Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different): Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc.
Also Known As: Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc.
Mailing Address: 3318 Bushwood Drive
City: Perkasie
State: PA
Postal Code: 18944
Main Phone: 9732246900
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.ourheartsofhope.org
Employer ID Number: 20-3666775
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) Non Profit Corporation

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 19, 2026
Requested Amount: $6,000

Project Title: GRIT™ Grief Support Group Program for Secondary School Students
Project Description:

GRIT™ Support Program – A Tier 2 Mental Health Grief Support Program
We live in a world where school tragedies occur all the time. We are overwhelmed by news of school shootings, student suicides, and the deaths of beloved teachers from life-threatening illnesses.
During these times, Tier 2 mental health services are crucial for supporting those facing deeper emotional distress and needing more structured help than regular school counseling. Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc. created the GRIT™ Support Program to meet this urgent need.
GRIT™ Support is a structured Tier 2 group support program designed specifically to help students process grief and loss in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment.
This program offers students a chance to connect with peers who may be experiencing similar feelings, while learning healthy ways to understand and express their emotions.
By guiding participants through discussions and activities focused on healing and emotional expression, GRIT™ Support helps students build the strength and resilience needed to handle loss and move forward.
GRIT™ SUPPORT – HOW IT WORKS
A key part of the GRIT™ Support Program is its emphasis on training and empowering school-based mental health professionals.
Hearts of Hope Foundation staff work directly with school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health team members to teach them how to present and implement the GRIT™ Support model within their schools. This training ensures that schools have the necessary knowledge, tools, and confidence to provide effective grief support whenever it is most needed.
GRIT™ SUPPORT – IMPACT
The impact of the GRIT™ Support Program has been transformative for many school communities. Students who once felt overwhelmed by grief have found connection, understanding, and hope through these groups.
Educators and mental health professionals report stronger communication with students, improved emotional awareness, and healthier coping strategies among participants.

Total Project Budget: $55,000.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Private Donations, Training Fees for GRIT™ Support Program Trainees, Allocation in Annual Budget for GRIT services.

Project Duration: On-Going
Geographical Area Served: Secondard Schools – training provided to interested schools nationwide
Age Group To Be Served: Teens in Secondard Schools

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Judith
Contact Last Name: Pedersen
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 973-224-6900
Contact Email: j.pedersen@ourheartsofhope.org