Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Armed Services YMCA of the USA
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads
Mailing Address: 1465 Lakeside Road
City: Virginia Beach City
State: VA
Postal Code: 23455
Main Phone: 17573631884
Main Fax: 17573631951
Organization Website: https://hamptonroads.asymca.org
Employer ID Number: 36-3274346
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c) (3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/11/24
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Operation Little Learners
Project Description:

Operation Little Learners (OLL) is a free 13-week interactive school readiness program for military parents and children aged 18 months to 5 years designed to enhance child development. Classes meet twice weekly for two hours. OLL supports and builds parents’ confidence in their role as their child’s first teacher and provides tools to enhance early childhood development while creating opportunities for parent-child bonding which is essential for predicting a child’s ability to develop healthy relationships, handle conflicts, and have a higher quality of life into adulthood. Parents guide their children through learning stations, join in singing songs, crafts, circle time, and recess. The classes offer activities to enhance cognitive, emotional, social, and motor skills. Each month, OLL organizes a Family Fun Outing and a Craft & Conversation meetup.

Military families face unique stressors, such as frequent moves without warning, economic hardships, and feelings of isolation. Short-term deployments can further contribute to a sense of being untethered without family support or an established local network. Junior-enlisted active-duty spouses, often young and new parents, are away from their familiar home community. OLL provides a setting for both parents and children to make new friendships and feel part of a community, crucial for military families.

Operation Little Learners helps these families connect and thrive.

Total Project Budget: 364,009

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): USAA Fdn, United Way, PNC Fdn, PenFed Fdn, Hampton Roads Community Fdn

Project Duration: Each session is 13 weeks
Geographical Area Served: Hampton Roads, Virginia
Age Group To Be Served: 18 months – 5 years

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Debbie
Contact Last Name: Brinkley
Contact Title: Grants Manager
Contact Phone: 17573631884
Contact Email: dbrinkley@asymca.org