ImpactClub Frederick: Charity Directory
ImpactClub Frederick: Charity Directory
Advocates for Homeless Families Inc.
Established in 1988, Advocates for Homeless Families (AHF) has been a vital part of the Frederick, Maryland community for more than three decades. Our organization was originally founded by a small group of compassionate members from All Saints’ Episcopal Church, who recognized the urgent need to support families experiencing homelessness in Frederick County. We were founded on the belief that every family deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, stability, and hope—regardless of their circumstances. What began as a faith-driven outreach effort has grown into a respected nonprofit dedicated to helping vulnerable individuals and families rebuild their lives with dignity, stability, and hope.
Since our founding, our mission has remained clear: to empower homeless individuals and families to achieve stable, independent living through housing, education, employment, and supportive services. Through our Rapid Rehousing (RRH) and Transitional Housing programs, we provide structured, goal-oriented support to families who enter our program in extreme states of vulnerability. Many come to us after experiencing job loss, domestic violence, eviction, or other crises that have left them without a safe place to call home.
Our two-year structured program focuses on long-term stability and personal growth. Families receive intensive case management, educational and employment assistance, and financial literacy training, all designed to help them gain the tools, resources, and confidence needed to achieve lasting self-sufficiency. Participants are encouraged to set and accomplish goals that will position them for long-term success beyond our program.
The results are transformative. Families who once faced instability and uncertainty leave our program confident, independent, and living in stable, permanent, and affordable housing. Our impact extends beyond housing—it restores hope, strengthens family foundations, and contributes to a healthier, more stable community.
For over 35 years, Advocates for Homeless Families has stood as a beacon of compassion and empowerment in Frederick County. Guided by our founders’ original vision, we remain deeply committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and helping families build brighter, more secure futures—one household at a time.
Website: https://afhf88.org/
African American Resource Culture & Heritage Society (AARCH)
The African American Resources Cultural and Heritage (AARCH) Society preserves, honors, and shares the stories, struggles, and triumphs of African Americans in Frederick County with truth and dignity. Rooted in the legacy of courageous local leaders, AARCH ensures these voices—often overlooked in history—are heard. Among them is Edward Mitchell Johnson, a trustee of Asbury United Methodist Church on All Saints Street, who in May 1913 stood as the lead plaintiff in a groundbreaking class-action lawsuit challenging the
“grandfather clause,” which denied African Americans the right to vote unless their grandfathers had voted before 1869. His bravery laid the foundation for the ongoing fight to secure the full protections of citizenship guaranteed under the 14th Amendment.
But Edward Mitchell Johnson’s impact extended far beyond the courtroom. A visionary community leader and activist, he founded the first Black-owned newspaper in Western Maryland, printing each edition from a press in his own kitchen. His story—like hundreds of others—is a testament to resilience, ingenuity, and the unshakeable faith of Frederick’s African American community.
Guided by the African proverb, “Until the story of the hunt is told by the lion, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter,” AARCH Society ensures that these stories are told by the descendants, communities, and keepers of this heritage. This proverb emphasizes that history should be told from the perspective of those who lived it, ensuring the experiences of the marginalized are heard rather than overshadowed by those in power. We serve as a cultural anchor, empowering understanding and appreciation of African American history through education, preservation, and engagement.
Today, AARCH Society reaches students from kindergarten through college, educators, scholars, local organizations, and visitors from across the country. Through historical walking and bus tours, archival research opportunities, interactive workshops, and curated exhibitions, we engage the community directly in storytelling and preservation. Our programs foster dialogue, promote civic awareness, and strengthen the cultural fabric of Frederick County. By providing platforms for both historical scholarship and community
participation, AARCH amplifies voices that have too often gone unheard.
AARCH Society is not only preserving history—we are elevating voices, shaping narratives, and ensuring the lions’ stories are finally told. By connecting past and present, we honor African Americans’ enduring legacy, celebrate their contributions, and inspire future generations to understand, appreciate, and continue this vital work.
Website: https://aarchsociety.org/
Andrea's House
Andrea's House, founded by Carleah Summers, is a safe haven for women and children navigating the complexities of substance use disorders and trauma. After finding God and sobriety when her son was just 10 months old, Carleah became driven to create a supportive community where mothers could heal and thrive without the obstacles she faced in her own early sobriety.
With a deep understanding of the challenges that come with recovery, Carleah established Andrea's House as a safe haven where women can find solace, guidance, and empowerment. The organization's mission is built on the foundation of Christ-centered leadership, aiming to provide holistic support to women recovering from substance use disorders and trauma, alongside their children.
Andrea's House is more than just a recovery home; it's a beacon of hope for families seeking a path towards healing and wholeness. Under Carleah's visionary leadership, the organization has grown to offer comprehensive programs and services tailored to meet the unique needs of its residents. By providing a nurturing environment, Andrea's House empowers mothers to overcome adversity, rebuild their lives, and forge a brighter future for themselves and their children.
Andrea's House has touched countless lives, offering a shining example of redemption and the transformative power of faith and community. As Andrea's House continues to expand its reach, its impact resonates deeply within the community, inspiring others to join the journey towards healing and hope. With its roots firmly planted in compassion and service, Andrea's House stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Carleah's vision and dedication.
Website: https://www.andreashouse.org/
Animal Welfare League of Frederick County
The Animal Welfare League of Frederick County (AWLFC) is an all-volunteer, no-kill animal rescue and welfare organization. We promote the humane treatment of all animals through education, advocacy, and collaboration with other humane organizations.
At the Animal Welfare League of Frederick County, our mission is to rescue, protect, and improve the lives of animals. Our history is rooted in a deep passion for animal welfare, and we have been serving the community for many years. We believe in the power of compassion and strive to make a positive impact on the lives of animals in need. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to provide care, support, and love to every animal that comes through our doors.
AWLFC was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on July 30, 2001. It was founded on the belief that every animal deserves a loving home and euthanasia is neither an acceptable nor humane form of managing animal populations. The organization, which was started by a small group of concerned animal lovers, has now grown into the county’s largest all-volunteer, no-kill animal rescue and welfare organization. In 2009, AWLFC opened an adoption center and office. This location serves as the headquarters for all of the organization’s activities including cat adoptions; senior dog adoptions; education and training sessions; and fundraising events.
Website: https://www.awlfc.org/
Asian American Center of Frederick
What started as an after-school program for immigrant families in 2004, has now grown to the Asian American Center of Frederick.
AACF Executive Director Elizabeth Chung envisioned a center that would support immigrants as they adapted to life in America and made their journey to becoming U.S. citizens.
Over the past 20 years the organization has grown from a staff of one person to 35 employees and more than 200 volunteers. With this dynamic group AACF has the capacity of 40+ languages and represents more than 25 countries.
