Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Best Foot Forward Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Best Foot Forward
Mailing Address: 21441 Boca Rio Road
City: Boca Raton
State: FL
Postal Code: 33433
Main Phone: 561-470-8300
Main Fax: 561-922-6459
Organization Website: www.bestfoot.org
Employer ID Number: 30-0598378
Organization Tax Status: 501 c 3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/29/2015
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Educational Advocacy Program fro High School and College
Project Description:

Children coming into the foster care system are often behind educationally due to sporadic attendance, changing schools, and chaos at home. In fact, less than 50% of youth involved in the system will graduate from high school and only 3% will obtain their college degree. Best Foot Forward (BFF) seeks to improve these dismal outcomes one student at a time.
BFF uses an evidence based model called Check & Connect to support elementary, middle, and high school students in foster care. Each student in the BFF program is assigned an Educational Advocate who will build a long-term relationship with the student supporting them through their academic challenges and celebrating their successes. The Advocate meets with the student weekly to check on their attendance, behavior, and grades and to connect the student by offering individualized interventions and incentives in partnership with school personnel, families, and community service providers.
The Educational Advocate acts as a mentor encouraging the student to build on their natural abilities; as a community professional referring the student to school and community programs; and as an advocate empowering the student to voice their concerns and express their feelings.
One key element of the program is recognizing when a student needs additional help in core subjects. When remediation is needed, BFF connects the student with a specialized tutor to improve their understanding of the subject. Tutors provide struggling youth with one-on-one support and attention giving them to encouragement and guidance to succeed.

Total Project Budget: $323,266

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): AT&T, Jim Moran Foundation, City of Boca Raton, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation

Project Duration: 2015-2016
Geographical Area Served: Palm Beach County, Florida
Age Group To Be Served: 14-23

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Debbie
Contact Last Name: Ellman
Contact Title: Co-Founder
Contact Phone: 561 470-8300
Contact Email: dellman@bestfoot.org