Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: This Is Me Inc
Legal Name (if Different):
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Mailing Address: 1651 Jefferson Parkway
City: Northfield
State: MN
Postal Code: 55057
Main Phone: 5075955437
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.idoexist.org
Employer ID Number: 99-2114963
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 12/19/2024
Requested Amount: 7500

Project Title: Providing Children in Foster Care an identity beyond "foster kid"
Project Description:

The Mission of This Is Me is to provide youth in foster care an identity to promote confidence, dignity, and a positive self-worth. This Is Me works to give kids pride in their accomplishments to see themselves as artists, athletes, scientists, and more! Foster youth typically have the label of "foster kid" – what if we give them something to be passionate about and something to grow their futures. Our approach is grounded in a psychological concept called ephemera – the idea that physical objects, like photos or mementos, serve as emotional anchors. they provide proof that someone mattered, that their experiences were important, and that they existed in this world. We believe that foster youth, who often face trauma and instability, need these physical markers to help them feel seen, heard, and valued.

This is Me will provide Forster youth with meaningful ephemera that helps them create an identity beyond their foster care experience. Our primary goal is to give these young people the confidence to see themselves as more than their circumstances, and to show them that they have the power to shape their own narratives.

Working with a group of volunteer photographers, trained in PTSD, Trauma, and Anxiety – kids and families in foster care will have access to senior photo shoots, and adoption and reunification photo shoots. Kids in foster care will be given a yearbook each year that shows them with their friends, in sports and clubs that they are passionate about – being a kid just like their peers. This is Me will provide letter jackets, club and sport photos, funding for things like swim club, cooking classes, dance class, horse camp, etc that allows youth in foster care a way to build on their passions and interests.

Total Project Budget: 30,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Northfield Shares – $4,000

Project Duration:
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Age Group To Be Served:

Contact Information

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