As the organization grew so did the outreach to the community both in services offered and, in the number, and diversity of the individuals helped. As needs were expressed by immigrants, programs were developed to meet those needs. Programs such as the Early Childhood Education Program, ESL classes, Citizenship Integration Services, and language and translation services. Focusing on seniors, the Retired Volunteer Service Program and Senior Companionship Programs were established in association with AmeriCorps Seniors. Other training programs include the Community Health Worker Certification and Community Interpreter International training, and workforce development through the AACF Workforce Integration Service for Empowerment (WISE) program.
As the community grows so do the needs and AACF stands committed to live up to its mission to Enhance Service, Empower Others, and Enrich Your Community!
Website: https://aacfmd.org/
Big Tree Memorial
On June 23, 2020 we lost Erik ""Big Tree"" Knapp suddenly to brain cancer while he was celebrating his first fathers day. A group of close friends go together to create the Big Tree Memorial Fund to keep Erik's Legacy alive. In his honor, we established the Big Tree Memorial Fund which provides financial assistance and resources to families who lost a loved one to cancer in Frederick, Maryland.
In 2023, BTMF expanded with the Little Oak Project which provides financial assistance and access to resources to families with a child battling cancer in Maryland.
Our organization consists of 100% volunteers and every dollar that is donated goes directly to our mission.
Website: https://bigtreememorialfund.org/
Beyond Shelter Frederick
For more than 40 years, Beyond Shelter Frederick has helped residents move from crisis to hope. Founded in 1981 by local congregations responding to homelessness and poverty, our mission began with providing emergency shelter and has since grown to include a range of programs that help people stabilize and rebuild their lives.
• Emergency Shelter: Immediate support for those without housing. Offering both Adult and Family shelter.
• Housing Support: Assistance to help individuals and families remain housed.
• Healthcare Assistance: Financial support for prescriptions and emergency dental care.
• Case Management: Personalized strategies to prevent future housing crises.
Beyond Shelter continues to evolve, offering both safety and long-term solutions so people can move forward with stability and dignity."
Website: https://bsfred.org/
Blessings in a Backpack
Every Friday afternoon, the bell rings at schools across Frederick County and thousands of children head home. For many, that moment marks the start of two days filled with laughter, family meals, and rest. But for far too many children, it signals the beginning of 65 long hours without the certainty of their next meal.
Blessings in a Backpack was founded with one simple but powerful idea: children deserve hunger-free weekends. What began nationally as a grassroots response to the weekend hunger gap has grown into a movement of communities coming together so kids can return to school on Monday nourished, focused, and ready to learn.
The Frederick Chapter was born from that same spirit of community action. Local leaders, educators, and volunteers saw a heartbreaking need...nearly one in three children in Frederick County face food insecurity when school meals aren’t available. Rather than stand by, neighbors rolled up their sleeves, raised their voices, and started packing. With every bag filled, they knew they were doing more than providing food; they were delivering peace of mind, dignity, and the chance for children to thrive.
Today, the Frederick Chapter provides weekend food for 3000+ children in more than 30 local schools. Our volunteers gather in gyms, cafeterias, and community centers to pack bags filled with kid-friendly, shelf-stable items, and bright reminders that their community cares. Each one of those bags represents hope: hope that a child can focus on math problems instead of hunger pangs, and that families can feel supported in times of challenge.
Our story is simple. We believe no child in Frederick County should worry about being hungry on the weekend. With every bag we send home, we honor that belief and we invite our community to join us in bridging the weekend hunger gap, one child at a time.
Boys and Girls Club of Frederick County
Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. We provide out-of-school programs geared towards three priority outcomes: Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Good Character & Citizenship. It is our goal for every child we serve to graduate from high school on time with a plan for their future; commit to a lifetime of physical fitness and healthy habits; and become a productive, engaged citizen of their community. Since 2009, Boys & Girls Clubs of Frederick County has been providing life-changing programs to thousands of kids. Through dedicated staff, nationally-developed programs, and community partnerships, we are positively shaping the future of youth and families in our community. Our organization currently serves more than 250 youth annually with 2 Club sites in Frederick city, and a new after school program starting up at Brunswick Middle School. Our goal is to keep our programs affordable and ensure NO child or family is ever turned away based on inability to pay. Membership dues collected from families only make up on average 15% of our annual operating budget, and so it is up to us to fundraise the rest - which totals over $1million each year. Your donations will help provide scholarship and financial aid to families in need.
Website: https://bgcfrederick.org/
Centro Hispano de Frederick
For almost 20 years, Centro Hispano de Frederick has been equipping and empowering the Hispanic community to be thriving contributing members of Frederick and reach their full potential. We offer human services, immigration services, case management, and a variety of education programs such as ESL, citizenship, literacy, computer/digital, as well as programs for children, women, and senior citizens.
Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (COIPP)
About Us : Coming SOON
Website: https://www.coipp.org/
City Youth Matrix
CYM was founded by career public educator Aaron Vetter's vision to make a broader impact in Frederick County to provide enrichment experiences for at-risk youth that are PreK-12th grade. For decades there have been barriers such as cost and transportation for these youth to experience life to it's fullest and have the greatest chances for success. These experiences improve children's social/emotional health, school attendance, academic performance, high school graduation rates and increase the percentage of youth moving on to post-secondary training. CYM is measuring these metrics through a comprehensive parent engagement and family empowerment program, while covering 95% of the costs for these youth to attend over 52 enrichment partner organizations. CYM also provides the community with a wide-array of volunteer opportunities to help Frederick County residents develop a deeper sense of purpose.
Website: https://www.cityyouthmatrix.com/
Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County
None of us can affect measurable change on our own. Together, we can change our world.
Our Coalition provides structure and accountability for passionate leaders and their organizations to collaborate towards a healthier community.
Our Mission is to improve wellness and resiliency to equitably impact the lifelong health of all Frederick County residents.
Our Vision is that our community is productive, resilient, and thriving because all people have a voice in their health and equitable access to the opportunities and resources necessary to prosper and to be physically and emotionally healthy.
Our Purpose is to engage in advocacy and in system integration and coordination."
Website: https://healthierfrederick.org/
College Bound Student Athletes
About Us : Coming SOON
Community Living
Community Living was founded in 1979 by families looking for alternative living options for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Starting with three home, the organization has grown to 25 homes and now also provides day services, employment supports and personal supports to people who live on their own or with families. Funded primarily by the Developmental Disabilities Administration, Community Living support approximately 150 people on a daily basis with about 200 staff.
Website: https://communitylivinginc.org/
Downtown Frederick Partnership
Downtown Frederick Partnership is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the downtown community. We work to enhance, promote and preserve the vitality, livability and diversity of Downtown Frederick, a national Main Street district.
Established in 1990, the Partnership plays a pivotal role in Downtown Frederick’s revitalization, economic growth, and community engagement. As a nationally accredited Main Street program, the Partnership leverages best practices in economic revitalization, historic preservation, and public-private collaboration to create a stronger, better, greener, more attractive place to work, shop, dine, play and build a life.
