Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC)
Legal Name (if Different): Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center Inc.
Also Known As: ECAC
Mailing Address: 907 Barra Row
City: Davidson
State: NC
Postal Code: 28036
Main Phone: 7048921321
Main Fax: 7048925028
Organization Website: www.ecac-parentcenter.org
Employer ID Number: 58-1715420
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/02/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Meeting the Demand: Expanding Leadership Access for NC Youth with Disabilities
Project Description:

ECAC’s Youth Advisory Team (YAT) and Junior Youth Advisory Team (JYAT) provide middle and high school students with disabilities meaningful leadership development and self-advocacy training through structured virtual meetings held throughout the year. As a youth-led initiative, participants help shape discussions, identify priorities, and contribute their lived experience to improve programs and systems that impact young people with disabilities.

This year, ECAC received more than 70 applications from motivated youth across North Carolina, yet current funding allows participation for only 40 students. Demand for meaningful leadership opportunities clearly exceeds available resources.

Although meetings are held virtually to ensure statewide access, youth participants receive stipends because we intentionally value their time, insight, and lived experience. Providing compensation reinforces that their voices matter and prepares them for future employment by modeling compensation with expectations, accountability, and professional responsibility. Stipends also help remove financial barriers that may prevent some families from fully supporting consistent participation.

With support from The Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation, ECAC will expand participation to additional youth during the upcoming program year. Youth will engage in guided leadership development, peer collaboration, public speaking opportunities, and activities designed to strengthen self-advocacy, confidence, and readiness for future education and employment.

By expanding access, this one-year project will equip more youth with disabilities with the practical skills and confidence necessary to achieve their full potential. At least 90% of participants will report increased leadership confidence and improved self-advocacy skills by the end of the program year.

Total Project Budget: $42,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed Funding Sources: ECAC Parent Training & Information (PTI) federal grant funds, NC Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) contract funds, LENS NC Grant, Speedway Children’s Charities grant, ECAC discretionary funds Potential/Additional Support: Walmart Spark Good community grant funds

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: North Carolina
Age Group To Be Served: 12 to 21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Aimee
Contact Last Name: Combs
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 704-990-7275
Contact Email: acombs@ecacmail.org