Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Lighthouse of Broward County, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Lighthouse of Broward or LHOB
Mailing Address: 650 North Andrews Ave
City: Fort Lauderdale
State: FL
Postal Code: 33311
Main Phone: 9544634217
Main Fax: 954-763-3825
Organization Website: www.LHOB.org
Employer ID Number: 59-1650909
Organization Tax Status: Tax-exempt

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 14, 2022
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Children’s Services to Independence Program
Project Description:

The purpose of Children’s Services to Independence (CSTI) is to guarantee that BVI youngsters participate in vital therapeutic, recreational, and educational programs to maximize their growth and self-sufficiency. In Broward County, CSTI now serves 97 BVI children under 13 and their parents. The Bright Beginnings Early Intervention Program at LHOB serves 42 children ranging in age from newborn to five years. The remaining 55 are children between the ages of 6 and 13, served by LHOB’s KIDS (Keys to Independence) Program.

Babies and toddlers learn to use their remaining vision and all of their senses (hearing, touch, taste, smell, and proprioceptive). Cognitive skills, communication, assistive technology, and compensating abilities are all addressed in play therapy. Instructors also teach personal hygiene, socialization skills, and fine/gross motor abilities. Our staff conducts assessments and develops an Individual Education Plan for each client.

During non-school days, Saturdays, and the summer months, older children, aged 6 to 13, participate in year-round programming. Safe travel skills, age-appropriate cooking and self-care procedures, Braille, computers and adaptive communication devices, courteous social interaction, and self-advocacy are all taught through activities. Our agency uses video conference lessons, small in-person instruction, and socially distanced activities. Parents receive information and help from case managers and instructors about options not available at LHOB. Our staff specifically aids families in adjusting to distance learning and offering additional materials for children to study online.
Children in the CSTI program often have a variety of disabilities. As a result, BVI children are frequently excluded from the BCPS Visually Impaired Program. CSTI bridges the gap between academic and life success for these children. Children have access to and opportunity to grow and advance their Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics skills through the CSTI curriculum. Equipment required for educational and social advancement is included in the services.

Total Project Budget: $568,797

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Division of Blind Services; United Way of Broward County; The Batchelor Foundation; Citrix Corporation; Henry L. & Kathryn Mills Foundation; Hoffa Memorial Foundation; Joe Sonken Trust; Kegel Foundation, Negley Flinn Foundation, Gore Foundation, Deaver Phoenix Foundation, and the Albert & Birdie Einstein Fund.

Project Duration: Year Round
Geographical Area Served: Broward County
Age Group To Be Served: Birth to 13 years of age

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Samantha
Contact Last Name: Kelly
Contact Title: Vice President of Programs
Contact Phone: 954-463-4217 ext. 118
Contact Email: skelly@lhob.org