Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Saint Francis Children’s Center (SFCC)
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 6700 N Port Washington Rd
City: Milwaukee
State: Wisconsin
Postal Code: 53217
Main Phone: 414-351-0450
Main Fax:
Organization Website: sfcckids.org
Employer ID Number: 39-6092761
Organization Tax Status: 501(C)(3) Nonprofit

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/2/2026
Requested Amount: $6,000

Project Title: Ready Before Kindergarten: Closing Developmental Gaps in the First Three Years
Project Description:

The earliest years of life shape everything that follows. As Neurons to Neighborhoods reminds us, early experiences build the foundation for brain development, learning, behavior, and long-term health. Saint Francis Children’s Center (SFCC) ensures that infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities in Milwaukee receive specialized intervention during this critical window — when support has the greatest lifelong impact.
SFCC is one of only three agencies contracted by Milwaukee County to deliver the federally mandated Birth to 3 Program under IDEA Part C. The program serves children under age three with diagnosed disabilities or at least a 25% developmental delay across cognitive, physical, communication, social-emotional, or adaptive development. Each child is supported by a dedicated service coordinator and a multidisciplinary team of pediatric therapists and special educators. Services are delivered in the child’s natural environment — most often the home — where parents are coached to embed therapeutic strategies into daily routines. The goal is clear: close developmental gaps before children enter Kindergarten, increasing school readiness, independence, and long-term success.
SFCC also addresses a critical barrier through its Gear for Growth Lending Library. When therapists identify a need for adaptive mobility, communication, feeding, or sensory equipment, insurance approval can take up to six months — a significant lost window for development. The Lending Library provides immediate, short-term access to curated adaptive equipment so children can continue progressing while families determine the best long-term fit. This prevents regression, strengthens therapy outcomes, and empowers caregivers.
Despite its impact, the Birth to 3 Program operates at a deficit, as public funding does not cover full service costs. A $6,000 grant will help sustain intensive early intervention and expand access to critical adaptive tools at the moment they matter most. Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to an opportunity to submit a full proposal.

Total Project Budget: $1,206,860

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Federal, State, and County Funding (committed) Herzfeld Foundation (committed) Archer Charitable Trust (potential) Heeb Foundation (potential) Burmester Charitable Trust (potential)

Project Duration: Ongoing – funds to be directed to 2027 budget
Geographical Area Served: Milwaukee County, WI
Age Group To Be Served: Birth to 3 years of age

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Emily
Contact Last Name: Peterson
Contact Title: Fundraiser
Contact Phone: 815-222-2402
Contact Email: emily@abundantphilanthropy.com