Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Employment Resources, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different): Employment Resources, Inc.
Also Known As: The Oberle Academy
Mailing Address: 404 Willis Street, PO Box 801
City: Fredericksburg
State: VA
Postal Code: 22405
Main Phone: 5403726710
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.theoberleacademy.org
Employer ID Number: 54-15636468
Organization Tax Status: non-profit

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 2.23.26
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Empower HER Oberle
Project Description:

The "Empower Her Oberle" program is based on six pillars: Self-Awareness/Confidence, Self-Care/Mental Health, Job Skills/Career Readiness, Financial Literacy, Community Outreach/Service, and Experiences/Trips/Guest Speakers. This type of social-emotional learning (SEL) program teaches young people to identify emotions, understand strengths, and build a growth mindset, all of which contribute to reduced anxiety and improved coping skills. (ggie.berkeley.edu) SEL programs are strongly linked to improved self-awareness, self-management, and a sense of purpose – all protective factors for mental health. Girls aged 13-21 are more likely than boys to report anxiety and self-esteem struggles during adolescence. Self-awareness training helps them better understand emotional triggers, build identity and self-efficacy, and make healthier decisions under stress. " A review of women’s empowerment programs found that interventions aimed at building knowledge, skills, peer support, and emotional awareness led to measurable improvements in mental health outcomes. The review identified four effective components: mental health and emotional awareness training; reading/educational programs that expand knowledge; peer support and community building; and skill-building and engagement opportunities. These interventions support increased confidence, reduced anxiety and depression, greater self-advocacy, and stronger resilience."(mdpi.com)
"Girls with special needs face significant mental health disparities, often experiencing rates of anxiety and depression that are several times higher than their peers without disabilities. Targeted programs focusing on confidence, resilience, and self-advocacy have shown measurable success in reducing these symptoms and improving long-term outcomes."(https://www.bcm.edu/research/research-centers/center-for-research-on-women-with-disabilities). Only 35% of girls with special needs are considered "flourishing" (based on resilience and self-regulation), roughly half the rate of their peers (69%) General confidence in girls has dropped significantly in recent years, but for those with disabilities, this is exacerbated by peer victimization and social isolation (The Annie E. Casey Foundation). Research in positive youth development shows that experiences that promote self-reflection, emotional self-regulation, and self-esteem strengthen resilience and psychological well-being in adolescents. (link.springer.com).

Total Project Budget: $50,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): The Oberle Academy budget

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: All of Planning district 16, Prince William, Faquier, Orange and Hanover counties
Age Group To Be Served: 8-21

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Jeanine
Contact Last Name: Marchese
Contact Title: Grant Research
Contact Phone: 5403726710
Contact Email: jmarchese@theoberleacademy.org