fathers)
EMIY is utilizing its media platforms for literacy and to express the great need for active fathers to read to children. The Reading IS Life Fathers Read is an opportunity to gather fathers willing to read pre-identified books that reach boys and offer all children the "father reads" experience. This ongoing effort invites fathers to select a book, pre-record its reading and share the experience with others on our YouTube channel so the children can hear fathers read. The recording takes place at Lit Podcast Studios, Southfield.

Total Project Budget: Books- donated

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential):

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:

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Rise Up 4 Change, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 664 Oxford Dr.
City: Davenport
State: Florida
Postal Code: 33897
Main Phone: 305-793-1347
Main Fax: 786-776-0051
Organization Website: https://www.RiseUp4Change.com
Employer ID Number: 45-3462691
Organization Tax Status: 501(3)c

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 02/20/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000.00

Project Title: Empowerment & Resilience Program for At-Risk and Homeless Youth
Project Description:

Rise Up 4 Change, Inc. seeks funding to provide a structured, educational and trauma-informed program for at-risk youth, particularly those experiencing homelessness. Services will include life skills workshops, mentorship, violence prevention, financial literacy and goal setting, emotional learning, health and wellness sessions, tutoring and mentoring, workforce training and recreational components such as team-building games, arts, and physical fitness will support mental health and foster healthy relationships. Delivered by qualified staff with a strong background in youth development, law enforcement, social services and education, the program creates a safe, supportive environment that empowers participants to heal, grow, and thrive in life.

Total Project Budget: 55,000.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Children’s Trust, Dollar General, Fundraising and Donations

Project Duration: June 27, 2026- June 28, 2027
Geographical Area Served: Miami-Dade County and North Miami
Age Group To Be Served: 11-13 Grades 6-8 and 14-18 Grades 9-12

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs,
Contact First Name: Angela
Contact Last Name: Thomas
Contact Title: Chief Executive Officer
Contact Phone: 305-793-1347
Contact Email: topcop137@bellsouth.net

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: A Few Good MENtors, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different): A Few Good MENtors, Inc.
Also Known As: A Few Good MENtors, Inc.
Mailing Address: 14689 Lee Hwy #921
City: Gainesville
State: VA
Postal Code: 20155
Main Phone: 5404225068
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.afgmentoring.net
Employer ID Number: 85-1078835
Organization Tax Status: 501c3 public charity

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/20/2026
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Expanding Access to Structured Youth Mentoring in Northern Virginia
Project Description:

A Few Good MENtors, Inc. (AFGM) seeks $5,000 in general operating support to expand structured mentoring services for youth ages 8–21 in Northern Virginia. AFGM currently maintains 7 active mentor/mentee matches and is launching a new 9-month structured group mentoring program with monthly in-person sessions.

Youth in underserved communities often lack consistent adult role models and access to leadership development outside of school. Research shows that youth with mentors are more likely to graduate high school, pursue higher education or workforce training, and avoid high-risk behaviors. However, many young people do not have access to long-term, relationship-based mentoring.

AFGM addresses this gap by recruiting, screening, and training volunteer mentors who commit to meeting with youth at least one hour per week. Grant funds will support mentor recruitment and training, background checks, structured programming, facility rental for monthly sessions, and essential administrative costs.

With this support, AFGM will increase active mentor/mentee matches from 7 to at least 12 pairs, recruit and train at least 5 new mentors, and conduct 9 structured group mentoring sessions over a 12-month period. This investment strengthens safe, accountable mentoring relationships that promote leadership, academic growth, and life skills development.

Total Project Budget: $38,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Individual donations, small foundation grants, and community support

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Northern Virginia (DC, Maryland Region)
Age Group To Be Served: Youth ages 8–21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr
Contact First Name: Michael
Contact Last Name: Morgan
Contact Title: President/Founder
Contact Phone: 5404225068
Contact Email: mrmorgan@afgmentoring.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: WeReach
Legal Name (if Different): We Reach, INC
Also Known As: WeReach
Mailing Address: 977-975 Saratoga Street
City: East Boston
State: Massachusetts
Postal Code: 02128
Main Phone: 857-264-5480
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://wereach.us/
Employer ID Number:
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 02/20/2026
Requested Amount: $8,000

Project Title: Green Leaders East Boston: Cultivating Youth Leaders in Sustainability
Project Description:

Green Leaders East Boston is a youth development initiative led by WeReach to empower youth ages 16 to 19 in East Boston to become leaders in sustainability and community well being. Designed as an after school program, participants engage in hands on learning that connects environmental education with leadership skills and tangible community impact.

Building on WeReach’s clean energy workforce development experience, the program includes youth centered modules that make complex topics accessible, including understanding carbon footprints, exploring renewable energy, and cultivating and cooking with locally grown produce.

The program uses WeReach’s East Boston educational space as a hub for classroom learning and planning, and includes field visits to urban agriculture sites such as Eastie Farm and community gardens where participants practice seasonal planting, harvesting, and composting guided by local experts.
Through a partnership with Sunset Cantina, participants join culinary sessions led by chefs that highlight the connection between local ingredients, cooking, community health, and environmental responsibility, incorporating Latin culinary traditions.

