Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Friendship Initiative, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: The Friendship Journey
Mailing Address: 6574 N. State Road 7 #236
City: Coconut Creek
State: Florida
Postal Code: 33073
Main Phone: 954-683-9216
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: https://thefriendshipjourney.org/
Employer ID Number: 90-0719846
Organization Tax Status: 501(C)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/2/2022
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Digital Programs – Wings of Friendship
Project Description:

The Friendship Journey has been providing programs throughout Broward County that enhance inclusion opportunities for children and young adults with special needs such as autism, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, etc., since 2012. Recently we have been able to expand our reach with our virtual sessions into Palm Beach County and beyond.

Our organization is primarily volunteer based with 80 youth volunteers’ high school and college aged, 20 adult volunteers and with one part time administrative assistant. We are led by a dedicated, all volunteer, Board of Directors comprised of local professionals who are expericened with working, either professionally or personally, with children and young adults with special needs.

Those we serve have a need to be involved and experience social normalcies. Unfortunately, those with special needs have already been left out of many social spheres and the longing to socialize has only become stronger with the need for social distancing during COVID. A solution was needed to allow youth to continue gathering, learning, and expressing themselves. Therefore, we created two virtual programs, Virtual Hangouts and Camp Wings of Friendship (WOF) that offer activities to foster mentoring friendships.
Wings of Friendship (WOF) is a collaboration between The Friendship Journey of South Florida and Dylan’s Wings of Change of Newtown, Connecticut. Our nonprofit organizations connected by chance and began working together just before the COVID-19 crisis

WOF comprises 15 hours of weekly activities, including dance parties, field trips, sign language, art, theater, cooking, and more. These activities foster meaningful connections with neuro-typical peers while also helping participants understand and embrace their identities. Guest speakers volunteer teaching life skills, and organizations/businesses perform virtual tours. Programs are year-round; in 2021 we completed our second summer of Camp Wings of Friendship and served over 150 families from ten different states across the country.

Total Project Budget: 54,500.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Individuals and Business Contributions – 15,000 (C)(P) Harry T. Mangurian Foundation – 3,500 (C); Goody Two Shoes 5,000 (C); Walmart – 1,750 (C); Coral Springs Community Chest – 1,000 (C) ASGC License Plate, $5,000 (C), Jarden Newell $5,000 (C); Children’s Services Council, Broward $19,000.

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Palm Beach, Broward Counties and digitally in 9 other states
Age Group To Be Served: 5 – 24

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Karen
Contact Last Name: Wilson
Contact Title: Treasurer
Contact Phone: 954-683-9216
Contact Email: karen@thefriendshipjourney.org