Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Hibiscus Children’s Center
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: The Village
Mailing Address: 1145 12th Street
City: Vero Beach
State: Florida
Postal Code: 32960
Main Phone: 772-299-6011
Main Fax: 772-299-6012
Organization Website: www.HibiscusChildrensCenter.org
Employer ID Number: 59-2632361
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c) (3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/9/2021
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Career Pathways to Independence
Project Description:

The Village is a 40-bed group home facility that opened its doors in May, 2004 to provide a safe haven for abused youth. Youth, ages 13 to 17, are removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect and/or abandonment by the State. The youth are placed at the Village for a few days, months, or sometimes, even years. Many youth will “age out of the system” with us at age 18. The Career Pathways to independence teaches youth, ages 13 – 17, to participate in life skill development and career preparation training. The youth are engaged in community based internships with local businesses and agencies. Participating youth receive a career and interest assessment to provide an understanding of talents, interests, personality and skills in order to establish compatible future work areas and fields of interest. All youth attend seminars on a variety of career and independent living topics, attend weekly focus groups, and are provided with an opportunity to participate in three different work experiences: job shadowing, internship, and/or part-time employment lasting one to three weeks. In addition, participants are provided with an opportunity to open a bank account and learn how to manage it. The community need addressed is the lack of jobs, interpersonal skills and problem solving skills/trainings/opportunities for at-risk youth, compounded with the tragic statistics that abused youth are facing: Abused youth are nine times more likely to consider or attempt suicide which is the leading cause of death for children ages 5-18 years, and abused youth are nine times more likely to become involved in criminal activity and human trafficking.

Total Project Budget: 193,341

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): United Way, Indian River Community Foundation

Project Duration: Indefinite
Geographical Area Served: South East Florida – Treasure Coast
Age Group To Be Served: 12-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Pamela
Contact Last Name: LaFountain
Contact Title: Executive Assistant
Contact Phone: 772-340-5750 ext.205
Contact Email: plafountain@hcc4kids.org