Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Freedom To Rise
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Freedom to R.I.S.E.
Mailing Address: 15407 Minerva Avenue
City: Dolton
State: IL
Postal Code: 60419
Main Phone: 3123392004
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.freedom2rise.org
Employer ID Number: 93-1845320
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/20/2026
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Community Literacy & Food Access Support Initiative
Project Description:

Freedom to R.I.S.E. proposes the Community Literacy & Food Access Support Initiative to strengthen access to educational resources and healthy food awareness for children, families, and seniors in the south suburban Cook County area, including Park Forest and surrounding communities.

This project integrates literacy engagement with community wellness by providing reading materials, facilitated literacy activities, and food access education through trusted community and faith-based partners. Many families and seniors in the communities served experience barriers related to access, mobility, and limited resources, which can affect both educational outcomes and overall well-being. This initiative is designed to address those challenges through culturally responsive, community-centered programming.

Project activities will include the distribution of age-appropriate literacy materials, facilitated reading and discussion sessions, and community workshops that connect literacy with wellness and healthy food access. Seniors and caregivers will be engaged to support intergenerational learning and to ensure programming reflects lived experience and community priorities.

The project is expected to serve approximately 75–100 individuals, including children, families, and seniors. Outcomes include increased access to literacy resources, strengthened community connections, and improved awareness of food access and wellness supports. By leveraging partnerships and community leadership, Freedom to R.I.S.E. aims to deliver meaningful, scalable impact while remaining accountable to the community it serves.

Total Project Budget: 15,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): I AM–Chi Micro-Grant (Committed): $11,000 Individual Donations (Committed/Potential): $2,000 In-Kind & Community Partner Contributions (Committed): $2,000

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: South Suburban Cook County, Illinois (including Park Forest and surrounding communities)
Age Group To Be Served: Children, families, and seniors (intergenerational)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Chanel
Contact Last Name: Kennedy-Bertrand
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 3123392004
Contact Email: contact@freedom2rise.org