Three Area Nonprofits Awarded Third Round of Grants from Community Foundation's 2009 Family Relief Fund

July 29, 2009: The Community Foundation’s 2009 Family Relief Fund has awarded its third round of grants to three area nonprofits serving an ever-increasing number of people in need because of the economic crisis. The Fund, created to aid nonprofit organizations that provide food, shelter, utility assistance, medical and dental services, counseling and job training to those with limited or no resources during these tough economic times, has awarded third quarter grants to:

Brunswick Ecumenical Assistance Committee on Needs (BEACON) has been awarded $2,250 for its Emergency Relief Fund to help clients with rent and utility assistance, medical and prescription services, transportation costs, and winter clothing for school-aged children. Treasurer Shirley Shores says BEACON’s Emergency Relief Fund is increasingly being called upon as more and more families face serious financial battles because of job layoffs and cutbacks. “This grant will help our clients and will allow the Emergency Relief Fund to serve the critical needs of families in the Greater Brunswick area.”

Frederick Rescue Mission has been awarded $2,049.34 for non-perishable food items for its Food Service Program pantry, which feeds working poor families and individuals living in Frederick. Director of Development Tommy Skaggs said the Rescue Mission has seen a 117 percent increase in requests for food boxes over the same time period as last year. “The average food box contains enough food to feed a family of four for three to five days. The Community Foundation grant will help feed hundreds of hungry men, women, and children in our community whose lives have been tremendously distressed.”

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Myersville has been awarded $2,475 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 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. “Our calls for help have increased, and this grant will help more families.”

Community Foundation President Elizabeth Y. Day said that Frederick County nonprofits have seen budgets evaporate during the economic downturn as they work to alleviate human suffering. “The generous citizens of Frederick County recognize that something has to be done to help, and the quarterly grants awarded from The 2009 Family Relief Fund are a direct result of their commitment and compassion. So much more needs to be done, though, and I encourage everyone to become involved by donating to The 2009 Family Relief Fund.”

To make a difference today, 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. 
Every donation made will be used for quarterly grants and all donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Additional information is available by calling the Community Foundation at 301.695.7660.