Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Utah Homicide Survivors
Legal Name (if Different): Utah Domestic Violence Legal Services
Also Known As: Utah Homicide Survivors
Mailing Address: 51 West Center Street, Suite 520
City: Orem
State: Utah
Postal Code: 84057
Main Phone: (801) 500-9077
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.utahhomicidesurvivors.org
Employer ID Number: 83-4139851
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: April 12, 2024
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Legal and Therapeutic Services for Surviving Children of Homicide Victims
Project Description:

In Utah, over 80 families annually experience the loss of a loved one to homicide, leaving them isolated and overwhelmed. Often lacking financial resources, these families struggle to navigate the legal and mental healthcare systems necessary to provide resolution and a path forward. The resulting trauma can have enduring negative impacts, particularly for children, who are disproportionately affected. Many of these tragedies stem from domestic violence, necessitating legal action to establish safe guardianship and address financial and emotional needs.

Utah Homicide Survivors (UHS) offers vital support and advocacy for these individuals. As Utah’s sole pro-bono legal services provider for families of homicide victims, UHS offers grief support groups, counseling, and comprehensive legal advocacy to help survivors navigate the aftermath of such traumatic events. We are seeking funding to provide legal and therapeutic support to families and children affected by homicide. Our dedicated legal team guides families through court processes to obtain rightful assets and establish safe guardianship arrangements. Additionally, UHS connects adult survivors with free online group therapy sessions, fostering a sense of community and reducing isolation. With more funding, we are aiming to extend similar services to our adolescent clients with specialized child trauma therapy. Addressing the various challenges these survivors face not only helps these individuals, but it also reduces the risk for secondary victimizations and prevents additional future tragedies in our community,

Total Project Budget: $521, 311.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: Victims of Crime Act Grant, Violence Against Women Act Grant, State of Utah, Utah State Bar Association, Miner Foundation – Potential: Eccles Family Foundation, Eskuche Family Foundation, McCarthey Family Foundation, Castle Foundation, Sorenson Legacy Foundation, Joan and Tim Fenton Family Foundation, Intermountain Healthcare, Ashton Family Foundation, Marriner Eccles Family Foundation

Project Duration: Ongoing
Geographical Area Served: Utah
Age Group To Be Served: All ages, primarily children

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Brandon
Contact Last Name: Merrill
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: (801) 860-0253
Contact Email: brandon@utahhomicidesurvivors.org