Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Navajo County Family Advocacy Center
Legal Name (if Different): Northeastern Arizona Resource Center
Also Known As: Navajo County Family Advocacy Center
Mailing Address: 902 E Deuce of Clubs
City: Show Low
State: AZ
Postal Code: 85901
Main Phone: 928-532-6047
Main Fax:
Organization Website: ncfac.org
Employer ID Number: 31-1585425
Organization Tax Status: 501c(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/3/2026
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Promoting Healing in Rural Arizona
Project Description:

The Navajo County Family Advocacy Center (NCFAC) respectfully submits this proposal for program expansion to better serve children and families impacted by abuse across our vast rural region. As the only child advocacy center serving Navajo County, NCFAC provides forensic interviews, victim advocacy, medical coordination, and trauma-informed support in a safe, child-friendly environment. Demand for services continues to rise, while geographic isolation and limited local resources create significant barriers for many families.

We are seeking funding to expand access to critical services through three strategic priorities: increased forensic interview capacity, enhanced medical response accessibility, and expanded prevention and community outreach programming. Additional trained forensic interviewers and extended on-call availability will reduce wait times and ensure timely, developmentally appropriate interviews for children in crisis. Strengthening partnerships with medical providers and investing in telehealth capabilities will improve access to sexual assault examinations and follow-up care, particularly for families in remote and tribal communities.

Equally important, NCFAC aims to grow its prevention initiatives, including school-based education, caregiver workshops, and community awareness campaigns. By proactively addressing child abuse through education and early intervention, we can reduce victimization and build a stronger, more informed community network of support.

Program expansion will also include additional victim advocacy staffing to provide ongoing crisis intervention, court accompaniment, safety planning, and referrals for counseling and essential services. These supports are vital in promoting healing and stability for children and their non-offending caregivers.

Through this investment, NCFAC will increase service capacity, reduce response times, and expand prevention efforts, ensuring that every child in Navajo County has access to compassionate, coordinated care. Together, we can strengthen protection, promote healing, and create lasting change for vulnerable children and families in our community.

Total Project Budget: $150,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Private donors, local

Project Duration: 1/2027-1/2028
Geographical Area Served: Navajo and Apache Counties in Arizona
Age Group To Be Served: 0-99

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Catherine
Contact Last Name: Doyle
Contact Title: Director
Contact Phone: 9284141198
Contact Email: catherine.doyle@navajocountyaz.gov

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Step into Leadership Greatness Foundation Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: SILG Foundation
Mailing Address: `13608 Hillrod Lane
City: Upper Marlboro
State: Maryland
Postal Code: 20774
Main Phone: 301-535-0358
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.silgfoundationinc.com/
Employer ID Number: 99-3188628
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/03/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Lead the Way: Foundations for Life, Leadership & Career Readiness,
Project Description:

Step Into Leadership Greatness Foundation Inc. requests to fund Lead the Way: Foundations for Life, Leadership & Career Readiness, a 12‑month program running 01/01/2027–12/31/2027 in Maryland serving 17–21‑year‑olds from underserved, first‑generation backgrounds. The project provides community-based educational programming, leadership facilitation, and basic needs supports that reduce stress and enable academic and career advancement. Funding will cover facility rental and utilities for recurring workshops and labs; nutritious meals and wellness supplies to address food insecurity and mental wellbeing; curriculum development and educational program delivery including guest instructors and career‑readiness labs; program materials, technology and printing; and evaluation and administrative costs. By combining practical skill‑building. resume writing, interview preparation, college application assistance, financial literacy, and technical skills workshops with mentoring circles and hands‑on leadership projects, the program equips participants with confidence, emotional intelligence, decision‑making skills, and persistence needed to pursue higher education and meaningful careers. Addressing immediate barriers such as hunger and unsafe meeting spaces reduces financial and emotional strain, enabling youth to focus on learning and growth. Project goals for year one include serving 120 participants, achieving at least 75% reporting reduced food-related stress and improved wellbeing, and documenting 80% measurable gains in leadership or career‑readiness via pre/post assessments; additionally, 20 youth will be matched with ongoing mentoring or scholarship pathways. The program aligns with the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation’s mission by investing in tools and supports that help children and young adults achieve their full potential. A final report including participant demographics, outcome data, receipts, and impact narratives will be submitted within 60 days of project close. We will partner with local high schools, community colleges, and employers to create sustainable pathways to internships, dual enrollment, and job placements, and we will seek additional local funding and in‑kind donations to sustain program activities beyond the grant year annually thereafter.

Total Project Budget: 10,000 max, or whatever funds you can provide.

