Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: GCDSO
Mailing Address: 915 S Federal Highway
City: Boynton Beach
State: FL
Postal Code: 33435
Main Phone: 561-752-3383
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://goldcoastdownsyndrome.org
Employer ID Number: 59-2350275
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 19, 2021
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: The Learning Program
Project Description:

How would you feel if someone told you that your child did not have the ability to learn? Parents of children with Down syndrome still have to deal with this mindset today. Gold Coast’s Learning Program is designed to overcome these misconceptions and prove these children are capable.

The Learning Program is a series of nine monthly workshops for parents and their children ages 3 through high school that provide teaching strategies, educational activities and resources for social and life skills development. Children and parents attend separate sessions. Parents of pre-school children through mid-elementary begin the program learning how to teach language arts and math skills while preschool children through mid-elementary work with a teacher and early childhood specialist on developing language, reading and math skills.

Workshops for late elementary and middle school parents focus on helping their children develop independent life skills; transition to middle and high schools; curriculum modifications; and writing effective Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals. Simultaneously, children – late elementary into middle school age, engage in group activities to practice and build emotional intelligence and life skills.

In workshops for parents of high school students, they receive critical information for transitioning into adulthood such as: guardianship, trust programs, school options for ages 18-22, and community resources. The teens consider their future job and living options; nutrition and fitness; and bond with their peer group in planned social activities.

The Learning Program includes:
• I Can Read! – (preschool through elementary school) focuses on literacy and math skills
• I’ve Got Skills! (middle school children) focuses on building independence and life skills
• Get A Life! (high schoolers) focuses on transitioning into adulthood
• Spanish Speakers Education and Support Group (ages 3 through high school) led by a parent mentor focuses on education, independence, life skills and transitioning into adulthood

Total Project Budget: $21,551

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): The Marino Family Foundation, The Batchelor Foundation

Project Duration: August 2021 – May 2022
Geographical Area Served: Palm Beach County, FL
Age Group To Be Served: Ages three through high school

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Corinne
Contact Last Name: Pike
Contact Title: Director of Development
Contact Phone: 561-752-3383
Contact Email: goldcoastdsorg@att.net