Each participant designs and implements a sustainability project while strengthening public speaking, teamwork, and project management skills.

Outreach prioritizes East Boston communities of color and uses bilingual, culturally relevant engagement strategies.

Total Project Budget: $60,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Commited: City of Boston, Walmart – Spark Good. Potentials: Foux Foundation, Takeda US philantropic giving program

Project Duration: One year, fully expended during the calendar year following the grant award (12 months).
Geographical Area Served: East Boston, Massachusetts (Boston, MA), including program hub activities and local field based learning sites
Age Group To Be Served: Youth ages 16 to 19.

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Dr.
Contact First Name: Jose
Contact Last Name: Perez
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 7813464646
Contact Email: info@wereach.us

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: WeReach
Legal Name (if Different): We Reach, INC
Also Known As: WeReach
Mailing Address: 977-975 Saratoga Street
City: East Boston
State: Massachusetts
Postal Code: 02128
Main Phone: 857-264-5480
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://wereach.us/
Employer ID Number:
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 02/20/2026
Requested Amount: $8,000

Project Title: Green Leaders East Boston: Cultivating Youth Leaders in Sustainability
Project Description:

Green Leaders East Boston is a youth development initiative led by WeReach to empower youth ages 16 to 19 in East Boston to become leaders in sustainability and community well being. Designed as an after school program, participants engage in hands on learning that connects environmental education with leadership skills and tangible community impact.

Building on WeReach’s clean energy workforce development experience, the program includes youth centered modules that make complex topics accessible, including understanding carbon footprints, exploring renewable energy, and cultivating and cooking with locally grown produce.

The program uses WeReach’s East Boston educational space as a hub for classroom learning and planning, and includes field visits to urban agriculture sites such as Eastie Farm and community gardens where participants practice seasonal planting, harvesting, and composting guided by local experts.
Through a partnership with Sunset Cantina, participants join culinary sessions led by chefs that highlight the connection between local ingredients, cooking, community health, and environmental responsibility, incorporating Latin culinary traditions.

Each participant designs and implements a sustainability project while strengthening public speaking, teamwork, and project management skills.

Outreach prioritizes East Boston communities of color and uses bilingual, culturally relevant engagement strategies.

Total Project Budget: $60,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Commited: City of Boston, Walmart – Spark Good. Potentials: Foux Foundation, Takeda US philantropic giving program

Project Duration: One year, fully expended during the calendar year following the grant award (12 months).
Geographical Area Served: East Boston, Massachusetts (Boston, MA), including program hub activities and local field based learning sites
Age Group To Be Served: Youth ages 16 to 19.

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Dr.
Contact First Name: Jose
Contact Last Name: Perez
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 7813464646
Contact Email: info@wereach.us

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The I AM Me Project
Legal Name (if Different): N/A
Also Known As: "IMP"
Mailing Address: 39055 PO Box
City: Baltimore
State: MD
Postal Code: 21212
Main Phone: 4433179767
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: https://iammeproject.org/
Employer ID Number: 47-3684787
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 02/2026
Requested Amount: $7000

Project Title: Bloom and Grow
Project Description:

Bloom & Grow is a school-day enrichment program designed to nurture the whole child by empowering young girls through hands-on learning, wellness practices, leadership development, and environmental stewardship. Rooted in a culturally responsive and strengths-based approach, the program creates a safe, affirming space where girls are encouraged to explore their identities, build confidence, and develop practical life skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Meeting twice weekly during the school day, Bloom & Grow integrates gardening, sustainability education, social-emotional learning, and youth voice to promote academic engagement and personal growth. Girls participate in experiential activities such as planting and maintaining garden beds, learning about nutrition and environmental responsibility, practicing mindfulness techniques, and engaging in collaborative team-building exercises. These interactive sessions are intentionally designed to strengthen communication skills, resilience, self-awareness, and problem-solving abilities while reinforcing responsibility, collaboration, and leadership.

Bloom & Grow places a strong emphasis on health and well-being by incorporating discussions on self-care, emotional regulation, positive relationships, and healthy decision-making. Through guided reflection, journaling, and group dialogue, participants cultivate a deeper sense of belonging and sisterhood. Girls are not only learners within the program but emerging leaders, with structured opportunities to share ideas, influence activities, and contribute to decision-making processes.

By combining academic enrichment with wellness and leadership development, Bloom & Grow equips young girls with the tools they need to thrive confidently in school and in life. The program fosters courage, creativity, and compassion, helping participants develop a strong sense of self while building the resilience necessary to navigate challenges and pursue their goals. Through this holistic approach, Bloom & Grow cultivates empowered young women who are rooted in confidence, connected to community, and prepared to bloom into their fullest potential.

Total Project Budget: 21,033

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Family League (Potential)

Project Duration: Spring 2027 Jan- June
Geographical Area Served: Baltimore City, Maryland
Age Group To Be Served: middle school girls 11-13 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Keisha
Contact Last Name: Blake
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 4437914927
Contact Email: kblake@iammeproject.org