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): individual donors, recurring small donors

Project Duration: 01/01/2027–12/31/2027
Geographical Area Served: Maryland, and Virgina
Age Group To Be Served: 17-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Jennifer
Contact Last Name: Bryant
Contact Title: CEO and President
Contact Phone: 301-535-0358
Contact Email: jennifer@silgfoundationinc.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Gesu School
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1700 W Thompson Street
City: Philadelphia
State: PA
Postal Code: 19121
Main Phone: 215-763-9077
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.gesuschool.org/
Employer ID Number: 23-2728931
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/3/2026
Requested Amount: 7000

Project Title: Gesu Extra Mile – After School Enrichment in North Philadelphia
Project Description:

The Gesu Extra Mile (GEM) Program is an after-school enrichment initiative at Gesu School designed to expand learning beyond the traditional classroom. GEM provides students with meaningful opportunities to explore new interests, build skills, and strengthen relationships through a wide range of activities that include arts and cultural experiences, athletics, and academic support.
Led by Gesu faculty and staff, GEM programming is intentionally customized to reflect students’ interests and developmental needs. Offerings change each trimester, allowing students to discover new passions while also engaging with peers from other grade levels. The program fosters creativity, teamwork, and confidence in a supportive environment that encourages students to take positive risks and grow.
During the first and second trimesters of this school year, GEM offerings included basketball, cheerleading, homework club, art club, knitting and crochet club, and the Boys to Men club, a mentorship program led by one of our 8th Grade teachers. These activities provide both structured academic support and dynamic extracurricular experiences that promote physical wellness, artistic expression, character development, and social-emotional growth.
For young people in North Philadelphia, programs like GEM are especially vital. Access to safe, structured, and engaging after-school opportunities can be limited, yet these hours are critical for reinforcing academic skills, building positive peer relationships, and providing consistent adult mentorship. GEM creates a space where students feel seen, supported, and inspired, helping to counter barriers that often impact under-resourced communities while opening doors to new possibilities.
GEM is open to students in grades 6-8 during the first and second trimesters and expands to include grades 5-8 in the third trimester, ensuring broad access to enrichment opportunities. By extending the school day in purposeful and engaging ways, the GEM Program supports the whole child, academically, socially, and emotionally, while reinforcing Gesu’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, confident learners.

Total Project Budget: 30,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): At this time, there are no committed funding sources specifically designated for the GEM Program. Historically, GEM has been supported through unrestricted operating funds. However, we are actively seeking foundation support to underwrite the program’s costs. Securing dedicated funding would allow us to sustain and grow GEM while redirecting limited unrestricted resources to other critical areas of need within the school.

Project Duration: Every school year
Geographical Area Served: Gesu’s students come from neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia, many of which are the poorest in the city. We prioritize low-income families for admission.
Age Group To Be Served: 5th-8th grade

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Rachel
Contact Last Name: Winner
Contact Title: Grants Manager
Contact Phone: 2157639077
Contact Email: rachel.winner@gesuschool.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Arc of Northern Virginia
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 3060 Williams Dr., Suite 300
City: Fairfax
State: VA
Postal Code: 22031
Main Phone: 703-208-1119
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.thearcofnova.org
Employer ID Number: 54-0675506
Organization Tax Status: 501 c 3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3-3-26
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Transition POINTS
Project Description:

The Arc of Northern Virginia’s Transition POINTS program is a lifespan navigation initiative designed to help people with disabilities and their families understand and access complex systems of support. While the program serves individuals across the lifespan, a central focus is supporting children and youth under age 21 as they move through critical developmental and educational milestones.
For families of young children, Transition POINTS provides guidance on early intervention, special education eligibility, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) planning. Staff help caregivers understand their rights, prepare for school meetings, and navigate evaluations and service options. As students progress through elementary, middle, and high school, the program offers targeted support around transition planning requirements, ensuring that youth are connected to appropriate services well before exiting the school system.
A cornerstone of the program is individualized assistance. Staff respond to thousands of inquiries each year, offering one-on-one consultations by phone, email, virtual meeting, and in person. For families of children and teens, this includes explaining Medicaid waiver pathways, clarifying eligibility criteria, troubleshooting service denials, and helping families gather documentation or address waitlist challenges. Staff also connect families to local providers and maintain a continually updated resource directory.
Transition POINTS complements individual support with robust educational programming. More than 70 webinars are offered annually in multiple languages, many focused specifically on youth topics such as IEP advocacy, supported decision-making, assistive technology, inclusive postsecondary education, and financial planning tools like special needs trusts and ABLE accounts. The annual Transition Series provides in-depth, track-based learning for teens and their families preparing for adulthood, with options focused on college, employment, or long-term supports.
Through its digital library of guides, multilingual life-stage roadmaps, recorded workshops, and AI-powered chatbot, Transition POINTS ensures that families of children can access timely, reliable information at every stage of their journey.