Partnership is not only a part of our name – it is how we work. Decades of experience in community-driven development have positioned Downtown Frederick as a model for sustainable urban revitalization.
Downtown Frederick is a real place. We value our beautiful architecture and history-lined streets, our neighborhood character and characters, our friendly independent businesses and our year-round events that attract residents and visitors alike. The Partnership’s small but mighty staff work hard to support the 250 small businesses that make up the downtown commercial district, we implement more than 45 events a year (from Alive @ Five and First Saturday, to Frosty Friday and Artopia), and we advocate for policies and development priorities that benefit our downtown community.
Our work is community driven, built on local assets and guided by local voices. We approach our efforts comprehensively with a focus on quality implementation, and we seek to find innovative solutions. We work to make Downtown Frederick more accessible and equitable, and are dedicated to supporting available, affordable commercial space and housing. We know that consistent, incremental actions lead to greater success and we take pride in what we do.
With thousands of new residents and visitors expected in the coming years, Downtown Frederick Partnership is preparing for a new era of growth and opportunity. Some new initiatives include preparing to welcome increased tourism with the new Downtown Hotel & Conference Center, establishing support programs for small businesses with a focus on affordable startup spaces, and creating inclusive, accessible streetscapes that connect every corner of our downtown.
Support from our community ensures that the Partnership can continue its efforts to strengthen Downtown Frederick as the heart of our community.
Website: https://downtownfrederick.org/
F.R.I.E.N.D.S - Family Resource Information and Education Network for Down Syndrome
Family Resource Information & Education Network for Down Syndrome, “F.R.I.E.N.D.S.”, was reformed in 1999 to be a support and resource group for expectant and new parents of children with Down syndrome. We have grown to provide many additional programs to support the claim that our children are more alike than different. It is the mission of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. to raise awareness and acceptance of Down syndrome in our communities through education in our schools, medical and business communities, and families.
Some of the key programs we have in place and have been very successful in influencing are:
• Sponsoring our annual teachers conference known as Techniques for Success giving our teachers at all grade levels new and better techniques to teach our children in the main stream classroom
• Providing scholarships to students with Down syndrome seeking higher education and other students who want to continue their education in fields that will benefit individuals with Down syndrome
• Providing grants to families to assist in medical, therapeutic or educational expenses
• Our new in-person meetings, at the Arc on Market Street, where families can hear community organizations and professionals speak about topics pertaining to individuals with Down syndrome
• Our annual World Down Syndrome Day Poster campaign, where we give each school in Frederick and Washington counties posters of our individuals with Down syndrome to remind everyone they are more alike than different
Website: https://friendsoffredco.org/
February Star Sanctuary
February Star Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, family-run sanctuary with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, rehome and provide refuge for horses and cats in need. February Star Sanctuary strives to improve the overall health and quality of life for horses and cats by addressing issues such as animal abandonment, animal abuse, cat overpopulation and the high numbers of shelter intake and euthanasia. We achieve this through equine and feline adoption, fostering and refuge, TNR services, caring for cats of the homeless and community outreach programs for youth, disabled individuals and senior citizens. February Star Sanctuary gives the unwanted a safe, secure home and builds a generation of animal advocates, one child at a time. We believe rescue isn't just a verb, it's a promise.
Website: https://februarystarsanctuary.com/
Frederick Rescue Mission
Our doors are open. Our table is set. The Frederick Rescue Mission commits to sharing our Christ-centered ministry with those in need in our community. Whether the need is a hot meal, a warm jacket, or respite from the daily challenges of life, the Frederick Rescue Mission serves residents from Frederick County and surrounding areas with grace and love. People come to us when they are hungry, facing poverty, and desire to break free from substance addiction. We welcome all with open arms and a heart of compassion. Our love-centered service is not transactional – it’s transformational. We’re working to better the lives of those in most need in our community, not just for a moment in time, but for eternity.
Website: https://therescuemission.org/
Friends of the Child Advocacy Center of Frederick County
The FRIENDS of the Child Advocacy Center is an all-volunteer non-profit established in 2006 by the Frederick Women’s Civic Club to support the services of the Child Advocacy Center of Frederick, MD. The FRIENDS of the CAC are passionate about serving those children and their non-offending caregivers impacted by child abuse. We help support the children and their families with gift cards for emergency needs, clothing, tutoring, specialized classes, camps, and other needs that arise so the child can focus on healing from their trauma. We also support the CAC’s facility dog by paying for the food and vet bills. The FRIENDS raise awareness of the needs of children through community outreach and education programs, promote the prevention of child maltreatment, and make available specialized treatment programs to help promote healing. The FRIENDS do this by engaging in activities to obtain public support for the services of the CAC through presentations, fundraising and community activities. We also provide a mentoring program to support the child, and or, caregiver in their healing journey. Finally, the Friends manage the Healing Garden at Bonita Maas Park that serves as a remembrance to the children who have died from child abuse.
Website: https://www.cacfriends.net/
Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run of Mid & Western Maryland (GOTR) inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun curriculum that creatively integrates running and physical activity. GOTR envisions a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and feels free to boldly pursue her dreams. We serve girls in 3rd-8th grade in Frederick, Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties. Teams meet twice per week over the course of a 10-week season. At the end of the season, the team completes a non-competitive 5K event together, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and sets a confident mindset into motion. When a girl joins GOTR, she gains more than just the ability to complete a 5K event – she builds confidence, resilience, connection, and the courage to be herself. Your support helps break down financial barriers so every girl, no matter what her circumstances, has an opportunity to rise strong, dream big, and embrace her limitless potential.
Website: https://www.gotrmidmd.org/
Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley, Inc.
Goodwill of the Monocacy Valley has been serving Frederick and Carroll Counties since 1969. By accepting donations of clothing and household items and reselling them in our thrift stores, Goodwill is able to generate the resources we need to give those who need it 'a hand up and not a hand out'.
Over the course of nearly 60 years, Goodwill has always sought to align community investment in the areas where the need is the highest. This has varied from youth services to general adult career services to supporting those with significant developmental disabling conditions. In the past decade, research has indicated that one of the most underserved portions of the population were our veterans and their families - often experiencing significantly fragmented, confusing, and broken systems of care.
In 2022, Goodwill recognized the need to invest heavily in the development of a Veteran Services Center ""VSC"". At the VSC in Frederick, Goodwill is proud to host dozens of partner organizations all committed to ensuring that veterans, active service members, first responders and their families have the support they need to thrive. Together, the partners provide VSO services, mental health care, career coaching and training, therapeutic canine interactions, resource and referrals, support services like showers and laundry, and much more.
Everyday at the VSC, the partners show up for community members to meet them where they are. Maybe the individual is currently on active duty at Ft. Detrick but will be transitioning to civilian life and needs help translating military experience to a civilian resume. Or it's a Vietnam War veteran who is socially isolated and looking for some time with peers who have shared life experience. Others come seeking help while experiencing significant PTSD from their time oversees in military service or their time locally as a first responder. No matter the need, the Veteran Services Center at Goodwill, is designed to provide every wrap around support possible.
