Federated Charities - Frederick, Maryland

Elin

The Answer is “Yes”

By

When local artist and business owner, Anthony Owens asks if he can install a mural in your building, the only real answer is “Yes.” Anthony and his crew of artisans have installed 15+ public murals all over Frederick and late last year we took him on a tour of the Federated Charities building and we became the lucky recipient of one of his pieces. We are scheduled to re-dedicate the Ramona Remsburg Wing and unveil the mural on Tuesday June 5th to kick off our week to celebrate The Art of the Dog.

2017, courtesy Jason Turner

People ask us all the time if we provide services for dogs because we have chosen to highlight our iconic dog image…and the answer is no…but the iconic dog image that graces our front portico is a symbol for us of the work that goes on behind our doors. Our 14 nonprofit tenant-partners benefit from our low and reduced cost space that allows them to put more of their own resources toward mission-based human services. The solid, iron dog statue on the front steps that has stood there for years is a part of that foundation of programming that we have offered in Frederick since 1911 so we embrace the image…and sometimes the confusion that goes along with it.

The mural, built and installed by Anthony Owens, Kathryn Hale, Tony “Ghost Dog” Woods and Stephen Parnes is made up of 3, 6×2 foot panels arranged as a triptych and is a combination of paint and mosaic tiles. In addition to our dog, it also features several recognizable Frederick elements, such as a Frederick key, the spires skyline and Baker Park. Mr. Owens has installed interior and exterior murals at a variety of locations, including the Housing Authority of the City of Frederick, Heartly House, The Boys and Girls Club. Each project brings together local artists to work on each piece as a collaborative effort.

The vision of Federated Charities is to create collaborative partnerships among agencies by sharing backbone infrastructure and so the creation of this public art piece fits right into our vision. Our public space inside the building is passed by countless people every day who need something from one of our nonprofit partners and we want to be able to offer them beautiful space. The German artist Gerhard Richter said, “Art is the highest form of hope,” and our partnerships in the community provide hope and services and opportunity to individuals and families every day.

The mural unveiling is open to the public but does require an RSVP. Please contact us at info@federatedcharities.org if you would like to attend.

The Heart of Our Dog

By

On Thursday June 7th, we will host our second annual event, The Art of the Dog at Federated Charities. Our board of directors will welcome you to our renovated rose garden and first floor of our lovely, historic building where you will enjoy beer, wine and soft drinks, eats and art (silent auction to benefit the programs and services of Federated Charities).

2017, courtesy Jason Turner

But wait, do we have anything to do with dogs? A little bit because we have owned one since 1858 where he has stood watch over our building and the community. As one of the most iconic fixtures in downtown Frederick, hundreds if not thousands of people walk past him every day but unless you’ve needed a lawyer or a wheelchair (or any other type of human service), you may not be aware of the work that we do. Since 1911 we have addressed critical needs in this community and since 1930, we have done it from our bricks and mortar building with the dog statue.

The Art of the Dog is just our way to celebrate that work. Local artists and makers and just generous people donate items for our silent auction and you get to enjoy our space for an evening. Tickets are available now.

Thank you to our Top Dog event sponsors, Frederick County Bank and First United Bank & Trust

Happy Birthday Federated Charities!

By

On March 25, 1911, a group of people in Frederick had an idea to bring together all the charitable aid services in the community so their efforts could be focused, structured and more efficient and so, the idea of Federated Charities was born. For the next 107 years we have provided a safety net, not just for individuals in need, but for organizations who share the common idea that no citizen should be left behind in our community. From early public health and services for children and families to our collaborative nonprofit center of today, Federated Charities has been a part of the landscape of Frederick and we have been proud of our efforts and those of our tenant partners (if you would like a copy of our 2017 annual report, please contact us). Please join us to celebrate the past 107 years and our next century of services, programs and opportunities.

Great Ideas? Call Us.

By

What if you had a great idea, a group of volunteers who were excited about it and a community in need? Many of us would at least explore the idea of starting a nonprofit and in our “today world” that process has become increasingly easy. But while the application and acquisition process can be simple, the real day to day work of an organization can quickly become overwhelming. In my average day, I ask for money, recruit supporters, account for funds, report impact, inspire staff and volunteers and clean toilets…sometimes all at the same time, before I even get to do any of the actual “great idea” stuff and I’ve been practicing for 20+ years. An option for groups has always been to partner with a fiscal sponsor to manage some or all of the administrative overhead and let you focus on the great idea.

A recent series of articles from Nonprofit Quarterly highlights the concept and its role in our industry, “In a time of active experimentation in terms of programs and organizational form, and in a context of some turbulence, the ability to test ideas without setting up formal organizations to hold them becomes increasingly important.” Once you’ve had a chance to read the articles, you’re welcome to come visit Federated Charities and learn about the strategic, backbone support we offer nonprofits in the Frederick community—which include fiscal sponsorship. We make a fantastic cup of coffee and our door is always open to anyone who is mulling over the next great idea.

First Community Table Session of 2018 Starts Tonight!

By

According to The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, healthy eating patterns have been shown in many studies to help people reduce risks of chronic disease throughout their lives. The Community Table Project starts a 3rd year of new sessions tonight in partnership with The Housing Authority of the City of Frederick and The Common Market Co-op (and our newest partner in the game, Produce in a SNAP). What’s on the menu for dinner? Cauliflower carrot soup, preserved lemons and kelp tacos (yes, you read that right!-)…sounds like disease reduction to us.

Want more information about The Dietary Guidelines? Click here.

Thank You Rotary Club of Carroll Creek!

By

We were pleased to accept a grant award from the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek this morning in support of the Community Table Project, a joint initiative between Federated Charities, The Housing Authority of the City of Frederick, The Common Market and Pleasant Hill Produce.

According to The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, produced by HHS and USDA, healthy eating patterns, along with regular physical activity, have been shown in many studies to help people reach and maintain good health while reducing risks of chronic disease throughout their lives. Additionally, healthy eating patterns can be adapted to an individual’s budget, taste preferences, traditions, and culture. The Community Table Project helps meet the need to develop healthy eating habits in a neighborhood that also experiences a lack of grocery/food store resources and where residents have transportation, budget or other limitations that restrict their access to nutritious, locally grown/produced food.

As participants in the Community Table in 2016 indicated, a critical factor in whether or not they use fresh produce has to do with its accessibility and affordability and as any working parent knows, an additional factor influencing meal preparation is time and energy so for our second year of participation in the program, we focus on not just the provision of the vegetables but also the ability to prepare nutritious family meals with less effort.

The program offers a monthly cooking demo and shared meal, weekly vegetable distribution as well as a free crockpot to participants who attend at least 4 sessions. This year we have served 12 families and over the course of the past two years we have facilitated the distribution of more than 400 pounds of locally grown produce to the participants and other nonprofit agencies in Frederick. And while our board of directors likes to refer to the project as, “that vegetable program we do,” Federated Charities is committed to bringing together families and local farmers at the same table to promote healthy eating in all our communities.

Thank you to the Carroll Creek Rotary and all our partners for supporting this project!