Frederick: Donates $26,500

Years ago, I was visiting a friend of my sons’ who was imprisoned in Petersburg VA Federal Penitentiary and saw the complete lack of resources for kids who were visiting. These kids were going crazy in the waiting area. The light bulb went off, and Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (COIPP) — a nonprofit, all volunteer group — was founded. Fifteen years ago we began by providing resources to children to alleviate their boredom in the waiting area. Then, we expanded. Soon, we will add workshops with soon-to-be-released inmates and those newly released.

Women who are mentored and connected to their community are more likely to become self-sufficient, less dependent on services, and strong contributors in our community. Women who want to make progress in their life join W2WM’s CORE Mentoring Program, which consists of being matched with their very own mentor, 10 life-skill workshops, access to W2WM’s community and staff support. W2WM participants establish long-term relationships of guidance, support, and connection. And, mentees receive advice they are unlikely to find elsewhere – not only unbiased and confidential but also practical and tailored.

Advocates for Homeless Families provides Frederick County homeless families with children access to housing, education, employment and intensive support services to help them overcome their circumstances and become fully integrated into mainstream society. Families reside in our scattered- site housing, while going to school and/or working for up to one to two years. We work with 25 families each year to stabilize the family unit, enroll children in school and enrichment activities, and assist with childcare, transportation, food, and textbook expenses.