Website: https://www.gimv.org/
Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County, MD
Habitat for Humanity Frederick County (HFHFC) was founded in 1993, as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, with the mission of helping Frederick County families who are in need the ability to achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance that comes with affordable homeownership, a key component in establishing and maintaining strong, stable and thriving communities. Since that time through our Home Build and Home Repairs programs, we have built or renovated more than 50 homes, provided home repairs to over 140 households, utilized more than 4,500 volunteers, and guided partner families in the importance of budgeting, home repair, safety and maintenance. HFHC serves those who do not qualify for public assistance who need a helping hand. Our help gives them the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families. We collaborate with Frederick County residents who have a household income between 30 to 80% of the Average Median Income for the County. These individuals have challenges qualifying for a traditional mortgage or are unable to complete home repairs due to high costs without assistance. This could be the senior struggling to age in place, the single parent caring for a child with a disability, a veteran who needs home modifications, or a young couple beginning a life with limited resources. Currently, we have embarked on the largest home build project in our organization’s history; a 12-unit condominium located at the intersection of West All Saints and Ice streets in downtown Frederick. These historic properties were empty for more than 20 years and in a state of disrepair. HFHC had a vision to revive these buildings into a bright light of homeownership in this historically important neighborhood. This was accomplished by establishing the Frederick County Affordable Lad Trust; the first community land trust in the State of Maryland. As a result of this trail blazing effort, our first homeowner moved into the first unit in February 2025. The Frederick Community has always been very generous and supportive of our Mission for which we are truly grateful.
Website: https://frederickhabitat.org/
Heartly House
Since 1979, Heartly House has been the only organization in Frederick County, MD that provides comprehensive services, free of charge, to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and child abuse. Heartly House staff walk alongside survivors without judgment, offering support, education, and counseling through a trauma-informed lens. Our goal is to increase the safety and well-being of survivors, and empower them to make the best choices for themselves and their families. Through supportive services, victims can better understand the nature of their situation and develop positive strategies to make changes for the better. In addition to supportive services, Heartly House develops community awareness programs and prevention education in an effort to end domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and child abuse.
Website: https://www.heartlyhouse.org/
Helping Hands and Caring Hearts
We were created in 2022 to inspire, strengthen and empower individuals to make their own choices, and not be afraid or intimidated to ask for and get the help they need to be able to have a better life, and to break the systemic cycle.
Helping Hands and Caring Hearts helps everyone. We are not like other nonprofits, we do not focus on one problem. We focus on the need no matter where it is, who it is, or what it is. We can’t help if you don’t ask. We have a fully stocked food pantry at the Monrovia Maryland location (FOR FREDERICK COUNTY RESIDENTS) with frozen meats and fresh fruits and vegetables, along with all the other items hygiene and personal care items. We have the Dress to Impress location in downtown Frederick for those returning to work, a clothing boutique in Thurmont for Northern Frederick County Residents, a mobile bus that has clothing, toys, school supplies non-perishable food, hygiene and personal care supplies! We provided 410 kiddos with toys at Christmas, 9000 pieces of school supplies, 280 turkeys and sides at Thanksgiving!
Heritage Frederick
Heritage Frederick has existed as Frederick County's Historical Society since 1892. Located in an 1820s Federal style home in the heart of Downtown, every inch of our story is seeped in the uniqueness that is Frederick, MD. Today, HF is a dynamic nonprofit organization that researches and shares the significant historical impact of Frederick County, Maryland on our state, nation and world. We excel in engaging and interactive experiences that are relevant, accessible and meaningful to all people.
Website: https://frederickhistory.org/
Jenn's Uncommon Critters
Jenn’s Uncommon Critters is a volunteer-run rescue and interactive animal education program specializing in reptiles, invertebrates, and small mammals. As an exotic animal rescue, we take in animals in need, provide rehabilitation and care, and work with potential adopters to educate them about each species and help secure a forever home. As an educational program, we emphasize proper husbandry, responsible conservation of species and natural environments, and highlight the unique features and talents that various species contribute to the ecological diversity of our world. It is an honor to serve Frederick County and its neighboring communities, and we cherish the support of family, friends, and fellow animal lovers, as well as the joy and amazement on the faces of children and adults as they learn new facts and hold a reptile for the first time. We’ve been fortunate to assist those who simply wanted to give their beloved pets the best chance possible when they could no longer care for them.
Literacy Council of Frederick County
The Literacy Council of Frederick County was founded in 1963 by Kay Mackley and Dolly Engle with the mission of providing free educational resources to adults in the community so they could learn to read, write, and speak English. Today, we rely heavily on a small staff of seven and a volunteer workforce of roughly 150 adults in the community to continue furthering our mission of Lifting Lives Through Literacy in the Greater Frederick area. Because we know that being literate involves more than just a basic understanding of language, we now work to provide an array of educational resources to Frederick County residents, including ESL tutoring and classes; workshops teaching digital literacy, financial literacy, health literacy, and workplace literacy; and training for employees of local businesses centered around English-language competency and job skill credentials.
Website: https://www.frederickliteracy.org/
Margaret Byrd Rawson Institute
Since its inception, the Margaret Byrd Rawson Institute (MBRI), a nonprofit organization, has distinguished itself through its commitment to ensuring every child has access to quality language education. We strive to achieve our mission of providing parent and teacher education using Orton-Gillingham Academy-approved methods through our unique educational programs and resources. Our distinctive mission ensures that every child, regardless of learning style or socioeconomic status, can access the fundamentals of language acquisition. Literacy, the cornerstone of effective communication and understanding, should be a fundamental right for all children. Ultimately, we aim to extend this educational instruction and outreach to the broader national and global community, particularly in the field of dyslexia education.
Website: https://mbri.org/
Marriage Resource Center of Frederick
About Us : Coming SOON
Website: https://marriagefrederick.org/
On Our Own of Frederick County
We empower adults facing mental health challenges, substance use, or other life struggles to heal and find their own way forward through free, inclusive, peer-led recovery and wellness services—rooted in connection, acceptance, and community.
At the heart of our work is a belief that healing happens in community. We offer free, peer-led recovery and wellness services that are inclusive, intentional, and rooted in lived experience. By creating a space of acceptance and connection, we empower adults facing mental health challenges, substance use, or other life struggles to reclaim their lives and find their own path forward.
Focusing on Healing Happens in Community.
Website: https://www.onourownfrederick.org/
PS You Are Fabulous
PS You Are Fabulous is a nonprofit organization. We are personal fashion stylists for the blind visually impaired, and disabled. our mission is to enrich the lives of the Blind visually impaired and disabled to become the best version of themselves through fashion, changing how the world view the Blind one outfit at a time. PS You Are Fabulous Serves both men and women.
