Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Jewish Family and Children’s Services of the Suncoast
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: JFCS of the Suncoast
Mailing Address: 2688 Fruitville Road
City: Sarasota
State: FL
Postal Code: 34237
Main Phone: (941)366-2224
Main Fax: (941)366-2982
Organization Website: www.jfcs-cares.org
Employer ID Number: 59-2693318
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c) (3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/26/2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Camp Mariposa, Sarasota
Project Description:

Camp Mariposa is an addiction prevention program for youth/teens impacted by a family member’s substance use disorder (SUD). Youth/Teens, ages 9-17, participate in a traditional camp experience that provides a respite from the trauma of the home environment with education and therapeutic themes. Therapeutic themes include suicide prevention and intervention, increasing resilience, the impact of substances on physical, emotional, and social well-being, and standing up against bullying/peer pressure. The traditional camp includes canoeing, ropes courses, zip lines, tree climbing, arts & crafts, horseback riding, and sports. Most of the campers are from low to moderate income homes and could never afford a camp experience. 86% of these kids are in families coping with mental illness in addition to addiction. 78% have experienced the grief of loss due to a parent’s death, incarceration, or permanent separation. 86% have experienced abuse and, too often, multiple forms of abuse, including emotional, verbal, neglect, physical, and/or sexual. Family treatment and wrap-around services can lessen the stressors at home. There are six youth camps (ages 9-12) and four teen camps (ages 13-17). Fifty unique campers will be served with 200 camper days and 250 case management services for their families including mental health counseling. Family Fun Days bring families together with the camper for bonding and increased commitment of parents/guardians to the camper’s wellbeing. These include movie nights, trips to the beach, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Selby Gardens, and Tampa Bay Rays.

During camp weekends, campers begin to feel less isolated, experience reduced feelings of shame and guilt, understand substance use disorders, and stop blaming themselves. The peer-to-peer connection creates a special bond among the camp youth and they become a type of family. This connection provides a non-judgmental and safe environment to process the shared challenges of family SUDs and other traumas.

Total Project Budget: $206,057

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): $143,998

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Sarasota and Manatee Counties
Age Group To Be Served: 9 to 17

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: George
Contact Last Name: Cooper
Contact Title: Grant and Donor Relations
Contact Phone: 941.366.2224, Ext 141
Contact Email: gcooper@jfcs-cares.org