Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Jacksonville Speech & Hearing Center Inc
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: JSHC
Mailing Address: 1010 N Davis Street, Suite 101
City: Jacksonville
State: FL
Postal Code: 32209
Main Phone: 904-355-3403
Main Fax: 904-355-4149
Organization Website: https://shcjax.org
Employer ID Number: 59-0970718
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 18, 2026
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Fund-A-Future
Project Description:

Jacksonville Speech & Hearing Center (JSHC), a small community-based nonprofit founded in 1949, requests $10,000 to support of Fund-A-Future, our subsidized speech-language therapy program. As the only regionally accredited provider of speech-language pathology and audiology services for all ages, and the only Jacksonville healthcare organization with a Certified Autism Center designation, JSHC directly addresses critical health and developmental needs for children.

Fund-A-Future provides free comprehensive evaluations and weekly therapy to uninsured, underinsured, and low-income children ages 3-12 facing communication disorders. Delivered by certified Speech-Language Pathologists, sessions incorporate evidence-based practices and caregiver training to extend progress at home.

Duval County faces severe challenges: estimates indicate 10,240-15,360 children under 5 require speech-language intervention. In 2024, kindergarten readiness hovered at 45.8%. In 2025, JSHC served 2,099 speech-language patients (98+% under 18), delivering 14,750 therapy sessions (43% grant-funded).

This $10,000 will fund 200 additional 30-minute speech therapy sessions ($50 each), allowing us to increase our total Fund-A-Future capacity to 1,000 sessions annually. This expansion ensures that at least 50 low-income children receive a consistent, high-impact dosage of weekly therapy and caregiver training. By providing this intensive support now, we move the needle on Jacksonville’s 43.8% kindgergarten readiness rate and provide a projected $100,000 in long-term savings for our local school system. We aren’t just funding sessions; we are ensuring children enter the classroom ready to succeed.

Outcomes include improved communication skills (measured via standardized assessments), enhanced school readiness, stronger caregiver confidence, and transformed life trajectories for vulnerable children.

When a child gains their voice through targeted support, we change not just their childhood but their future potential.

Total Project Budget: $157,351

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Proceeds from JSHC’s annual FinFest Fundraiser (May 2026), Jim Moran Foundation (committed for 2026, potential for 2027), Private donations & other foundations (potential)

Project Duration: 12 months. Funds will be fully expended within one year following grant award.
Geographical Area Served: Northeast Florida
Age Group To Be Served: Children ages 3-12

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Kathleen
Contact Last Name: McArthur
Contact Title: Grant Manager
Contact Phone: 904-677-4337
Contact Email: development@shcjax.org