Homewood at Crumland Farms Executive Director Eric Nichols, Dr. Albert Powell, Jr. and children Elizabeth Pollack and Dr. Gregory Powell, with Community Foundation President Elizabeth Y. Day

New Fund to Enhance Quality of Life for Residents of The Willows at Homewood at Crumland Farms

January 30, 2009: Dementia is an illness that affects areas of cognition, memory, language, and problem solving. One of its most devastating effects, is disorientation – not knowing what day of the week it is, not recognizing surroundings, or not being able to recognize loves ones or even one’s own self. 

Dr. Albert Powell, Jr., experienced first-hand how dementia takes away the abilities and health of a person as he watched his beloved wife, Louellen Powell, fall ill after a life filled with personal success as a wife, mother, and grandmother, professional achievements as an elementary school teacher, and recognition from the many organizations for which she volunteered. 

When her health deteriorated to a point that the Powell family felt they could no longer meet her needs as caregivers, Lou, as she was known, was transferred to The Willows at Homewood at Crumland Farms, the well-known specialty care unit for those suffering from dementia and related neurological disorders.

“While living at The Willows, she not only had strong support in physical and occupational therapy, she had abundant kindness and love from the staff at Homewood at Crumland Farms. The staff was always available to support our family, too, which we found very helpful, ” said Dr. Powell.

Sadly, Louellen Powell, passed away on August 10, 2008, after gracefully enduring the long decline of dementia, yet her family found a unique way to honor her memory and at the same time support the work of The Willows at Homewood at Crumland Farms by creating The Willows Fund at The Community Foundation of Frederick County.

Known for its credibility and expertise in working with individuals and organizations in establishing funds that support a variety of causes, oftentimes in memory of a deceased loved one, the Community Foundation guided the Powell Family to meet their specific charitable dreams.

The Willows Fund will provide support and enhance the quality of life for residents living at The Willows Unit or any other unit at Homewood at Crumland Farms that addresses the needs of residents with dementia and associated neurological disorders. Additionally, the Fund will support the development and implementation of ongoing educational, marketing and research plans involving residents, families of residents, and other persons concerned about dementia and associated neurological disorders.

“Our mother would be proud that The Willows Fund will help others, just as she was helped,” said Dr. Gregory Powell reflecting on his mother’s life as he and the other Powell children gathered with their father to establish the Fund. “This is an important way to honor her legacy of giving back, and to provide aid and comfort to those who need the services of The Willows Unit.”

Since 1986, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $19 million in grants and scholarships throughout Frederick County, thanks to generous donors who seek opportunities to help others through charitable giving. In FY08 alone, nearly 40 percent of Community Foundation grants supported area health and human service organizations and elder care programs.

Those who wish to make a difference in the lives of persons suffering from dementia and related neurological disorders may make a secure online donation to The Willows Fund.  To do so, click here. Donations by check may be made payable to The Community Foundation of Frederick County and mailed to 312 East Church Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701. Simply insert the Fund’s name in the check’s memo line. Additional information about the Community Foundation is available by calling 301.695.7660.