Total Project Budget: $214,699

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Next for Autism, The Neall Family Charitable Foundation, Alexandria Fund for Human Services, Sony Corporation of America, Philip L Graham Fund, General fundraising and special events

Project Duration: October 2026 – September 2027
Geographical Area Served: All of Virginia, but specifically Northern Virginia, Washington DC, parts of Maryland
Age Group To Be Served: Children from birth – 21 years of age

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Alyssa
Contact Last Name: Klein
Contact Title: Development Associate
Contact Phone: 703-208-1119 x 125
Contact Email: alyssa.klein@thearcofnova.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Feed and Be Fed
Legal Name (if Different): Feed and Be Fed
Also Known As: Feed and Be Fed
Mailing Address: PO Box 5257
City: SAN PEDRO
State: CA
Postal Code: 90733
Main Phone: 8104237710
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.feedandbefed.org/
Employer ID Number: 81-4833490
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/3/2026
Requested Amount: $6,750

Project Title: Sprouting Nutrition and Garden Explorations
Project Description:

Sprouting Nutrition and Garden Exploration (SNGE) provides nutrition education and outdoor garden experiences for students at a school in a very low income, highly polluted area, where children often lack access to outdoor play areas. Our nutritionist and garden educator team up to provide 10 sessions for each of 9 classes (approximately 170 students). We have created an outdoor classroom & garden where we teach about food groups and the importance of “eating the rainbow” and how eating a balanced diet helps create strong minds and bodies; soil and compost; plant anatomy, the relationship of plants to our food, and the nutritional value of each; and the importance of pollinators. Our science-based curriculum is tied to state standards. We also teach the importance of hand-washing, following rules, and caring for all living things. Activities include nutrition related stories and games; planting, harvesting, tasting, and cooking vegetables; and observing, measuring, and charting the growth the plants, how they grow, and how they are part of a larger ecosystem. Small group activities are designed to promote inquiry and interaction. We are currently in our second year. At the end of the first year there was a 22% increase in the number of students who reported eating three or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day and 100% reported talking to their families about healthy eating. Students were very enthusiastic about the program many asking “When do we get to go to the garden again?” Ther regular classroom teachers reported that SNGE helped them to meet health and science standards in meaningful, integrated ways.

Total Project Budget: 8,750

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): agency general fund, Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council, Green Dragon Conservation Education

Project Duration: 9 months
Geographical Area Served: San Pedro
Age Group To Be Served: Elementary School Children

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): MS
Contact First Name: Christine
Contact Last Name: Lai
Contact Title: Program Director
Contact Phone: 323-376-8587
Contact Email: stine.lai@gmail.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Our House, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: PO Box 34155
City: Little Rock
State: AR
Postal Code: 72203
Main Phone: 501-374-7383
Main Fax:
Organization Website: OurHouseShelter.org
Employer ID Number: 71-0653846
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/3/26
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Building Bright Futures at Our House: Support for Homeless and Near-Homeless Youth
Project Description:

Our House provides wrap-around services to homeless and near-homeless families and individuals in Central Arkansas to remove barriers to success and empower our clients on a path to stability and well-being.

Founded in 1987 to address a critical gap in services for homeless families in Central Arkansas, Our House now serves 3,000 clients annually. Our seven-acre campus functions as a one-stop shop, offering housing, long-term case management, adult education and career services, physical and mental health care, an early childhood education center, and an out-of-school time program. This comprehensive, two-generation approach supports children and parents together to build stable, nurturing homes.

To address the unique challenges students face while experiencing homelessness, Our House operates an out of school time program that serves Kindergarten through 12th grade students, year-round, offering youth development programming including academic enrichment, tutoring and homework help, mental health counseling, primary care through an on-site clinic and family support. Our Club is the only program in the state designed specifically to serve homeless and near-homeless youth. During the 2024-2025 school year and 2025 summer, Our Club served 197 students in the Little Rock area.

We request an investment of $10,000 to continue providing critical services that address the academic and social emotional challenges that affect homeless children and equip them with the resources and confidence they need to succeed in school and life.

