Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Connection Center
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: The Rec
Mailing Address: 1315 15th St SE
City: DeMotte
State: IN
Postal Code: 46310
Main Phone: 219-987-7729
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.demotteconnection.com/
Employer ID Number: 92-0291643
Organization Tax Status: Non-Profit, 501C3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/17/2026
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Connection Summer Camp
Project Description:

This character and community service–themed summer camp is designed to help children and youth grow in character, leadership, and a heart for service while actively engaging in their community. Each week, campers explore foundational values such as integrity, kindness, courage, and compassion through interactive lessons, hands-on service projects, and intentional relationship-building. As a faith-based organization, The Connection Center fosters an environment rooted in hope, encouragement, and service that positively impacts the broader community. Through a balance of teaching, action, and reflection, campers learn how strong values influence healthy choices and meaningful community involvement.

Camp programming is intentionally designed to support the whole child—emotionally, mentally, physically, and socially. Through age-appropriate lessons and guided breakout sessions, campers build leadership skills, responsibility, resilience, and healthy decision-making habits. Small-group discussions strengthen communication skills, confidence, and emotional awareness. These lessons are reinforced through team-based service projects where campers practice cooperation, accountability, and the importance of giving back.

Sports, games, arts, and creative activities are woven throughout the camp experience to promote overall health and development. Athletic activities encourage physical wellness, teamwork, perseverance, and self-discipline. Creative expression supports emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, and confidence-building. Together, these experiences create a safe, supportive environment where youth feel known, valued, and empowered.

The camp also provides structured leadership opportunities for older youth and college students ages 16–21 who serve as mentors and support staff. These young leaders receive training in mentorship, responsibility, and positive role modeling while gaining real-world leadership experience.

As a result, participants develop strong character, healthy habits, emotional resilience, and a lasting commitment to service, equipping them to thrive in school, relationships, and their communities.

Total Project Budget:

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Community Donations and Local Business Donations

Project Duration: Summer 2027
Geographical Area Served: North West Indiana and 16 mile radius outside DeMotte Indiana
Age Group To Be Served: 7-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr
Contact First Name: Jeff
Contact Last Name: Martin
Contact Title: Director
Contact Phone: 219-270-0045
Contact Email: jeff.tccdemotte@gmail.com