Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Lighthouse of Broward County, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: LHOB
Mailing Address: 650 North Andrews Ave
City: Fort Lauderdale
State: FL
Postal Code: 33311
Main Phone: 9544634217
Main Fax: 954-764-3825
Organization Website: www.LHOB.org
Employer ID Number: 59-1650909
Organization Tax Status: 501-C-3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 12, 2021
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Children’s Services to Independence
Project Description:

Children’s Services to Independence (CSTI) goal is for children to participate in critical rehabilitation, recreational, and education activities to maximize their development and self-sufficiency. CSTI currently serves 97 blind and visually impaired (BVI)children under 13 years old and their parents, who live in Broward County remotely due to the pandemic social distancing measures. LHOB’s Bright Beginnings Early Intervention Program supports 42 children whose ages range from birth through 5 years old. The remaining 55 are children, ages 6 – 13 obtain services through LHOB’s KIDS (Keys to Independence) Program.

Our staff conducts assessments and creates an Individual Education Plan for each client. Babies and toddlers learn how to use all their senses (hearing, touch, taste, smell, proprioceptive) and their remaining vision. Play therapy activities include addressing cognitive skills, communication, using assistive technology, and compensatory skills. Also, instructors teach personal care, socialization skills, and fine/gross motor skills.

Older children, ages 6 – 13, participate in year-round programming during non-school days, Saturdays, and summer months. Activities enable children to learn safe travel skills, age-appropriate cooking and self-care techniques, Braille, computers and adaptive communication devices, and polite social interaction and self-advocacy. Case managers and instructors provide parents with information and support available resources not available at LHOB. Our agency remains open remotely through video conference lessons and social distance activities. Specifically, our staff helps families adjust to distance learning and provides additional materials necessary to study online for children.

Children in CSTI typically have multiple handicapping conditions. Therefore, BVI children are often not in the BCPS Program designated for the Visually Impaired. CSTI fills the gap to ensure these children achieve academic and life success. Services include equipment necessary for educational and social progression. CSTI curriculum also gives children access and opportunities to improve and advance their Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics skills (STEAM).

Total Project Budget: $483,366

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Division of Blind Services; United Way of Broward County; Henry L. & Kathryn Mills Foundation; Hoffa Memorial Foundation; Innovating Worthy Projects Foundation; Joe Sonken Trust; Kegel Foundation, Negley Flinn Foundation, Gore Foundation, Deaver Phoenix Foundation, and the Albert & Birdie Einstein Fund.

Project Duration: Year-Round
Geographical Area Served: Broward County, FL
Age Group To Be Served: Birth to 13 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Samantha
Contact Last Name: Kelly
Contact Title: VP of Programs
Contact Phone: 954-463-4217 ext. 118
Contact Email: skelly@lhob.org