Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Friendship Initiative
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: 33073-3625
Main Phone: 954-683-9216
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.thefriendshipjourney.org
Employer ID Number: 90-0719846
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2-21-2023
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Inclusive Programs for Children and Young Adults with Disabilities
Project Description:

Wings of Friendship Programming is ongoing throughout the year with Virtual Hangouts covering topics such as American Sign Language, Expressions through the Arts/Broward Center for Performing Arts, Farm Friends, Be Remarkable, Disability Services Reimagined.

In person activities through out the year include Beach Cleanups, Bowling, Sensory Inclusive performances at the Broward Center, Special Olympics Hockey with the Florida Panthers.

Wings Of Friendship (WOF) digital inclusive summer program comprises 15 hours of activities each week. These activities foster meaningful connections while also helping the participants understand and embrace their identities. Vast community involvement is made through partnering with guest speakers, professionals to teach life skills, and organizations/businesses to take virtual tours.

WOF Activities:
• Camp activities run M – F on Zoom
• 3 on-screen gatherings daily @ 12 pm, 2 pm & 4 pm
• Special guests & virtual fieldtrips weekly
• Activities led by professionals/mentors of a variety of backgrounds to create a diverse experience

Pre and post participation surveys are used to record feedback from the combination of participants, including parents/caregivers, volunteers, along with our host facilities. Here is feedback from a parent that had a child participate in a sensory performance event offered at The Broward Center for the arts: "The Sensory-Inclusive performance was amazing!! Thank you again for having these events. You have changed our lives and helped us feel supported and accepted. This was my first event, and I am so happy we were able to come. My son enjoyed it so much and it was so wonderful not having to tell him to be quiet or to stop running or dancing or standing up or anything. He could be his authentic self and have the time of his life. I’m forever grateful."

Total Project Budget: $109,373.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Graef Foundation – $15,000 (C) Leslie Alexander Foundation – $10,000 (C) Children’s Services Council-Broward – $20,000 (C) Goody Two Shoes (P) Florida Panthers (P) Florida Blue (P) Cowles Charitable Trust (P)

Project Duration: Ongoing/ 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Palm Beach and Broward Counties for in person program, digital reach extends to 10 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