Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Waterfall Academy
Legal Name (if Different): N/A
Also Known As: N/A
Mailing Address: 901 Waterfall Way Suite 307
City: Richardson
State: TX
Postal Code: 75080
Main Phone: 4692078439
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.waterfallacademy.com/contact-us
Employer ID Number: 83-0616239
Organization Tax Status: Non-Profit 501 c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: January 17, 2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Operating Support for Waterfall Academy for Children with Autism
Project Description:

was founded by Angel and Connie Rodriguez in 2018 to provide education and support for their two autistic children. The Hermanowski Family Foundation will find that we have a different relationship with our students and their families. We walk in the shoes of our families because they walk in ours.

We provide students with an academic education following the Texas curriculum requirements with grading that reflects progress and reviews with parents as a standard practice. We rely on evidence-based methods and employ N2Y the nation’s #1 solution for special education. We leverage “The Unique Learning System” (N2Y), an online, interactive, standards-based curriculum specifically designed for each student.

We adhere to a maximum 4:1 teacher-to-student ratio, complying with special education best practices. Our students span the three levels of ASD, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition. All teachers are Autism/Special Needs Certified. Teacher’s Aides are special education graduate students at the University of Texas, Dallas Campus.

Life skills development is provided during afternoon sessions. Art, Phys Ed, and Music expand our students’ horizons to better equip them for life. Music is vital for severely impacted students. We employ “Bone Conduction Therapy” to reduce a child’s outside world sound sensitivity, improving their ability to focus and limit anxiety. Waterfall is fortunate to be supported by several advanced ASD Therapists and multiple students attend further treatment sessions outside of the school. Bone Conduction Therapy is also provided during these sessions, enhancing the benefits gained within the Academy. It’s more than culture. Music is ordered and structured. Music is math

Total Project Budget: $306,058

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Since its opening in 2018, Waterfall Academy has been heavily subsidized by its co-founders. Angel Rodgriguez owns the school’s building at 901 Waterfall Way and has paid the mortgage on the property, partially supported by funding from tuition payments ($247,500). He has committed tens of thousands of dollars annually with additional contributions toward staff salaries and operating costs since opening. These donations now exceed $250,000 in total. In our fifth year and with continuing growth and costs, this level of sustainment is no longer tenable. Waterfall was awarded a $21,000 grant from the Moody Foundation for the purchase of an advanced autism gamification education software package and new laptops in 2023. Other applications remain pending and include: The Hoglund Foundation for operational support – $45,000; The Hillcrest Foundation for capital improvements – $27,000; The Harold-Simmons Foundation for operational support – $20,000

Project Duration: 1/2/2025 – 12/31/2025
Geographical Area Served: Richardson, Texas (Greater Dallas, Texas)
Age Group To Be Served: Ages 6 – 19 years

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Angel
Contact Last Name: Rodriguez
Contact Title: Co-Founder and CEO
Contact Phone: (972) 213-8357
Contact Email: angelrodriguezlead@gmail.com