Grant Request Way to Grow
Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form
Organization Name: Way to Grow
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 201 N Irving Ave, Suite 100
City: Minneapolis
State: Minnesota
Postal Code: 55405
Main Phone: (612) 874-4740
Main Fax: n/a
Organization Website: www.waytogrow.org
Employer ID Number: 71-0956749
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)
Proposal Information
Today’s Date: 3/29/23
Requested Amount: $5,000
Project Title: DreamTracks: Transforming the Lives of Teen Parents and their Children
Project Description:
Way to Grow is seeking funding for our DreamTracks program, which transforms the futures of pregnant teens and their children.
In 2020, the tragedy of George Floyd brought the racial disparities in Minneapolis–some of the worst in the entire country–to the nation’s attention. These disparities include enormous inequities in wealth, education, and rates of home ownership. Since 1989, Way to Grow has addressed these inequities by bringing evidence-based, culturally responsive programming designed to ensure children succeed at school to the most vulnerable families in Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs. 95% of our clients are people of color.
One of the most impactful ways of addressing racial disparities and helping all children thrive is by supporting teenage mothers to stabilize their lives and complete their education. In Minnesota, teen pregnancy rates are significantly disparate between white teens and teens of color, with Hispanic and African American teens 4.8 and 3.5 times respectively more likely than white teens to give birth. These teenage mothers are significantly less likely to receive a high school diploma, far more likely to live in poverty, and their children are at much greater risk of poor academic, health, and behavioral outcomes.
The cornerstone of our DreamTracks program is our home visitors, called Family Educators, who reflect the language and culture of the teen and their family. Family Educators help teens ignite their untapped potential and belief in themselves through wraparound supports that include providing access to resources tailored to their individual needs; giving information about reproductive health; assisting with career development, transition-to-college support, and personal finance management; and helping with basic needs. Family Educators also prepare teens’ children for academic success through an evidence-based curriculum from birth to third grade that emphasizes parents as primary teachers of their children.
Total Project Budget: $46,000
Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Ripley Foundation, $9,000 (committed)
Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs
Age Group To Be Served: birth to age 21
Contact Information
Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Carolyn
Contact Last Name: Smallwood
Contact Title: Chief Executive Officer
Contact Phone: (612) 267-6233
Contact Email: csmallwood@mplswaytogrow.org