Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: The Kerengende Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 1 South Church Street, Suite 400
City: Belleville
State: IL
Postal Code: 62220
Main Phone: 618-767-4526
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://kerengendefoundation.org
Employer ID Number: 83-3166337
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 3/29/24
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Counseling and Support for Youth Survivors of Human Trafficking and Sexual Abuse
Project Description:

Kerengende Foundation (KF) supports human trafficking and child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors and their families in the Saint Louis, Missouri metropolitan region with culturally-responsive services. With a specific focus on the underserved communities of East St. Louis, Cahokia, and Belleville, Illinois, we work to decrease the number of youth impacted by sexual trauma and to create safe spaces for families to learn how to recover from and prevent abuse.

The black and brown communities of East St. Louis and Cahokia experience community stressors such as high rates of poverty, violence, and poor health as well as the presence of predatory lenders, casinos, and strip clubs. Additionally, according to the Illinois Board of Education, East St. Louis and Cahokia high schools have some of the highest chronic truancy rates in the state at 92.3% and 82.4% respectively. Coupled with limited access to quality mental health care and preventive and supportive systems, these factors place youth at a greater risk to experience human trafficking and sexual abuse.

After experiencing this trauma, youth survivors may experience adverse mental and behavioral health symptoms such as depression, PTSD, substance use, and more. There is a dire need to address survivors’ underlying trauma and basic needs in order to support their long term safety and well-being while reducing the risky behaviors that are symptomatic of trauma.

KF provides counseling, case management, advocacy, and psychoeducation to youth survivors. We provide therapy and counseling to survivors by partnering with organizations, social workers, and contract therapists. Our services include evaluating the safety of each survivor, identifying their needs, and collaborating with partner organizations to ensure that survivors receive basic needs and continuous, coordinated support. The requested funding will support the costs of this program, including contract fees for therapists and counselors, support groups, and providing emergency support funds and resources for families in crisis.

Total Project Budget: 70,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Kerengende Foundation’s current committed funders include Saigh Foundation ($15,000); Marillac Mission Fund ($20,000), Ameren ($10,000), and Garcia Hamilton & Associates ($5,000). Potential funding includes Spirit of St. Louis Women’s Fund ($25,000), TEGNA Foundation ($5,000) and other prospective foundations and corporations.

Project Duration: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Geographical Area Served: This program serves youth in the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan region, focusing on the underserved communities of East St. Louis, Belleville, and Cahokia, Illinois. The St. Louis metro region spans the states of Missouri and Illinois and is divided by the Mississippi River. We focus on low-income communities of color.
Age Group To Be Served: Youth up to 21 years old

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Amber
Contact Last Name: Clayborne
Contact Title: Founder and Executive Director
Contact Phone: 618-767-4526
Contact Email: amber.clayborne@kerengendefoundation.org