Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Cornerstone Family Programs and Morristown Neighborhood House
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: CFP
Mailing Address: 12 Flagler St, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
City: Morristown
State: NJ
Postal Code: 07960
Main Phone: 9735381229
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://cornerstonefamilyprograms.org/
Employer ID Number: 22-1489900
Organization Tax Status: 501C3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/23/26
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Unity Steppers
Project Description:

The Unity Steppers program provides equitable access to high-quality, community-based dance education for youth—primarily girls and young women ages 8–18. The program nurtures creativity, cultural pride, leadership, and confidence while fostering discipline, teamwork, and socio-emotional growth. Many families in Morristown face barriers to traditional arts opportunities due to cost, language, or limited school programming. Unity Steppers helps close this gap by offering an affordable, inclusive dance and drill program that blends African American, Latin, and contemporary dance traditions.

The program is offered through Cornerstone Family Programs at the Morristown Neighborhood House and provides youth with a supportive environment where they can build skills, connect with mentors, and express themselves through movement and performance.

Participants attend two 90-minute after-school sessions each week, where they learn stepping, hip-hop, salsa, merengue, bachata, and reggae while developing drill-team precision and performance techniques such as call-and-response, rhythm, and synchronized movement. These sessions also emphasize teamwork, discipline, and leadership, helping participants build confidence and a sense of belonging.

Beyond dance instruction, Unity Steppers incorporates mentorship and life-skills development. Coaches and volunteers serve as positive role models, encouraging goal-setting, resilience, and personal growth. Workshops and discussions introduce topics such as financial literacy, conflict resolution, and mental health awareness, helping youth develop skills that support success in school and life.

Public performances are an important part of the program experience. Unity Steppers performs at community celebrations, cultural events, sporting events, and talent showcases. These performances allow participants to share their talents while celebrating African American and Latin cultural traditions. Through these experiences, youth strengthen community connections, develop pride in their accomplishments, and gain valuable leadership and performance skills.

Total Project Budget: $54,976

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): $5,000 will be from corporate support and $15,000 each from Investors Foundation and Looking Out Foundation (potential)

Project Duration: one year
Geographical Area Served: Morristown and Dover New Jersey and the surrounding communities
Age Group To Be Served: 8-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: JoAnn
Contact Last Name: Hoppe
Contact Title: Grants Manager
Contact Phone: 9087873865
Contact Email: jhoppe@cfp-mnh.org