Total Project Budget: $1,125,672

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): City of Little Rock, Heart of AR United Way

Project Duration: October 2026- September 2027
Geographical Area Served: Central Arkansas
Age Group To Be Served: 5-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Ellen
Contact Last Name: Denney
Contact Title: Grants Coordinator
Contact Phone: 501-374-7383 ext. ext 176
Contact Email: grants@ourhouseshelter.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: New England Science & Sailing Foundation
Legal Name (if Different): New England Science & Sailing Foundation, Inc.
Also Known As: NESS
Mailing Address: 72 Water Street, P.O. Box 733
City: Stonington
State: CT
Postal Code: 06378
Main Phone: (860)-535-9362
Main Fax: (860)-535-9363
Organization Website: https://nessf.org/
Employer ID Number: 30-0245251
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 3, 2026
Requested Amount: $ 5,000

Project Title: New London Partner Program
Project Description:

The purpose of this request is to support NESS’s efforts to provide impactful hands-on academic enrichment activities to 500 K-12 students from New London. New London Public Schools are comprised of a diverse student population. In addition, 86% of students in the school district qualify for Free or Reduced Priced Meals, 32% are multilingual learners, and 26% of students have chronic absenteeism. Students in the district fail to meet state academic performance standards in science and math (the District Performance Index (DPI) in math was 42% and the science DPI was 46% compared to a state goal of 75%). NESS’s curriculum aligns with state science standards and can help students by providing hands-on examples of challenging content. We also provide marine science and adventure learning activities outside both in the local watershed and on the water.
The program collaborates with community organizations including the New London Public Schools, Drop-In Learning Center, New London Youth Affairs, the Salvation Army and more to bring experiential learning opportunities to these underserved students and families. Program activities include afterschool programs, summer programs as well as evening and weekend programs.

The most common activity is after-school programs at partner organizations. During the after-school program, NESS educators travel to community organizations to offer 60-90 minute programs to students of various ages. Programs use NESS’s STEM-based ocean adventure curriculum linked to Next Generation Science Standards. All programs are experiential-based with hands-on, engaging activities.

Total Project Budget: $ 586,937

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: City of New London (ARPA), $139,000; State of Connecticut (AmeriCorps), $61,000; Scripps Family Fund, $ 40,000; State of Connecticut (Youth Services Program), $4,600; Dominion Energy Foundation $ 2,500; Laura J. Niles Foundation, $ 5,000 Potential: Frank Loomis Palmer Fund, $25,000; Bodenwein Public Benevolent Foundation, $ 4,000; TK Foundation, $15,000; Chamber of Commerce Eastern CT, $5,000; New London Water Authority $ 5,000; Swantz Family Foundation, $ 5,000; Dime Bank Foundation $ 5,000; Chelsea Groton Foundation $ 5,000; 2026 Kay Svitek Foundation, $ 6,000; NESS Individual Donations and Special Fundraising Events: $250,000- $270,000 (historical annual giving)

Project Duration: September 1, 2026 to August 31,2027
Geographical Area Served: New London, CT
Age Group To Be Served: Youth (5-17 years old)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Dr.
Contact First Name: Roy
Contact Last Name: Pietro
Contact Title: Grants Officer
Contact Phone: (860)-535-9362
Contact Email: rpietro@nessf.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: African American Community Roundtable (AACR)
Legal Name (if Different): Same
Also Known As: The AACR
Mailing Address: 6179 Wicker Basket Court
City: Columbia
State: MD
Postal Code: 21044
Main Phone: 4437640579
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.aacr-howard.org/
Employer ID Number: 81-3337230
Organization Tax Status: 501C(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/3/2026
Requested Amount: 5000.00

Project Title: Early Child Learning Project
Project Description:

The African American Community Roundtable of Howard County (“AACR”) and Bronze Villagers are proposing a collaborative initiative, the “Early Learners Leadership & Family Empowerment Project,” designed to strengthen school readiness, parent engagement, and educational equity for children birth through age 8 in Howard County.

AACR is a coalition of social, civic, professional, spiritual, and cultural organizations committed to improving the overall quality of life for African Americans in Howard County through education, health, economic development, and community engagement. AACR works to connect families to critical resources, facilitate community dialogue, and reduce disparities in educational and social outcomes.

Bronze Villagers is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on engaging and empowering parents of young African American children to support early brain development, sensorimotor stimulation, literacy, and foundational math skills. Their PAAC Kollege program helps parents understand the critical role they play in their child’s early learning success, recognizing that up to 80% of brain development occurs by age three.

Together, AACR and Bronze Villagers will implement a program that delivers:

Monthly early learning workshops for families, focused on brain development, reading readiness, numeracy foundations, and culturally responsive learning activities.

Parent leadership and education sessions designed to equip caregivers with tools to reinforce school readiness at home.

Family engagement events that integrate health, wellness, and academic support resources, expanding access to community services.

Youth mentorship and enrichment events that cultivate curiosity, confidence, and long-term educational success.

