Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Fihankra Akoma Ntaoso (FAN-DC)
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 2815 Stanton Rd. SE
City: Washington
State: DC
Postal Code: 20020
Main Phone: 2024818876
Main Fax:
Organization Website: fan-dc.org
Employer ID Number: 203235972
Organization Tax Status: 501 C-3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/27/2023
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Youth Peer Operated Center
Project Description:

We are seeking support to operate our youth focused Peer Operated Center (POC). Fihankra Akoma Ntoaso (FAN) is an organization working to mitigate the impact of involvement in the child welfare system, preventing further contact, and ultimately breaking cycles of poverty and inequality among our participants and their families. FAN works with families who have been directly impacted by disenfranchised systems to combat racial injustices. FAN’s work is carefully tailored to the needs of foster youth and youth that have experienced high levels of trauma or toxic stress. Our staff members are trained to use their lived experience to help youth navigate the challenges of living in a society that does not always see them. Our primary focus is to serve fostered youth; however, our services are open to the broader community because we recognize that there are many risk factors in our neighborhood that could potentially force a family into the child welfare system. Because of our experience working with the DC Child and Family Services Agency, we are uniquely positioned to support children and families as they navigate its interventions. We support meetings between children, caregivers, caseworkers, and other professionals on-site, in an environment that is safe and familiar. FAN’s expertise in creating safe environments for young people allows them to feel more at ease and prepared to handle challenging external environments in their home and academic lives. FAN builds trusting relationships with youth participants by staying consistent, being transparent, and making sure youth participants feel seen and heard. Studies show that the social environment plays a major role in your mental health. “Having close, trusted, intimate others in your life is a significant positive factor for mental and physical health.” Other environmental factors that impact mental health are aesthetics, people, culture and values, familiarity, and sensory outputs. FAN’s programming serves as a source of stability, consistency, and support that enhances the well-being and positive development of youth. For the young people who have come through the program, this is the most consistent home and family they have known. Currently, FAN operates three core programs, including our trauma-informed after-school and summer programs, our alumni program and caregiver programs, and our drop in-center which houses our community pantry that serves over 500 families annually.

Total Project Budget: 543990.45

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Learn24, Cloudbreak Foundation, Hattie M. Strong Foundation, Share Fund, Individual gifts and contributions

Project Duration: ongoing
Geographical Area Served: Washington, DC
Age Group To Be Served: 9-28

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Josephine
Contact Last Name: Mazyck
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: (843) 735-9817
Contact Email: jmazyck@fan-dc.org