Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Women for Afghan Women
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: WAW
Mailing Address: 71-19 162nd St, Unit CF-D
City: Fresh Meadows
State: New York
Postal Code: 11365
Main Phone: 718-591-2434
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://womenforafghanwomen.org/
Employer ID Number: 02-0539734
Organization Tax Status: Nonprofit status 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/28/2025
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Culturally Responsive Counseling for Refugee Youth
Project Description:

Women for Afghan Women’s (WAW) Virginia Community Center (VACC), located in Alexandria, VA, provides essential services to immigrant and refugee women, youth, and families across the DMV region—primarily Afghan newcomers who arrived following the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Many still face trauma, instability, and uncertain immigration statuses, requiring culturally responsive, linguistically appropriate, and trauma-informed support.
Led by Afghan immigrant women, WAW brings firsthand knowledge and deep cultural understanding to its work. In April 2024, in response to the acute mental health needs of Afghan youth, VACC launched a school-based mental health initiative in partnership with Alexandria City High School and Hammond Middle School. These students, aged 13 to 19, have fled violence and upheaval and now face new challenges in the U.S.—cultural adjustment, language barriers, bullying, family tension, financial hardship, and academic pressure—while still carrying the weight of past trauma.
VACC’s Afghan Mental Health Counselor visits both schools twice a week, providing individual and group counseling, peer support, recreational activities, social service referrals, and cultural competency training for school staff. The Counselor’s shared language and cultural background help create a safe space where students feel seen, heard, and supported. One student shared, “I usually don’t feel comfortable talking openly to anyone, but with you, I feel comfortable.”
To date, 67 students across Alexandria City High School and Hammond Middle School have benefited from this initiative. Early outcomes show improvements in attendance, academic performance, behavior, and emotional well-being.
With support from the Hermanowski Family Foundation, WAW seeks to continue and expand this vital program to ensure Afghan refugee youth in Alexandria receive the mental health support they need to heal, thrive, and build hopeful futures. We welcome the opportunity to submit a full proposal.

Total Project Budget: 60,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Potential: L B Research And Education Foundation, Bloedorn Foundation, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia

Project Duration: Launched in April 2024; currently active and designed as a long-term initiative to support Afghan refugee youth.
Geographical Area Served: Alexandria, Virginia
Age Group To Be Served: 13 to 19 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Rigi
Contact Last Name: Philip
Contact Title: Development Manager
Contact Phone: 718-591-2434
Contact Email: rigi@womenforafghanwomen.org