Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Friends with Disabilities
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 151 Rose Street
City: Kalamazoo
State: MI
Postal Code: 49007
Main Phone: 2484606070
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www,friendswithdisabilities.org
Employer ID Number:
Organization Tax Status: 81-3804722

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: Feb 20, 2024
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Building Connections
Project Description:

The Building Connections project is designed to provide participants with exposure and
opportunity to build relationships, make friends while enjoying a fun and free activity.
Companionship and laughter can heal hearts and transform minds. Participants will be
exposed to a community of people who share the same emotions.
Building Connections target populations is adults with physical disabilities over the age
of 18.The project provides two activities per month during the period of March to
October, with an end of year celebration in the month of November. The activities
include events, workshops, trips, and community engagement that break down
stereotypes surrounding disabilities.
By providing individualized support, it improves the target population’s adaptive
behaviors by promoting skills in activities of daily living.
People with physical disabilities historically experience a reduced quality of life, due to a
lack of supportive services, social opportunity, and community inclusion along with
persistent discrimination, stigma, and devaluation due to their disability/
The project will provide participants with the opportunity to take ownership of their
thoughts and feelings. It is an opportunity to introduce them back into the community,
and a platform for building connections.
These project goals are developed in collaboration with physical disabled adults themselves.

Total Project Budget: $136.000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Stryker Johnson Foundation- Committed-Kalamazoo Community Foundation- Committed. Okin Foundation-Committed

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Kalamazoo County, Kalamaoo, Michiigan
Age Group To Be Served: 18-90

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Sharmese
Contact Last Name: Anderson
Contact Title: President /CEO
Contact Phone: 2698301334
Contact Email: Sharmese@friendswithdisabilities.org