Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Friendship Journey (DBA)
Legal Name (if Different): The Friendship Initiative
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 6574 N STATE ROAD 7 236
City: COCONUT CREEK
State: Florida
Postal Code: 33073-3625
Main Phone: 9542474434
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.thefriendshipjourney.org
Employer ID Number: 90-0719846
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 7/23/2024
Requested Amount: 3,500

Project Title: Inclusive Programs for Individuals with Disabilities
Project Description:

The Friendship Journey (TFJ) has been providing programs throughout Broward County that enhance inclusion opportunities for friends of all abilities across the lifespan since 2012. Friendships are fostered through shared experiences using art, music, and a variety of learning opportunities. All of our programs are provided free of charge, providing participants and their families with no financial barriers to access meaningful experiences and make friends. We currently have over 250 active community participants of all ages with disabilities participating in our in-person program. Over the past 13 years we have served over 800 community members, and we are proud to have over 100 active student volunteers (aged 13 and older) Our combined annual total served with in-person and digital programming is over 400 participants.

In addition to the programs we provide, we create inclusive opportunities for empowerment, leadership, and advocacy, creating ripples in our community and beyond. The Friendship Journey’s student board was developed to amplify local young voices of all abilities. Each year we also provide scholarships for graduating seniors of all abilities. We developed the opportunity for speech-language pathology graduate students to serve as student counselors in our innovative virtual summer camp and learn from their campers with disabilities to later become impactful professionals. We bring the community together annually through our Jaime Guttenberg and Gina Montalto Friendship Scholarship Celebration as well as our Annual Friendship Gala, both hosted at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Total Project Budget: 118,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Leslie Alexander Foundation – $20,000 (C) Frank L. Weyenberg – $5,000 (C) Looking Out Foundation – $2,000 (C) Goody Two Shoes $3,500 (P) Florida Panthers$5,000 (P) Florida Blue (P) Cowles Charitable Trust (P)

Project Duration: Ongoing/ 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Palm Beach and Broward Counties for in person program, digital reach extends to 10 states.
Age Group To Be Served: 5-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Karen
Contact Last Name: Wilson
Contact Title: Treasurer
Contact Phone: 954-683-9216
Contact Email: karen@thefriendshipjourney.org