Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Archdiocese of Denver – Office of Catholic Schools
Legal Name (if Different): Archdiocese of Denver
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1300 S Steele St
City: Denver
State: Colorado
Postal Code: 80224
Main Phone: 303-722-4687
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://archden.org/
Employer ID Number: 84-0499858
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/27/2024
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Mental Health School Counseling and Psychological Services
Project Description:

Children’s suicide attempts were up 53% in the US, and various data points indicate an alarming increase in mental health challenges among Colorado youth, as evidenced by:

o High school students are reporting rising levels of persistent sadness and hopelessness.
o The share of Coloradans aged 18 and younger who reported eight or more days of poor mental health in the past 30 days more than doubled in just six years.
o Emergency room visits for mental health reasons among children increased by 140 percent between 2016 and 2021, while for adults, the increase was only 23 percent.
o Visits for self-harm among Colorado children more than tripled.
o Factors contributing to this crisis include:
 Academic pressure: Rising expectations to succeed academically.
 Social media: Increased use of social media platforms.
 Sleep deprivation: Fewer young people getting adequate sleep.
 Broader societal issues: Economic struggles, climate change, and gun violence.
 Isolation: Many young Coloradans lack robust support systems and feel overwhelmed by activities and stressors.
o The pandemic exacerbated the situation, with half of the youth reporting experiences such as emotional abuse, parents losing jobs, and youth experiencing hunger.

Catholic schools in Colorado do not receive public funding for school counselors or psychological services. The Archdiocese of Denver (AoD) and its Office of Catholic Schools (OCS) are pleased to share a program that aligns with the Hermanowski Family Foundation’s funding initiatives – the Mental Health Counseling and Services Program to address these issues. The AoD requests a $10,000 grant to help expand the Program to more schools and thereby improve the lives of over 9,000 Catholic School students.

Total Project Budget: 3,667,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Four grants from family foundations, with one requesting a match of other foundations and donors, and several individual donors.

Project Duration: Academic year 2024-2025
Geographical Area Served: Northern Colorado
Age Group To Be Served: 4-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Theresa
Contact Last Name: Brandorff
Contact Title: Grants Director
Contact Phone: 303-715-2026
Contact Email: theresa.brandorff@archden.org