Website: https://psyouarefabulous.org/
Phoenix Foundation of Maryland
Phoenix Recovery Academy was founded on a powerful vision: to provide teens recovering from substance use disorder a safe, supportive place to heal and learn. Located in the heart of Frederick, Maryland, we are one of only a few recovery high schools in the nation and a beacon of hope for students seeking a fresh start through education.
Our story begins decades ago with our founder, John Edmonds. As a teen in recovery himself, John attended the very first recovery high school in Maryland. That school became a lifeline, offering him the structure and support he needed to graduate and rebuild his life. Tragically, the school burned down in 2001 and was never rebuilt. But the impact it had on John stayed with him.
For years, John carried a dream: to recreate what had once saved him, and to offer the same chance to a new generation of students. That dream became Phoenix Recovery Academy, which opened its doors in 2020.
True to its name, Phoenix is a place of rebirth and resilience. Our students come to us after facing challenges most young people never imagine, yet they rise, supported by a community that believes in their strength and potential. We combine accredited, individualized academics with daily recovery support and trauma-informed care. Our small class sizes and trained staff ensure that each student is seen, heard, and valued.
At Phoenix Recovery Academy, we don’t just help students earn a diploma, we help them reclaim their lives. We meet them where they are, with compassion and rigor, helping them move forward with confidence in both their recovery and their education.
John Edmonds' dream has become a reality. And every student who walks through our doors is proof that recovery is not just possible, it’s powerful.
Website: https://phoenixrecoveryacademy.org/
Pinball EDU
Social isolation isn’t just loneliness—it’s a barrier to opportunity, confidence, and dignity. For people with disabilities, it too often becomes the defining obstacle to living a full life. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Pinball EDU’s mission transforms the power of play into the power of connection. Through sensory-friendly programs, inclusive events, and technology-based learning, we create spaces where isolation is replaced with belonging. Every game played, every hands-on activity, every shared smile is an antidote to the crisis of disconnection.
Platoon 22
Every day, we lose 22 veterans to suicide. That staggering number is what gave birth to our name, Platoon 22, and it’s the painful truth that drives our mission. Platoon 22 began with one simple but urgent purpose: to ensure no veteran fights their battles alone once they come home.
The transition from service to civilian life can be disorienting, isolating, and overwhelming. Many veterans leave the structure, identity, and camaraderie of the military only to find themselves lost in a world that doesn’t understand their experiences or challenges. After losing several fellow veterans to suicide, we knew that awareness alone wasn’t enough. Real action was needed.
What started as a grassroots awareness campaign has grown into a full-scale nonprofit organization committed to veteran intervention, support, and empowerment. Our direct services include transportation assistance, affordable housing navigation, weekly peer support groups, wellness programming, intensive case management, and acting as a service provider for Frederick and Washington County’s Veteran Treatment Court. These programs are designed not only to meet immediate needs but to create long-term stability, dignity, and hope.
Platoon 22 exists to bridge the gap between veterans and the resources they deserve, while fostering a true sense of community, belonging, and renewed purpose. We believe healing happens when veterans are seen, heard, and supported, not just with words, but with consistent, hands-on care.
Our mission is clear: to end veteran suicide through connection, empowerment, and unwavering support. For us, this isn’t just a cause, it’s a promise to those who served, and to the families who carry their legacy. Together, we fight for the 22.
Website: https://platoon22.org/
Pulling for Veterans
Pulling For Veterans is a Frederick, Maryland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families by raising awareness about suicide prevention, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Secondary PTSD, and the alarming rate of 22 veteran suicides a day (17 to 44 actual numbers). Founded by Air Force veteran Nicholas Walker, the organization is committed to ensuring that veterans know they are not alone by offering impactful outreach programs, community events, and resources to address the challenges many veterans face after service.
Pulling For Veterans hosts events across the region, utilizing PTSD memorial trailers as conversation starters to promote suicide prevention and connect veterans with critical resources. The organization’s initiatives include providing information and support for veterans’ benefits, housing options, transportation, food insecurity, mental health services, employment opportunities, and retreats, among others.
In 2024, Pulling For Veterans sparked over 200,000 conversations about mental health and suicide prevention at key events. The nonprofit also runs specialized programs like motorcycle safety courses for veterans, which not only promote highway safety but also provide therapeutic benefits. The organization relies heavily on the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors and corporate sponsors to carry out its mission.
Through its outreach, Pulling For Veterans fosters community building, raises awareness, and ensures veterans and their families have access to the resources they need to thrive. With a clear commitment to growth and making a difference, Pulling For Veterans continues to honor its mission of preventing veteran suicide and supporting the veteran community.
Website: https://pullingforveterans.org/
Richard Carbaugh's Hope Foundation
About Us : Coming SOON
San Mar Children's Home
San Mar Children’s Home, or San Mar Family and Community Services as we are now called, has always focused on providing human services to the most vulnerable children and families. What originally started as an orphanage in 1883, evolved into a residential program for girls from 1985-2016, and then continued to evolve as we learned to do better for kids and families by identifying what services are most needed and that serve the best interests of children facing traumatic situations.
Today, our strategy is designed to prevent child abuse by supporting children earlier, before major trauma occurs. San Mar offers a variety of more upstream and proactive efforts in mental health and family services. And in the unfortunate case when a family situation necessitates a child being removed from their home, San Mar is there with safe, loving foster homes to protect and guide these kids on their journey toward permanency.
With operational offices in Boonsboro, our foster families reside roughly within a 30-mile radius, naturally including Frederick, and we are licensed to take referrals from anywhere in the state. We work closely with the Maryland Department of Social Services to assist with the highest-need cases and train our foster families at a higher level recognized as Treatment Foster Care.
With San Mar’s long history and track record of positive outcomes for kids, we remain committed to our mission of “Cultivating Hope and Well-Being in Children, Families, and Communities” in support of our vision that children are safe and nurtured, families are strong and resilient, and communities are connected and thriving, so that achieving dreams is possible.
Website: https://sanmarhope.org/
Second Chances Garage
At Second Chances Garage, we believe that reliable transportation isn’t a luxury -- it’s a lifeline. For many of our neighbors in Frederick County, the lack of a vehicle can mean the difference between keeping a job or losing it, accessing healthcare or going without, pursuing education or falling behind. Public transit is limited, and ridesharing is costly. Without a car, families are often trapped in cycles of hardship.
That’s where we come in. Founded in 2010, Second Chances Garage was born from a simple but powerful idea: what if donated vehicles could be transformed into second chances? What if the cars sitting unused in driveways could be repaired, restored, and placed into the hands of hardworking people striving for stability?
From this vision grew a nonprofit that now changes lives every day. Community members donate vehicles, and our skilled team of mechanics and apprentices repairs them affordably and responsibly. The cars are then matched with families and individuals referred through partner agencies, who have saved to purchase a vehicle for just $590 - cost far below market value. In addition, our low-cost repair program helps existing car owners keep their vehicles safe and, on the road, preventing unexpected breakdowns that could derail their progress.
