New Fund at Community Foundation to Support Heartly House

February 10, 2009: The desire to honor the memory of loved ones while giving back to a community organization that has helped so many has been the motivation behind a new fund at The Community Foundation of Frederick County to support the efforts and community activities of Heartly House, Frederick’s leading provider of services to those whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.

The Pearl Hoffman, Robert William Main and William S. Berry, Sr. Memorial Fund has been created to support Heartly House as it helps the victims of abuse by providing counseling, transitional housing, medical care and emotional support, and a safe-haven for families and women to build healthy new lives.

Domestic violence is the number one under-reported crime in the United States, said Beth Main, who turned to the Community Foundation to create the Fund. 

Nearly one in every three adult women experiences at least one physical assault by a partner during adulthood. Many women in such relationships do not receive help because of their economic dependence of the abuser, lack of self-confidence, and a fear of breaking up their families. For more than 25 years, Heartly House has provided shelter, legal support and outreach programs for the mothers and children who seek its services.

“Heartly House is vital to the survival of people whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence. This is my way of remembering loves ones and giving back to an important organization like Heartly House,” said Ms. Main.

Those who wish to make a difference in the lives of persons affected by domestic violence may make a secure online donation to The Pearl Hoffman, Robert William Main and William S. Berry Sr. Memorial 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.

As a leading philanthropic organization, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $19 million in scholarships to deserving students and grants to worthy nonprofit organizations thanks to generous citizens who look to the guidance and expertise of the Community Foundation to make a difference in the lives of others.