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

May 11, 2009: Generous donors seeking opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others during the current economic crisis have made possible the second round of grants from The Community Foundation of Frederick County’s 2009 Family Relief Fund. Five area nonprofits have been awarded more than $7,600 as they work to alleviate human suffering by providing food, shelter, utility assistance, medical and dental services, counseling, and job training to those with limited or no resources.

The Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs has been awarded $2,273.01 for housing assistance and emergency shelter in its effort to prevent families from becoming homeless. As the largest non-government provider of emergency financial assistance in Frederick County, the Religious Coalition has provided short term emergency financial assistance to thousands of families with children, individuals and the elderly for nearly three decades, feeds 1,300 families each month through its eight affiliated food banks, and operates the Alan P. Linton, Jr. Emergency Shelter.

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Myersville has been awarded $2,400 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. 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.

Mental Health Association of Frederick County has been awarded $1,500 to help its clients with groceries, prescriptions, mental health services, and housing assistance to those served by its Systems Navigation Program. For over 40 years, Mental Health Association of Frederick County has promoted mental wellness and supported those with mental illness by sponsoring and implementing advocacy, education and direct service programs. A private, nonprofit agency, Mental Health Association of Frederick County currently provides over 15 major direct service programs for children, youth, families and senior adults. 

International Rescue Committee, Baltimore Regional Office, has been awarded $450 for emergency rental subsidies for a refugee family relocating to Frederick County, Maryland for a more secure future, free from the persecution of a military dictatorship in Myanmar. Since 1999, International Rescue Committee, Baltimore Regional Office, has resettled over 2,400 refugees and people seeking asylum from over 50 countries to central Maryland, helping each to achieve self-sufficiency through coordinated case management, employment, and resource development services. 

Thurmont Ministerium has been awarded $1,000 to be used for utility assistance for the individuals and families it serves. Thurmont Ministerium helps those in need in the northern region of Frederick County – Thurmont, Emmitsburg, Rocky Ridge, and Sabillasville – and provides aid with emergency housing, utility assistance, and medical and transportation expenses.

“Nonprofits are seeing an exponential increase in the number of people seeking their services,” said Community Foundation President Elizabeth Y. Day. “People are going hungry, are losing their jobs and homes, and have seen their lives turned upside down because of this economic crisis. Every donation to The 2009 Family Relief Fund is used in quarterly grants to area nonprofits that daily work to provide the basics of everyday life to those in need. I encourage everyone to get involved and make a difference today by donating to The 2009 Family Relief Fund.”

Secure online donations to the Community Foundation’s 2009 Family Relief Fund may be made at www.cffredco.org. 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.