Grant Request Young Voices
Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form
Organization Name: Young Voices
Legal Name (if Different): Young Voices
Also Known As: YV
Mailing Address: 204 Westminster St
City: Providence
State: Rhode Island
Postal Code: 02903
Main Phone: 401-214-8218
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://youngvoicesri.org
Employer ID Number: 43-2103674
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3
Proposal Information
Today’s Date: March 25th, 2026
Requested Amount: $3,500
Project Title: Refab Runway
Project Description:
Refab Runway, an interactive fashion exhibition and forum designed and organized entirely by Grade 9-12 students of Young Voices, is an innovative community arts initiative highlighting the creativity, diverse identities, and talents of urban BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & People of Color) youth in Rhode Island. This project provides our young, predominantly Black and Afro-Latina designers with hands-on experiences in storytelling, event planning, and performance, giving them a public platform to explore the world of fashion design, production, and project management while engaging meaningfully with their local leaders. By celebrating the unique and often overlooked perspectives of BIPOC youth, this event serves as a medium for cultural exchange and understanding, both for its participants and the broader Rhode Island community.
The primary purpose of Refab Runway is to empower students by equipping them with practical, real-world skills that foster intergenerational dialogue and allow them to celebrate their cultural backgrounds in a medium often filtered through predominantly Eurocentric sensibilities of design and beauty. Youth will engage in every aspect of the production process, from conceptualizing designs to managing individual departments such as social media, logistics, and backstage operations, taking on leadership roles in each. Students will work collectively to bring the event to life, learning how to collaborate effectively while also taking ownership over their individual roles. By running their own project teams and contributing to the final exhibition in May, they will develop confidence and gain invaluable experiences that can serve as a stepping stone to careers in Rhode Island’s creative industries.
Lastly, Refab Runway offers a safe space for cultural expression and education. Each garment tells a story, providing an opportunity for students to explore and share their heritage, lived experiences, and perspectives. Uniquely, garments for this fashion show will largely be upcycled and repurposed from their original use, further contextualizing these designs within both their local history and place within the global supply chain. Refab Runway bridges the gap between individual identities and collective experiences, celebrating what makes our urban communities unique while uniting it through mutual appreciation and open-ended dialogue.
Total Project Budget: $18,656
Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Providence Children’s Shelter Foundation, Rhode Island Foundation
Project Duration: September 2026 – May 2027
Geographical Area Served: Rhode Island, Southeastern New England
Age Group To Be Served: Youth ages 14-18
Contact Information
Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Eric
Contact Last Name: Calogianes
Contact Title: Development Director
Contact Phone: 480-296-5925
Contact Email: ericcalogianes@youngvoicesri.org