Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Marian Center School and Services, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different): N/A
Also Known As: Marian Center
Mailing Address: 15701 NW 37th Avenue
City: Miami Gardens
State: FL
Postal Code: 33054
Main Phone: (305) 625-8354
Main Fax: (305) 625-0744
Organization Website: https://www.mariancenterschool.org/
Employer ID Number: 65-0341008
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 13, 2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Marian Center School for Disabilities 2025-2026 School Year
Project Description:

We respectfully request a grant from the Hermanowski Foundation to serve up to 50 students with mild to moderate developmental disabilities, ages 6-21, at Marian Center School (MCS) during the 2025-2026 school year.

Located in the ninth-poorest ZIP code in all of Miami-Dade (33054), MCS provides highly qualified, individualized instruction and support for students with special needs, at no or little cost to low- to moderate-income families. Providing accessible services is critical for the community we serve; according to the 2019 United Way Miami ALICE Report, 71% of children with disabilities in Miami-Dade under ages 0-17 live in households that are below the cost-of-living threshold.

MCS is fully accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference as a Special School, and provides students with individualized, highly specialized education plans designed to support their academic, self care, social, and pre-vocational skill development and success. We have certified, experienced special education teachers in each classroom, with one specially-trained teacher assistant per class. There is a maximum of 12 students per classroom, and classes are held from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, weekdays from August through June.

Our specialized education plans are unique to each student, based on our Curriculum and Assessment Guide. The Guide is the result of professional research and application on students with diverse ability and intellectual disability, and consists of a series of educational goals and objectives that form each student’s Individual Learning Plan. Classes are ungraded, allowing students to progress at their own unique pace.

During their enrollment at MCS, students receive attention, care, and love for their individual needs and abilities. As a result, students consistently demonstrate mastery of skills and retention of knowledge appropriate for their level of intellectual ability, which leads them to develop self worth and self-reliance to ultimately lead fruitful and productive lives.

Total Project Budget: $566,775

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): For the 2025-2026 school year, 80% of school revenue will be generated from the State of Florida through Family Empowerment Scholarship For Unique Abilities. This has historically been the case and we have every indication it will continue. We anticipate that 13% of revenue will come from family contributions (pending). We are working to raise the remaining 7% through grants from community partners like the Hermanowski Foundation. Though Marian Center is a subordinate of the Archdiocese of Miami, we serve all faiths and are an independent organization, receiving no financial support from the church. In fact, this is our first intentional fundraising effort in 60 years. This year, we have secured grants from The Peacock Foundation ($20,000), The Batchelor Foundation ($15,000), and The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation ($15,000). We anticipate renewing these grants in 2025. Additional funding is currently pending from GEO Group ($20,000), the Leslie L. Alexander Foundation ($20,000), and Albert & Birdie Einstein Fund ($15,000). We are at the beginning of our intentional fundraising efforts and are working to secure more grant support for our school program. We hope to soon count the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Foundation among our education partners.

Project Duration: MCS’s 2025-2026 school year will run from August 2025 through June 2026; however, funding from Hermanowski Foundation, if awarded, will be completely used between July 1 (in preparation for the upcoming school year) and December 31, 2025.
Geographical Area Served: Opa-Locka and surrounding communities
Age Group To Be Served: Ages 6-21 (K-12 students)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Maria
Contact Last Name: Fogarty
Contact Title: Board Member
Contact Phone: (305) 625-8354
Contact Email: mvfogarty@gmail.com