Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Minarys Dream Alliance
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Minarys Dream Alliance
Mailing Address: 9155 AMERICAN LEGION RD
City: CHESTERTOWN
State: MD
Postal Code: 21620-3153
Main Phone: 3025668160
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://minarysdreamalliance.org/
Employer ID Number: 850988396
Organization Tax Status: Tax Exempt

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: December 30, 2025
Requested Amount: $9,000

Project Title: Growing Futures
Project Description:

Minary’s Dream Alliance proposes Rooted & Rising, a comprehensive, trauma-informed initiative designed to support children and young adults up to age 21 through integrated programming in education, health, and overall welfare, with a strong emphasis on mental health, life skills development, and youth empowerment.

At the core of this project is the intentional use of Minary’s Dream Alliance’s Healing Garden and Nature Sacred Spaces as living classrooms and restorative environments. These spaces provide safe, culturally responsive settings where youth can engage in nature-based practices proven to support emotional regulation, stress reduction, and resilience. Programming will combine hands-on garden activities, mindfulness and grounding exercises, social-emotional learning, and practical life skills instruction.

Youth participants will take part in facilitated workshops that build self-awareness, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and healthy coping strategies. Activities include guided mindfulness in nature, collaborative garden stewardship, nutrition and food-justice education, creative expression, and peer-led reflection circles. These experiences are designed to strengthen executive functioning, foster positive identity development, and reinforce a sense of belonging and community connection.

The project prioritizes youth who face barriers related to adverse childhood experiences, housing instability, economic hardship, and limited access to mental health resources. By embedding learning within nature and centering culturally affirming practices, Rooted & Rising meets young people where they are and honors their lived experiences.

Through consistent engagement, youth will gain practical tools to manage emotions, set goals, navigate relationships, and make informed decisions that support academic success, personal well-being, and long-term stability. Ultimately, Rooted & Rising cultivates healthier, more confident young people who are equipped to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically while remaining rooted in community and connection.

Total Project Budget: $9,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: Minary’s Dream Alliance – In-kind support (staff facilitation, garden space, program materials) Potential: Local Management Boards (youth mental health and prevention funding) Community foundations supporting youth wellness and education Health-focused and environmental justice funders Individual donors and community-based fundraising initiatives Corporate sponsorship aligned with youth development and health equity

Project Duration: 12 months, with programming delivered on a rolling basis throughout the year and aligned with seasonal use of the Healing Garden and Nature Sacred Spaces.
Geographical Area Served: Maryland’s Eastern Shore, with a primary focus on: Kent County Queen Anne’s County Talbot County Caroline County Dorchester County Worcester County
Age Group To Be Served: Children and young adults from early childhood through age 21, with age-appropriate programming designed for developmental stages including elementary-aged youth, adolescents, and young adults.

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Vanessa
Contact Last Name: Holloway-Truxon
Contact Title: Parent Engagement Coordinator
Contact Phone: 4106991728
Contact Email: vanessa.holloway-truxon@minarysdreamalliance.org