Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Friendship Journey (DBA)
Legal Name (if Different): The Friendship Initiative
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 6574 N STATE ROAD 7 236
City: COCONUT CREEK
State: Florida
Postal Code: 33073-3625
Main Phone: 954-683-9216
Main Fax: n/a
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: 8/1/2023
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Wings of Friendship – Inclusive programs
Project Description:

The Friendship Journey (TFJ) has been providing programs throughout Broward and Palm Beach Counties that enhance inclusion opportunities for children and young adults with disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, etc., since 2012.

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, Kindness shared, Happiness Squared, Be Remarkable, and Disability Services Reimagined. In person activities throughout the year include Beach Cleanups, Bowling, Sensory Inclusive performances at the Broward Center, Special Olympics Hockey with the Florida Panthers and more.

Wings Of Friendship (WOF) digital inclusive summer program comprises 15 hours of activities each week, including dance parties, farm field trips, sign language, art, trivia, theater, cooking, acting, beatboxing, and games. 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.

Actions to achieve objectives:
1. Increase social connections and fend off isolation.
2. Provide peer mentorship to foster relationships and build mutual understanding.
3. Provide activities and program content to allow participants to understand and embrace their identities.

TFJ will utilize funding exclusively for the inclusive program expenses for our WOF Programs offered free of charge to our participants. The children and young adults that benefit from our programs are from low-income families and are challenged with either physical or mental disabilities. Programming is offered through both a virtual platform and in person activities held in both Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Funding expenses would be used for webhosting and technical expenses for the digital program, and for our in-person program, any facility fees, transportation assistance and program supplies such as art/music/books.

Total Project Budget: $109,373.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Leslie Alexander Foundation – $10,000 (C) Children’s Services Council-Broward – $20,000 (C) Frank L. Weyenberg – $5,000 (C) Looking Out Foundation – $2,000 (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: 5-21

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: 954-683-926
Contact Email: karen@thefriendshipjourney.org