Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: GENES Foundation
Legal Name (if Different): n/a
Also Known As: n/a
Mailing Address: 301 Altara Avenue, Unit 402
City: Coral Gables
State: Florida
Postal Code: 33146
Main Phone: (305) -563-9215
Main Fax: n/a
Organization Website: https://www.genesfoundation.com/en/foundation-genes/
Employer ID Number: 47-5503803
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 27,2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Support for Genetic Conditions — Patients & Families Workshops & Activities
Project Description:

We respectfully request your consideration of a grant in the amount of $10,000 to support GENES Foundation’s Support for Genetic Conditions — Patients & Families Workshops & Activities (PFWA) program. This program provides holistic therapeutic, social and emotional wellness support for 400+ children affected by genetic conditions annually, and creates a support network and education opportunities for their families English and Spanish.

In Miami-Dade, an average of four children are born with a birth disorder each day; approx. 1,500 new babies – and in turn, their families – are affected each year. Beyond their medical and physical needs, 60-70% of children with genetic conditions face learning issues and 32% experience behavioral issues such as frustration, temper tantrums, stress, etc. (American Academy of Pediatrics). These challenges lead to the divorce rate among families with children affected by disabilities to be as high as 87% (Psychology Today, 2023).

PFWA provides wellness training workshops, recreational classes, and workshops for patients, couples, and siblings to support them in the challenges of special needs care. Services include:

• Wellness Training – provides six months of weekly classes for participants to receive much-needed therapy and therapeutic tools (exercise ball, yoga mat, manipulative objects) for young patients and teaches caregivers how to continue exercises at home.

• The GENES Dance Team meets weekly August through May, giving children with genetic conditions a supportive, confidence-boosting, and fun way to exercise and express themselves.

• To strengthen families and reduce the harmful stress of caregiving, we host three inclusion events and 16 workshops per year for couples, families, and teens. Guided by a psychologist or family therapist, workshops address communication and stress management while building participants’ social networks.

Total Project Budget: $51,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): We are grateful for the committed support of Dr. Mislen Bauer at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in the amount of $30,000. We are working to re-establish our programs and funding partners since the pandemic, when we paused operations due to the medical fragility of those we serve and concerns from their families. Requests are currently pending with Community Foundation of Coral Gables, Peacock Foundation, Florida Panthers Foundation, and the Harry T. Mangurian Foundation. As a small, grassroots organization, we are so thankful for any consideration the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Foundation can provide towards our efforts to support children affected by disabilities and their families in thriving together.

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Miami-Dade County
Age Group To Be Served: Ages 5 through 18 (K-12 students)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Andrea
Contact Last Name: Villegas
Contact Title: Founder & Executive Director
Contact Phone: (305) -563-9215
Contact Email: genesfoundation@gmail.com