Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Center for Whitley County Youth, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: The Center
Mailing Address: 201 W Market St
City: Columbia City
State: IN
Postal Code: 46725
Main Phone: 260-248-4977
Main Fax:
Organization Website: thecenterwcy.com
Employer ID Number: 20-5993971
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/31/2025
Requested Amount: 3,500

Project Title: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Fostering Holistic Youth Development through After School Central (ASC) and After School SERVE (SERVE) Programs in Whitley County, Indiana
Project Description:

The Center for Whitley County Youth respectfully requests $3,500 to support our After School Central (ASC) and SERVE programs for the 2025–2026 fiscal year in Columbia City and South Whitley, Indiana. These free, high-impact programs serve middle and high school students ages 11–18—providing a safe space, trusted mentors, and real-world learning opportunities that help youth grow into confident, capable young adults.

ASC supports middle schoolers during critical after-school hours with academic help, healthy snacks, enrichment activities, and social-emotional support. SERVE builds on that foundation by helping high school students explore career paths, build resumes, connect with local employers, and develop leadership skills. Together, these programs equip students with the tools they need to succeed—both in school and in life.

In 2025, The Center will celebrate 20 years of empowering local youth. What began as one program has grown into 15, serving over 1,400 student enrollments last year alone. Yet we remain a grassroots nonprofit focused on meeting the needs of our rural community. We do not receive United Way or large public charity support, relying instead on dedicated partners like the Hermanowski Foundation to help us reach those who might otherwise be left behind.

With your support, we will continue transforming the lives of young people—meeting them where they are and helping them discover just how far they can go.

Total Project Budget: $31,100; The total cost anticipated to be incurred during the 2025-26 fiscal year by The Center (not including building expenses, staff salaries, software fees, and other administrative expenses) to provide quality financial literacy, education, and health and wellness programming through our After School Central and After School SERVE programs at our Columbia City and South Whitley locations is approximately $31,100.

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Projected income for all Center activities for the 24-25 fiscal year (July 1 to June 30th) is expected from the following sources: grants and foundation (56%), annual fund fundraising (21%), non-charitable income (3%), government grants (10%), LifeWise sponsors (5%), and board fundraising (5%)

Project Duration: Ongoing; funds would be used to to support our program during our next fiscal year which is from 7/1/2025 to 6/30/2026
Geographical Area Served: Whitley County, Indiana, and surrounding areas
Age Group To Be Served: 11 to 18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Maren
Contact Last Name: Gernhardt
Contact Title: Director of Communications
Contact Phone: 260-248-4977
Contact Email: maren@thecentercc.com