Community Foundation Awards First Round of Grants From 2009 Family Relief Fund

February 4, 2009: Two area nonprofits are the recipients of The Community Foundation of Frederick County’s first round of quarterly grants from The 2009 Family Relief Fund.

The Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs has been awarded $5,875.85 for food and housing assistance and emergency shelter funds. The Religious Coalition is the largest non-government provider of emergency financial assistance in Frederick County, operates the Alan P. Linton, Jr. Emergency Shelter, and feeds 1,300 families each month through its eight affiliated food banks. “The number of families seeking emergency assistance has risen greatly,” says Executive Director Reverend Brian Scott, “and we expect that there will be even more need this year. The grant from The 2009 Family Relief Fund will help to fill the gap so that we can prevent families from becoming homeless.”

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Myersville has been awarded $1,958.62 for its SHARE food packages and its discretionary fund to subsidize prescriptions, food, clothing, transportation costs, and rent and utility assistance. SHARE (Self-Help and Resource Exchange) offers food packages at a minimal cost for those in need in return for two hours of community service. Reverend Mary K. Worrel said the Church has also seen an increase in the number of families seeking assistance, and oftentimes gives away as many SHARE packages as it has funds to provide. The grant will cover the costs of at least 20 additional SHARE packages and will also provide funds for those helped by Mt. Zion’s discretionary fund. “People are struggling and the need is great. We will be able to help more people because of the grant from The 2009 Family Relief Fund.”

Created to support the increased demand on nonprofit organizations in providing food, shelter, utility assistance, medical and dental services, counseling, and job training to those with limited or no resources, The 2009 Family Relief Fund will continue awarding quarterly grants throughout the year, said Community Foundation President Elizabeth Y. Day.

“Now more than ever, the work of nonprofit organizations is vital to the very survival of our fellow citizens”, Day said. “I encourage everyone to become involved in helping others by donating to The 2009 Family Relief Fund. Every dollar donated will be used for quarterly grants to Frederick County nonprofits and will help them in their important work to alleviate human suffering. What better way to make a difference in our community?”

Secure, online donations to the Community Foundation’s 2009 Family Relief Fund may be made. To do so, click here. Checks with the Fund’s name inserted in the memo line may also be sent to The Community Foundation of Frederick County, 312 East Church Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701. Additional information is available by calling the Community Foundation at 301.695.7660. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.