Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Little Lights Urban Ministries
Legal Name (if Different): Little Lights Urban Ministries
Also Known As: LLUM
Mailing Address: 760 7th Street, SE
City: Washington
State: D.C.
Postal Code: 20003
Main Phone: 202 548 4021
Main Fax: 202 544 7508
Organization Website: http://www.littlelights.org
Employer ID Number: 52-2125232
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 15, 2026
Requested Amount: 7,000

Project Title: Little Lights Youth Academic Programs
Project Description:

Founded in 1995, Little Lights Urban Ministries has been steadfastly committed to empowering underserved youth, families, and communities in Washington, DC. Our mission is to empower underserved youth, families, and communities in Washington DC by sharing the hope of Christ through compassionate action, caring relationships, and racial reconciliation.

Little Lights Urban Ministries’ Youth Academic Programming provides direct educational support to children from low-income public housing communities in Southeast Washington, DC, addressing persistent opportunity gaps during the most critical years of learning. Through core programs including Homework Club, Reading and Math Heroes, and Saturday Drop-In Programs, Little Lights offers consistent, high-quality academic enrichment for students in Pre-K through middle school.

The program is designed to strengthen foundational literacy and math skills, improve homework completion and classroom performance, and increase student engagement in learning. Students receive individualized instruction through small-group and one-on-one tutoring, supported by trained staff and volunteers in a structured, nurturing environment. Programming occurs multiple days per week and is supplemented by nutritious meals and age-appropriate social-emotional learning supports that help students build confidence, focus, and positive learning behaviors.

Grounded in faith-informed values of service, compassion, and respect for each child, Little Lights emphasizes long-term relationships and stability—key factors in improving educational outcomes for children facing economic hardship. Services are provided at no cost and are embedded directly within the communities served, ensuring accessibility and sustained participation.

Total Project Budget: 1,200,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Little Lights partners with DC Housing Authority, Capital Area Food Bank, DC Central Kitchen & First Rock Baptist Church to provide space, meals and program support. Additional community, corporate, church, and foundation partners help us deliver holistic academic, social, and economic programs for families in Southeast DC public housing communities.

Project Duration: Programs run year-round and align with the D.C. Public School calendar, ensuring consistent academic, emotional, and spiritual support throughout the year.
Geographical Area Served: We are dedicated to serving at-risk students and families residing in public housing communities in Southeast Washington, D.C. Our programs are centered in Potomac Gardens and Hopkins (Ward 6) and Benning Terrace (Ward 7).
Age Group To Be Served: 4 – 21 yrs old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr
Contact First Name: Steven
Contact Last Name: Park
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 202 841 2153
Contact Email: steve@littlelights.org