Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads
Legal Name (if Different): Armed Services YMCA of the USA
Also Known As: Hampton Roads Armed Services YMCA
Mailing Address: 1465 Lakeside Road
City: Virginia Beach
State: Virginia
Postal Code: 23455
Main Phone: 757-363-1884
Main Fax: 757-363-1953
Organization Website: https://hamptonroads.asymca.org
Employer ID Number: 36-3274346
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/26/2026
Requested Amount: 7500

Project Title: Operation Little Learners
Project Description:

Military families face unique stressors such as frequent relocations, economic strain, and separation during deployments. These challenges disrupt continuity in education and make it difficult for families to build stable community networks. Operation Little Learners provides a crucial support system by creating a welcoming space where both children and parents can form lasting friendships, easing the isolation that comes with military life.

Operation Little Learners (OLL) is a free “parent and me” school readiness program for military children ages 18 months – 5 years. The program offers an interactive, parent‑child learning environment that helps parents embrace their role as their child’s first teacher. Through guided activities, OLL enhances key developmental areas; cognitive, emotional, social, motor, and early academic skills while fostering meaningful parent‑child bonding.

Due to an expressed need by our families, we have added “OLL Minis” for military children birth – 18 months. The focus of this operation is on togetherness, bonding, and early socialization. Participants meet other active-duty families while our facilitator leads them through music, story time, and fun activities. Both programs include free monthly field trips and free “Craft and Conversation” meetups.

Classes meet twice per week for 13 weeks. Themed weekly lessons are tailored to each developmental stage. Parents report that OLL not only prepares their children for kindergarten but also offers emotional support for adults navigating the stresses of military life. Some even credit the program with profoundly improving their wellbeing during periods of loneliness or transition.

By building early academic readiness, strengthening family relationships, and cultivating a sense of belonging, Operation Little Learners provides a lifeline of stability and connection for military families. It ensures children have the developmental foundation they need to thrive, while giving parents the confidence, tools, and community support essential for raising resilient young learners.

Total Project Budget: 376,316

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Commited: $20,000 United Way of South Hampton Roads, $12,500 City of Virginia Beach Community Organization Grant, Newport News Shipyard – $5000; Potential: Cox Communications $10,000, PNC Foundation – $15,000

Project Duration: Continuous – 13 week sessions are held continuously throughout the community.
Geographical Area Served: All of Hampton Roads, Southside and Peninsula in Virginia. Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Newport News, Isle of Wight, Southampton and Franklin.
Age Group To Be Served: Birth – 5 years

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Debbie
Contact Last Name: Brinkley
Contact Title: Grants Manager
Contact Phone: 757-363-1884
Contact Email: dbrinkley@asymca.org