Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Lighthouse of Broward County
Legal Name (if Different): n/a
Also Known As: The Lighthouse
Mailing Address: 650 North Andrews Avenue
City: Fort Lauderdale
State: Florida
Postal Code: 33311
Main Phone: 954-463-4217
Main Fax: 954-764-3825
Organization Website: www.LHOB.org
Employer ID Number: 59-1650909
Organization Tax Status: 501-C-3 Non Profit

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: January 3, 2017
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Bright Beginnings – Early Intervention Program
Project Description:

Bright Beginnings – Early Intervention Program provides services to 40 babies/toddlers, who are blind or visually impaired, ages birth – 5, teaching them how to use all their senses (hearing, touch, taste, smell, proprioceptive) and whatever remaining vision they may have to maximize child development stages. The goal is for children to capitalize on use of any remaining sight and/or other sensory cues, to develop new behaviors that enhance independent functioning and to enter kindergarten prepared for learning.

Early Intervention Specialists teach infants and toddlers to learn through structured play therapies; parents learn how to use routine, daily activities as child development opportunities. Bright Beginnings incorporates use of tactile objects, exercises and interactions to develop gross and fine motor skills, sensory stimulation, cognitive development, communication, early literacy skills, social and emotional development and compensatory sensory skills (touching and hearing) that enable babies/toddlers to maximize use of any remaining sight and/or other sensory cues to learn and develop.

The program gives parents tools to help their child reach critical developmental stages normally achieved through visual interaction with the world. Parents are engaged through family meetings, telephone follow-up, one-on-one sessions, and satisfaction surveys.

Learning to walk and play seems like a rite of passage for a toddler, but for parents of Hank C. who was 3 months when he came to LHOB, it is a dream come true. Shortly after birth, Hank was diagnosed with LCA – Leber’s Congenital Atrophy, a very rare condition that causes blindness. Hank has two cousins with LCA. LHOB has been a part of this family’s life for generations. Hank’s mom shared, “I feel it is going to be a normal childhood for Hank. We have a sense of community through the Lighthouse, and we are eternally grateful.”

Total Project Budget: $129,126

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: Division of Blind Services, Henry and Kathryn Mills Foundation; Taft Foundation. Potential: Individuals, Einstein Fnd, Individuals

Project Duration: Year Round – Ongoing
Geographical Area Served: Broward County
Age Group To Be Served: Children Birth to 5 years of age

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Karen
Contact Last Name: Parparian
Contact Title: Director of Programs
Contact Phone: 954-463-4217 ext. 130
Contact Email: kparparian@LHOB.org