The impact is profound. A single car unlocks opportunities - steady employment, better health outcomes, reduced stress, and a stronger sense of independence. Since opening our doors, we’ve distributed more than a thousand vehicles and performed thousands of low-cost repairs, each one carrying with it the stories of resilience, gratitude, and hope.
At its heart, Second Chances Garage isn’t about cars -- it’s about people. It’s about neighbors helping neighbors, a community pulling together so that everyone has the chance to move forward. We exist because we believe in the power of mobility to change lives, and we are committed to giving that second chance, one car at a time. www.secondchancesgarage.org
Website: https://secondchancesgarage.org/
SHIP of Frederick County
SHIP keeps students experiencing homelessness stay connected to education, building their capacity and helping them to break the cycle of poverty. What started as one homeless child in need of shoes has evolved into three major programs serving hundreds of youth each year. SHIP works one on one with youth to overcome their individual barriers and improve their lives.
Website: https://shipfrederick.com/
SOAR - Supporting Older Adults through Resources
SOAR began in 2015 through a desire to improve the quality of life for low-income seniors that are struggling to make ends meet. They are silent sufferers, often feeling forgotten in our society.
Seniors are the largest growing population and currently outnumber children in the school system – while there are so many organizations supporting children in our community SOAR is but one of a very few supporting our senior population.
We serve those aged 65 and older living in Frederick County whose income is $2100/month or less for an individual and $3000/month or less for a couple. ALL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE.
The Average income for a SOAR senior is $1345.00 per month.
We do not Limit what or how we assist with as we meet each of our seniors where they are currently. Some need guidance and support; some need financial support to help them during a challenging time and others need on-going support.
• Food Programs:
o Grocery shopping/delivery/paying of groceries for homebound seniors bi-monthly.
o Shelf Stable food - monthly delivery (Partnership with St. Josephs at Carrollton Manor)
o Perishable food - weekly distribution of fruits/vegetables (Partnership with the YMCA)
o BOOST and ENSURE are often available through donations.
• Transportation services
o In and out of county, assisted transportation for doctors, dentists, grocery store, banking and other essential needs.
o Transportation is not available to *those that drive, *own a car, are able to use Transit or Transit Plus, the Taxi program, or use Para Med Transit for Medicaid recipients. *Some exceptions apply, inquire.
o Assist with car repairs, car registration/driver license renewal, car insurance in special cases.
• Medical Equipment - Access to 270+ pieces of medical equipment for loan or permanent use.
• Incontinent Supplies – Access to donated supplies of Depends, Chuck pads, Gloves, Wipes.
• Holiday Meal Program – Holiday Meals in November and December are available to those that would otherwise not celebrate (have no family). Thanksgiving we provide a bag of groceries and Christmas gift bags with a meal.
• Emergency Funding - Limited funding available each month for the following & other essential needs.
We celebrated our 10th anniversary on March 1, 2025, and this grass roots organization has put $1.2 million dollars into the community in support of seniors in need. That figure does not include any operating expenses or salaries; this is just direct support! It is through the generosity of others; local foundations, grants, fundraising, and individuals that we were able to make that level of impact on behalf of some of our most vulnerable members of this community.
Your donations directly impact some of our most vulnerable community members.
Website: https://soarfrederick.org/
Sophie and Madigan's Playground
Sophie and Madigan’s Playground was born from unimaginable loss and the belief that joy, play, and creativity can heal and inspire communities. In January 2013, our daughters Sophie, age 6, and Madigan, age 3, tragically passed away in a house fire. In the wake of heartbreak, we wanted to celebrate the girls by honoring their beautiful spirits.
From that vision grew Sophie and Madigan’s Playground, a nonprofit dedicated to creating inclusive spaces and experiences where children and families of all abilities can play, learn, and create side by side. We believe every child and their family deserves a place where imagination runs free, differences are embraced, and families make lasting memories.
Since our founding, we have built community through festivals, family fun runs, art workshops, kindness challenges, and more—each designed to reflect Sophie and Madigan’s joy, kindness, and creativity.
The playground itself, located in Frederick, Maryland, is the region’s first fully inclusive play space. Designed for children of all abilities—whether they use mobility devices, live with sensory sensitivities, or simply want a place to imagine—it offers magical experiences where everyone belongs. Completed phases like Fantasy Land and Wonderland are already alive with play, and our third phase, Off to Neverland, is underway.
What began as one family’s tribute to two loving daughters has blossomed into a movement that has touched thousands. Sophie and Madigan’s Playground stands as a living reminder that even in loss, love can build something extraordinary—where every child is welcomed to play, learn, and create lifelong memories.
Spanish Speaking Community of Maryland
In the heart of Maryland, a diverse and vibrant community quietly grew — new arrivals, immigrants, and families striving for safety, stability, and opportunity. Yet too often they found doors closed: language barriers at health clinics, confusion around immigration paperwork, uncertainty in housing disputes, and little support to advocate for themselves. It was out of this urgency that Spanish Speaking Community of Maryland, Inc. was born — a beacon for those whose voices had been marginalized.
Our journey began when a small group of community leaders and social justice advocates recognized that formal services weren’t reaching Spanish-speaking residents effectively. They saw families struggling to navigate legal systems, clinics, schools, and leases without information in a language they understood. Motivated by compassion and purpose, these founders established an organization with one guiding mission: to empower low-income families and immigrants from diverse backgrounds toward self-sufficiency, social change, education, and legal rights.
SSCM
From the start, the Spanish Speaking Community of Maryland committed itself to holistic support. We do more than offer services — we build bridges. Our community development initiatives tackle systemic issues, while our immigration support services ensure people can access fair, informed representation. We partner with local healthcare providers to improve well-being, and we intervene in housing or landlord/tenant disputes to protect vulnerable residents.
SSCM
Education and outreach serve as the backbone: equipping individuals with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to claim their rights.
SSCM
Over the years, the organization has grown in reach and reputation. Yet its core remains the same: lifting up the Spanish-speaking community — helping families break cycles of fear and isolation so that every person might live with dignity, hope, and opportunity.
Steadfast Standing Firm Against Youth Homelessness
The story of Steadfast begins long before its doors opened, rooted in the life of our Executive Director, Cindy Morgan’s father. At just four years old, he entered Maryland’s foster care system, living in four different homes over fourteen years—some good, some not. During his junior year of high school, tragedy struck: his foster mother passed away, and soon after, his foster father moved out, leaving him alone in an old farmhouse with no electricity or running water. He survived by hunting and fishing for food, working on a farm, attending school, and even playing football. Against all odds, he graduated—a testament to resilience and determination. Nobody knew the hardships he had endured until he met Cindy’s mother. They became high school sweethearts, married, and built the loving family he had always dreamed of.
