Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: WeGo Together for Kids
Legal Name (if Different): Metropolitan Family Services
Also Known As: WeGo Together for Kids
Mailing Address: 222 E Willow Ave
City: Wheaton
State: IL
Postal Code: 60187
Main Phone: 7738023881
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.wegotogetherforkids.com
Employer ID Number: 36-2167940
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/24/2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Community Social Worker
Project Description:

This project aims to expand mental health services and community engagement in West Chicago by hiring a bilingual Community Social Worker (CSW). The CSW will provide mental health services, programs, and resources to children and families in community spaces such as food pantries, libraries, faith communities, and laundromats. They will offer direct services like parenting classes, group therapy, and one-on-one therapy, while also supporting partner organizations by integrating social-emotional elements into existing programs and providing basic mental health training for staff.

The goals are to:
1. Connect parents and children to mental health resources and ongoing support.
2. Reduce stigma around mental health services.
3. Enhance social-emotional development in existing programs.

This approach addresses the top need for behavioral health services in West Chicago, especially for low-income, Hispanic, and Spanish-speaking families. By meeting people where they are, the project aims to eliminate transportation barriers and normalize mental health practices without adding to families’ schedules.

The community-based approach will help decrease the stigma of accessing mental health services, particularly in the Hispanic community. By expanding the presence of a mental health provider in everyday spaces, the project seeks to create a healthier culture in West Chicago and improve coping skills, self-regulation, communication, and emotional awareness for both children and parents.

This initiative builds on a current pilot program using a Master’s level intern and aims to create a full-time, permanent position to maximize impact and reach in the community.

Total Project Budget: $85,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): DuPage County (potential); Northwestern Medicine (potential); DuPage Foundation (potential); United Way of Metro Chicago (confirmed)

Project Duration: ongoing
Geographical Area Served: West Chicago, IL
Age Group To Be Served: children and their families

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Molly
Contact Last Name: Beck Dean
Contact Title: Director, WeGo Together for Kids
Contact Phone: 7738023881
Contact Email: beckdeanm@metrofamily.org