By aligning AACR’s capacity in community mobilization with Bronze Villagers’ expertise in early childhood development, this initiative will support families to increase kindergarten readiness, reduce achievement gaps, and foster educational attainment—advancing both organizations’ missions and the Burkle Foundation’s goals of strengthening children’s health, education, and welfare.

Total Project Budget: 10,000.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): 2500.00

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: Howard County, Martyland
Age Group To Be Served: Birth – 8 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr
Contact First Name: Vernon
Contact Last Name: Curry
Contact Title: President
Contact Phone: 4437640579
Contact Email: AACRHowardCounty@gmail.com

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: END It
Legal Name (if Different): END It Corporation
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 2298 SW Picture Terrace
City: Port Saint Lucie
State: FL
Postal Code: 34953
Main Phone: 772-302-3731
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.everybodyisnotdoingit.org
Employer ID Number: 27-2859310
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/3/2026
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: END It After-School Prevention & Arts Enrichment Program
Project Description:

END It ("Everybody’s Not Doing It") seeks $10,000 to support one year of its prevention-focused after-school program serving middle and high school students in Fort Pierce and surrounding St. Lucie County communities. The program provides structured supervision during critical after-school hours, when teens are most vulnerable to negative peer influence and risky behaviors.

Participants receive academic tutoring and homework support, performing arts instruction, leadership development, and college and career exposure opportunities. Through music, drama, and creative expression, youth build confidence, communication skills, teamwork, and personal responsibility while reinforcing positive decision-making. Many students served come from households facing financial hardship and limited access to extracurricular enrichment.

Funds will support instructional staff stipends, program supplies, educational materials, and need-based scholarships to ensure participation remains accessible. Approximately 80 students will benefit directly from the after-school program during the grant period.

By providing safe, structured alternatives and meaningful engagement, END It works to reduce unsupervised time, strengthen academic performance, and equip teens with skills that support long-term success.

Total Project Budget: $85,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: Children’s Services Council of St Lucie County, Participant sliding scale fees, Individual donors; Potential: Private foundations, Local business sponsors, and Annual fundraising events

Project Duration: January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2027
Geographical Area Served: Fort Pierce, FL and Port Saint Lucie, FL
Age Group To Be Served: Middle and high school students (approximately ages 11–18)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Sonia
Contact Last Name: DuPree
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 772-519-3593
Contact Email: sonia.dupree@everybodyisnotdoingit.org

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC)
Legal Name (if Different): Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center Inc.
Also Known As: ECAC
Mailing Address: 907 Barra Row
City: Davidson
State: NC
Postal Code: 28036
Main Phone: 7048921321
Main Fax: 7048925028
Organization Website: www.ecac-parentcenter.org
Employer ID Number: 58-1715420
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/02/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Meeting the Demand: Expanding Leadership Access for NC Youth with Disabilities
Project Description:

ECAC’s Youth Advisory Team (YAT) and Junior Youth Advisory Team (JYAT) provide middle and high school students with disabilities meaningful leadership development and self-advocacy training through structured virtual meetings held throughout the year. As a youth-led initiative, participants help shape discussions, identify priorities, and contribute their lived experience to improve programs and systems that impact young people with disabilities.

This year, ECAC received more than 70 applications from motivated youth across North Carolina, yet current funding allows participation for only 40 students. Demand for meaningful leadership opportunities clearly exceeds available resources.

Although meetings are held virtually to ensure statewide access, youth participants receive stipends because we intentionally value their time, insight, and lived experience. Providing compensation reinforces that their voices matter and prepares them for future employment by modeling compensation with expectations, accountability, and professional responsibility. Stipends also help remove financial barriers that may prevent some families from fully supporting consistent participation.

With support from The Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation, ECAC will expand participation to additional youth during the upcoming program year. Youth will engage in guided leadership development, peer collaboration, public speaking opportunities, and activities designed to strengthen self-advocacy, confidence, and readiness for future education and employment.

By expanding access, this one-year project will equip more youth with disabilities with the practical skills and confidence necessary to achieve their full potential. At least 90% of participants will report increased leadership confidence and improved self-advocacy skills by the end of the program year.

Total Project Budget: $42,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed Funding Sources: ECAC Parent Training & Information (PTI) federal grant funds, NC Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) contract funds, LENS NC Grant, Speedway Children’s Charities grant, ECAC discretionary funds Potential/Additional Support: Walmart Spark Good community grant funds

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: North Carolina
Age Group To Be Served: 12 to 21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Aimee
Contact Last Name: Combs
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 704-990-7275
Contact Email: acombs@ecacmail.org