Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: N.O.D. Nation of Diversity Corp
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 35 Shining Amber Way
City: Franklinton
State: NC
Postal Code: 27525
Main Phone: 919-349-1312
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.nodnow.org/
Employer ID Number: 86-3703586
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 02/26/2026
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: The Circle Speaks
Project Description:

The Circle Speaks is a transformative, year-round creative wellness program serving youth and young adults (ages 14–21) experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or unmet mental health needs in Wake County. This initiative integrates arts-based expression, peer support, and trauma-informed wellness strategies to foster resilience, self-efficacy, and social connection among marginalized youth.

Participants engage in weekly creative labs including visual arts, storytelling, movement, and poetry, paired with mindfulness, breathwork, and reflective peer circles. These sessions provide a safe, empowering environment for youth to explore identity, process trauma, and build coping strategies. The program culminates in ongoing community showcases throughout the year, amplifying participant voices, reducing stigma, and promoting public recognition of youth creativity.

The Circle Speaks directly addresses critical gaps in services for unhoused and housing-insecure youth who often lack access to consistent, supportive, and expressive spaces. By centering artistic engagement alongside social and emotional support, the program strengthens emotional resilience, fosters peer networks, and encourages personal and community empowerment.

Nation of Diversity (N.O.D.) brings proven expertise in arts-based youth programming, community engagement, and trauma-informed practice. Partnerships with local social service organizations ensure comprehensive support, including referrals for housing, mental health, and educational resources.

Funding from the Hermanowski Foundation will cover facilitator fees, materials, venue costs, wellness integration tools, and community showcases, enabling direct access and participation for youth. This program aligns fully with the foundation’s mission to improve and transform the lives of young people through arts, education, health, and welfare services, ensuring that participants gain both creative skills and lasting personal growth.

The Circle Speaks empowers youth to transform their narratives, build confidence, and thrive as creative, resilient members of their communities year-round.

Total Project Budget: 24700

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed United Arts Wake County – $5,000 – Committed Paul Green Foundation – $500 – Committed Duke Health – $6,000 – Committed Potential United Arts – $10,000 (expected for Year 2) – Potential Chrisholm Foundation – $10,000 – Potential Cowles Charitable Trust – $10,000 – Potential Atlantic Union Bank – $4,000 – Potential

Project Duration: 1 year (June 2026 – June 2027)
Geographical Area Served: Raleigh, NC
Age Group To Be Served: 14-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Mariama
Contact Last Name: Bah
Contact Title: Founder / Executive Director
Contact Phone: 919-349-1312
Contact Email: nfdiversity@nodnow.org