Inspired by her father’s story, Cindy dedicated herself to serving vulnerable youth as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), advocating for youth in foster care. The youth appointed to her was a young man who had been placed in the system at age fifteen. Over three years, he cycled through three different therapeutic residential facilities, never finding a true home. By eighteen, he left the system entirely. Within three months, Cindy found him living in a wooded area, sleeping on a cardboard box with only one blanket, a backpack, no money, no job, and no support. She realized then that safe, stable housing wasn’t just needed—it was life-changing.
With a God given vision, the help of three dedicated CASAs and a group of committed volunteers, Steadfast became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2019 and 5 years later we opened our doors to begin housing youth ages 16-21. Our mission is simple: we provide safe, home-like housing for homeless youth and those transitioning out of foster care, in an environment of care, supervision, and unconditional support. Through individualized attention, community partnerships, and a home that feels like family, we meet each youth where they are and walk beside them in support and guidance.
Steadfast is more than a shelter. It’s a family, a fresh start, and a living promise: You matter. You belong. And your story isn’t finished yet.
Website: https://steadfastmd.org/
Team HOPE, Inc.
Team Hope became an all-volunteer 501-C-3 non-profit organization in December, 2011. As we learned of the tremendous need in our community, Team Hope became the safety net for any woman in Frederick County who is under insured or has no insurance at all and is ineligible for care through the Frederick County Health Department due to age (younger than 40 and older than 65) or exceeding the BCCP program’s low household income guidelines. Team Hope provides clinical breast exams and follow-up care through our partnering physicians and any needed breast imaging to include breast biopsy through Community Radiology Associates. As of December 2024, Team Hope has cared for and provided funding to detect or confirm the absence of breast cancer for more than 1900 women in Frederick County.
The Banner School
The Banner School, established in 1982 as Frederick County's first non-sectarian and non-profit independent school, maintains an unwavering dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the community. Embracing a rich tapestry of diverse cultural, socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds among our students, staff, and families, we endeavor to mirror the vibrant diversity of the greater Frederick area.
Our commitment extends beyond fostering an inclusive and equitable environment; it is a celebration of the unique perspectives, experiences, and identities each individual brings to our educational community. This dedication is embedded throughout our curriculum, ensuring that diverse perspectives are integrated and valued, empowering all voices within our learning environment.
As our school exists in an ever-changing world, we recognize that our understanding and support of diversity, equity, and inclusion must continually evolve to adapt and respond to the dynamic global landscape. Our commitment remains resolute: to ensure every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered within our educational community, preparing them to thrive in an interconnected global society.
Website: https://bannerschool.org/
The Delaplaine Arts Center
Delaplaine Foundation, Inc., is a private family foundation based in Frederick, Maryland, dedicated to the enrichment of communities, families, and quality of life for all. We do so by supporting programs to strengthen the arts and culture, educational advancement, health, and human services in Frederick County, as well as historical preservation and spiritual enlightenment in Frederick County and surrounding areas.
Website: https://delaplaine.org/
The Frederick Center
The Frederick Center was founded with one single-minded goal: that every LGBTQ+ person in Frederick will know there is a place where they are valued, supported, and celebrated. Through support, outreach, and advocacy, we strive to create a Frederick County where LGBTQ+ people thrive.
In 2012, a brave Urbana high school student launched The Frederick Center to create a youth group for LGBTQ+ teens to make friends and find community, away from the bullying they experienced in schools and social lives. Since then, The Frederick Center has evolved into a full-blown community center, serving over 600 people annually through peer support and case management services, and hosting groundbreaking cultural events like Frederick Pride. The Center is open every day of the week for programs and events that help LGBTQ+ people make friends, find community, and access the tools they need to succeed in their day to day lives. We are a touchpoint for every corner of the LGBTQ+ community.
For our clients, we are a home away from home. Sometimes, we’re the only home they have. Every day, LGBTQ+ clients walk through our doors, looking for a place to belong. From families who are moving to the state so that their children can have the healthcare and therapeutic support they need, to seniors looking to find friends in their twilight years, to clients seeking a safe workplace, legal assistance, or emergency housing, The Frederick Center helps each family find what they need to thrive. No matter what they need, we hear the same story each time: our community members were looking for home, for safety, for support, and they found it here at TFC.
Right now, the world feels very dark for our community: anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies are at the forefront of local and national discourse. LGBTQ+ people deserve to live in a Frederick where they can raise their families, live happy and fulfilling lives, find community and belong. No matter the challenge or obstacle, The Frederick Center fights for a day where every single member of our community can thrive as their authentic themselves.
Website: https://thefrederickcenter.org/
The Frederick Children's Chorus
The Frederick Children's Chorus was created in 1985 and the core principle upon which it was built remains the same today: Every child, irrespective of their musical background or financial circumstances, should have the opportunity to develop their musical abilities to their fullest and have a safe space in which to do so.
FCC stands as a non-audition, all-inclusive children’s chorus, offering a welcoming environment where children can freely express themselves and find their musical voices while feeling safe and accepted within our chorus family.
Singing is widely recognized as a powerful promoter of mental well-being and a builder of strong, emotionally supportive communities. When children sing together, they experience shared joy while developing essential skills for connecting with others. The act of singing—with its rhythmic patterns, physical vibrations, and engaging melodies—serves as a personal coping mechanism during stressful times. By teaching a child to sing, we provide them with lifelong tools for self-care and emotional resilience. Educating groups of children in song empowers them to use their voices as instruments of change.
FCC offers year-round programs for children aged 0-18 years old:
Little Music Makers introduces young children (newborns to age 8) to music through singing, playing instruments, dancing and playing games. Through music, young children build their skills in literacy, math, socialization and problem-solving.
Little Music Makers has three divisions: Hummingbirds (birth to age 3), Wrens (ages 3-5), and Mockingbirds (ages 5-8)
The Performance Chorus offers vocal training for young people ages 8-18 in multiple levels of progressive difficulty, each exceeding national standards for music education for these age groups:
Training Chorus provides foundational learning in the choral arts.
Concert Chorus and Chamber Singers introduce progressively more difficult techniques and opportunities for leadership in the group. Singers learn healthy vocal techniques, sight-singing and harmonization.
FCC Singers meet for weekly rehearsals and musicianship classes and prepare for ticketed concerts and dozens of free community performances, such as City government events, festivals, fundraisers, and more.
Summer chorus camps offer summer enrichment for children ages 3-13 through singing and summer fun in 3 age levels. Camp is offered in multiple locations around the county, including Frederick, Walkersville, and Centerville. Campers learn about the world around them and present a free public concert at the end of the week.
Website: https://www.fredcc.org/
The Music is Medicine Foundation
About Us : Coming SOON
The Ranch, Inc.
We are a unique blend of services providing long-term low-intensity residential and clinical recovery care to individuals who identify as men and living with chronic severe substance use disorders. We address the whole person and all aspects of their functioning in the community, including family relationships, employment, educational growth, spirituality, etc. Our services allow for medical and psychiatric care and are fully accredited by The Joint Commission. Our goal is to return our clients to the community as gainfully employed, tax-paying contributors in the workforce. Other programs focus solely on the disease of addiction. We focus on the whole person and what he needs to be successful.
