New Program Provides Assistance to Local Businesses
The Frederick County Business Development and Retention Division and the Frederick Board of County Commissioners began a new program in 2012. Since February, Commissioners and staff have visited a business every Monday to personally express their appreciation for the work in the county and to provide support and assistance where needed.
“We are pleased with the response from county businesses who appreciate the time and care we are providing to them through this new program the Board of County Commissioners initiated as part of our business-friendly strategic plan,” said Board President Blaine Young. “We hope many businesses will take advantage of these appreciation and assistance visits.”
During May, county officials visited the Brunswick Woodworking Co., Whistle Stop Java Shop, Three Points Cycle, Emmitsburg Glass Company, the Historic Carriage House Inn of Emmitsburg and Qiagen Inc. In June, officials visited Plamondon Companies, Beckley’s Camping Center, Specialized Engineering and Trans-Tech of Adamstown.
For more information on the outreach program, visit www.discoverfrederickmd.com or www.discoverfrederickmd.blogspot.com, or contact Business Development Specialist Sherman Coleman, Business Development and Retention Division, at 301.600.2137 or online at scoleman@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
Women’s Giving Circle Gives 23 Grants
The Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick County has presented 23 grants totaling $127,500 to 17 area nonprofits serving women and children. The grants were presented during the seventh annual tea on June 26 at the Dutch’s Daughter Restaurant. The Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick County Fund is one of more than 630 component funds of The Community Foundation of Frederick County.
The new grants bring the Women’s Giving Circle grant total to more than a half-million dollars since the first grants were provided in 2006. The organization has given a total of $567,500 in support of its mission to provide programs and services promoting self-sufficiency for women and children.
“The Women’s Giving Circle was delighted to be able to fund a variety of organizations that focus on helping women and their children in Frederick County,” said Lisa Ausherman, grant committee chair. “Grants ranged from emergency services, health care, housing, educational programs, hotline funding, and even a low cost vehicle program. We are committed to helping women become more self sufficient and also to connect them with the wonderful network of nonprofit agencies we have in our county.”
A few of the nonprofits that received grants include:
- Advocates for Homeless Families received a $4,500 grant to assist 14 to 20 homeless mothers with childcare and transportation expenses. Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership received a $2,250 grant to support childcare scholarships for two women who are attending school, update and print resource booklet and mentor caregivers.
- Families Plus, Inc. received a $3,500 grant to support six four-week childbirth education and infant care classes for women up to age 21. Frederick County Health Care received a $7,400 grant to cover costs of specific health-related treatments and medical procedures by connecting uninsured, low-income women to the appropriate health care services.
- The Frederick Rescue Mission received an $8,500 grant to assist women and their children with food services, shower facilities, clothing, furniture and GED classes geared specifically to women. Heartly House, Inc. received a $10,000 grant to purchase a new telephone system to be used for the 24-hour hotline, purchase 28 new phones, and improve and upgrade existing telephone system.
- Hope Alive, Inc. received an $8,000 grant to provide financial assistance for shelter operations and provide support for Hope Alive residents. Mission of Mercy received a $10,000 grant to support the prenatal care program serving more than 40 women and the chronic care program serving more than 450 women and children.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Becomes Giving Point Project Recipient
In June, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Frederick County became the latest recipient of the Giving Point Project, created by Turning Point Real Estate in Urbana.
As a recipient of the project, the nonprofit organization is now eligible to receive donations when a consumer buys or sells a house through Turning Point. For each sales associate participating in the Giving Point Project, up to 5 percent of the agent’s commission will be donated to a charity or nonprofit recipient of the program, chosen by the client.
Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission is to provide children who are facing adversity with professionally supported one-to-one relationships with adult participants. “We are grateful that the Giving Point Project has chosen to partner with us to make a difference in the lives of children of our community,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director Barbara Martin. “Partnerships with corporate citizens, schools, communities and of course families, are necessary to support structured long-term mentoring so that we can continue to improve the odds for some of America’s most vulnerable children.”
According to Co-owner and CEO Joe Anselmo, the Giving Point Project was launched in May to generate consistent and substantial financial support for charities and nonprofits. “Because there are so many worthwhile causes today,” said Anselmo, “most people have an affinity with one or two special nonprofits or charities. This program is unique. … It is not only the frequency and amount of money donated, but the fact that the consumer has a say in where the money goes.”
Turning Point’s goal is to exceed $10,000 in donations by the end of 2012.
For more information about the Giving Point Project, visit www.GivingPointProject.com. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, and opportunities to help the program, visit www.bbbsfrederick.org.