Website: https://www.ranchmd.org/
The Safe Ride Foundation
The Safe Ride Foundation is Frederick County's only organization working to stop drunk and drugged driving in our area. Creators of the popular SOS Safe Ride designated driver program, as well as the Steered Straight DUI rehabilitation program, The Safe Ride Foundation has spent the last decade directly fighting impaired driving on the ground. Since It's inception in 2015, the Safe Ride Foundation has now directly prevented over 19,000 DUI offenses in Frederick County. As of 2023, the Foundation has also launched the Rides for Good program, providing door to door transportation for low-income families and elderly of Frederick County.
Website: https://www.saferidefoundation.org/
Tip Me Frederick, Inc
It all started with 3 little kittens and a dead momma cat on the road. Our founder had grown up on a farm and knew the problems of letting cats breed. when she moved to Walkersville, she noticed there were many outdoor farm cats everywhere. She looked for low cost neutering services for the 35 cats she was feeding and didn't find much available. At that time FCHS had Quick FIx that was twice per year and AWLFC had 1 person trapping cats for neutering with area vets.
Realizing the need was great, she set about creating a non-profit to address the outdoor cat overpopulation. Almost 13 years and over 11,000 cats later, we're still going strong. Tip Me Frederick Inc is here to secure low-cost veterinary services for stray, outdoor, and farm cats and their caretakers. To help people live with these cats in their communities and to teach people how to care for these cats for the span of their lives.
Website: https://tipmefrederick.org/
Walkersville Southern Railroad Museum, Inc
About Us : Coming SOON
Website: https://wsrr.org/support-our-museum/
Warrior Canine Connection
Every day, our nation’s service members and Veterans face challenges most of us can hardly imagine. The wounds of war are not always visible — and for many, the road to healing can feel isolating. Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) was founded to change that through the powerful bond between Warriors and man’s best friend.
WCC is a pioneering organization that utilizes its clinically-based Animal Assisted Therapy program (known as Mission Based Trauma Recovery or MBTR) to support the physical and psychological rehabilitation of wounded Warriors. Through the therapeutic mission of helping to train a service dog for a fellow disabled Veteran, Warriors reconnect with their communities, their families and each other.
The organization’s origins trace back to 2008, when Executive Director Rick Yount created the nation’s first therapeutic service dog training program for Veterans at the Palo Alto VA Men’s Trauma Recovery Program in Menlo Park, California. This groundbreaking initiative offered a safe, non-pharmaceutical intervention for symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), demonstrating significant benefits for participating Veterans.
Website: https://warriorcanineconnection.org/
Wells House, Inc
Wells House has provided comprehensive behavioral health services to men and women in Washington and Frederick counties for over 45 years.
Wells House design of substance use disorder treatment is initial stabilization of individuals after they have detoxed. The goal of services is sustained recovery management with a focus on relapse prevention. Our services and supports are designed to enhance the development and well-being of the whole person. Patients participate in therapy groups and meet with their counselor through the duration of their stay. As patients progress through treatment, services are focused on continued engagement and assessment of the stages of change the patient progresses through. Services also focus on identifying and building strengths and protective factors within the individual, family, peer group and community.
Wells House also has a peer component to treatment. The Therapeutic Incentive Peers Program (TIPs) provide patients in SUD treatment an opportunity to stay in treatment longer, earn a stipend, learn workforce skills and find safe, stable housing to transition to independence. The extended time in treatment for those patients is valuable in a multitude of ways. It allows the peer to save their stipend to help with security deposits and the first few months of rent. The additional time in treatment helps the patient to building a stronger recovery foundation which correlates to increased success in maintaining abstinence and decreased financial and housing instability. While in treatment TIPs program participants begin to do the hard work of rebuilding relationships with loved ones, reentering the work force and making plans for housing. The extended 18 months in treatment allows patients to remain in a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment long enough to take positive action towards their future and significantly reduces the potential for relapse.
Wells House Outpatient Mental Health Center provides a space meant for patients to receive compassionate and caring yet challenging and growth-inspiring mental health care. Patients receive the attention and focus they need from their clinicians so that they may free themselves of old behaviors and unhelpful thinking and move forward into a place of lasting change and recovery. Trauma informed, patient-centered treatment planning drives the treatment process so that goals and pace are set appropriate to patient need and wishes. Coping skills and tools, as well as support systems are built and fortified through individual, family and/or group work. As a result, each patient can have the best opportunity for improved well-being and to sustain prolonged recovery.
Website: https://www.wellshouse.org/
Woman to Woman Mentoring, Inc.
For nearly two decades, Woman to Woman Mentoring, Inc. (W2WM) has stood as a powerful catalyst for women seeking direction, encouragement, and connection during pivotal moments in their lives. Founded by a group of dedicated community leaders, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit was created with a clear vision: to ensure that every woman in Frederick County has access to the support and guidance she needs to grow, thrive, and pursue her goals with confidence.
At the heart of W2WM is the belief that mentorship is more than a temporary relationship. We believe mentorship is a transformative force that can influence a woman’s trajectory for years to come. Through intentional one-on-one mentoring, community-building workshops, and structured opportunities to connect, we create an environment where women not only set goals but are supported, challenged, and celebrated as they work toward them. These relationships often extend far beyond the program, becoming long-lasting sources of encouragement, accountability, and genuine friendship.
The impact of these connections can be seen in the stories of more than 1,200 women who have participated in W2WM’s programs. Mentees have navigated transitions with confidence, returned to school or completed degrees, explored new career paths, launched businesses, earned promotions, and built networks that continue to open doors long after their formal mentoring experience ends. The ongoing support they receive from mentors and from the broader W2WM community strongly reinforces their ability to persist through challenges and to recognize their own strengths and potential.
W2WM’s legacy is measured not only in achievements but in the enduring connections formed, the renewed sense of belonging participants experience, and the multi-generational impact that occurs when women uplift one another. By fostering meaningful relationships rooted in trust, guidance, and shared growth, Woman to Woman Mentoring continues to change lives and strengthen the Frederick County community. One relationship at a time.
ImpactClub™ Frederick, MD co-founder
ERIC VERDI
Frederick has been home to my family since 1957 when my grandparents moved here. My wife and her family are lifelong residents too, so when the opportunity to unite others to help locally in Frederick was presented to us, we jumped at the opportunity. The impact that the non-profits of Frederick are having locally here is amazing and to play a small roll in uniting like-minded, giving individuals for a greater good is incredible
Impact Club® is Home for those who want to make a difference. We are Impact Venture Capitalists. There are local and national leaderboards. We compete. We use our intelligence, connections, propensity to solve problems, committed hearts, and unrelenting conviction to turn small donations into huge impact.