(12/2020) FY22 Community Partnership Grant Program

Frederick County announced the opening of the application process for the FY22 Community Partnership Grant program that awards competitive grants to non-profit organizations serving the needs of county residents. The grants can be used for community needs, seniors and housing.

"Our human service nonprofits do an amazing job connecting people with the resources they need," Executive Gardner said. "The benefits to our community have been clear, especially during the health pandemic this year. Together, the County and our nonprofit partners are able to leverage our efforts to provide effective services so we can all flourish and share in Frederick County’s prosperity and high quality of life."

This year marks the seventh round of the grants program. Grants can be for operating expenses or for one-time purchases. Examples of one-time projects funded in the past include roof replacement for a transitional housing shelter, costs associated with a mobile dental clinic, and a refrigerator/freezer for a senior center, among others.

Applications will be available at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/CPG. A virtual pre-application meeting is scheduled for Nov. 10 from 9:30 -11 a.m. To RSVP, email cpg@frederickcountymd.gov. RSVPs received by 9 a.m. on Nov. 10 will receive a link to log into the meeting. While the pre-application meeting is optional, it is highly recommended for all agencies to attend for a thorough understanding of application requirements and funding priorities.

The deadline to submit an application is Dec. 10. Funding awards will be considered in the county budget process and announced in April 2021, with funding available beginning July 1. For more information and program updates, visit the website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/CPG orcall Kelli Goetz at 301-600-1410.

FCSO welcomes Todd Wivell as the new PIO

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) welcomes Emmitsburg, Maryland, native and U.S. Air Force military veteran, Todd Wivell, as the new public information officer.

Wivell is a Catoctin High School graduate and after serving more than 23 years on active duty, returned to Frederick County, Maryland, in 2017. He is responsible for coordinating all communications efforts for FCSO Sheriff Chuck Jenkins and the more than 430 deputies, correctional officers, and staff that support that office. As the public face of the organization, he will provide vital information to the more than 250,000 citizens and local media of Frederick County.

"We are excited to have Todd join our team and welcome him back to the local area," said Jenkins. "His extensive military experience in public relations and his knowledge of Frederick County and the surrounding areas make him the right person for this position."

Wivell started his military career in 1994 as a police officer and retired in 2017 as the chief of public affairs for the 62nd Airlift Wing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. He oversaw all information programs, media relations, public outreach, and distinguished visitor events for an organization of more than 7,000 personnel. His military work includes event coordination with the National Football League, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, the Seattle Seahawks, the Carolina Panthers, and the World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.

Receiving numerous military decorations, Wivell earned two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, two Air Force Commendations Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, two Joint Service Achievement Medals, and five Air Force Achievement Medals. In 2014, he received a Department of Defense Thomas Jefferson Award and in 2013, the city of Tacoma, Washington, recognized him as their Military Citizen of the Year.

The Frederick County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) is a full-service law enforcement agency; an arm of the court, and a keeper of offenders. In this regard, it exists to serve the more than 250,000 citizens of Frederick County with respect, fairness, and compassion. FCSO is committed to the prevention of crime; the protection of life and property; the preservation of peace and order; the enforcement of laws and ordinances; the safeguarding of constitutional guarantees; and safekeeping of prisoners. The men, women, and officers of this office nurture public trust by holding themselves to the highest standards of performance and ethics. The FCSO is located at 110 Airport Drive East, Frederick, MD, 21701. Visit www.frederickcosheriff.com for more information.

Hughes appointed as Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer

As part of her ongoing efforts to advance fairness and equity in Frederick County, County Executive Jan Gardner today announced the appointment of diversity trainer and educator Michael W. Hughes as Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer. Mr. Hughes brings decades of experience addressing issues of equity and social justice.

"I have placed a high priority on advancing equity and inclusion, both within county government and throughout our community, so that everyone has equitable opportunity to prosper," Executive Gardner said. "I am confident Michael can move us forward. He is passionate, strategic, thoughtful, and brings a fresh perspective."

Through his work, Mr. Hughes has fostered organizational change in areas involving race and social justice. As an administrator in higher education in North Carolina, most recently as Executive Director of Student Success and College Civility, he instituted trainings and procedures that improved student outcomes in higher education. He created more inclusive and welcoming workplaces for racially underrepresented employees, and has designed professional development courses for conferences and colleges. Courses include Talking about Race: Yes We Can and Yes We Should; Developing Awareness of Your Implicit Biases; and Courageous Conversations about Race: Becoming Comfortable with the Uncomfortable Through Dialogue with Difference.

Mr. Hughes earned a master’s degree in Ministry from Biblical Theological Seminary and a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Communications from Western Kentucky University. He also holds certifications in Diversity and Intercultural Competence from Wake Forest University and as a civil rights investigator. He will begin his role as Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer on November 30.

Executive Gardner also announced the formation of an Equity Leadership Team of community members and stakeholders to help set goals and priorities in the areas of equity, diversity and inclusion. The Equity Leadership Team will engage in a public process as it identifies priorities. Recommendations from the team will provide a framework for change and will serve as the foundation for an action plan.

Grants Support Family Shelter, Heritage Center

Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner is pleased to announce $425,000 in one-time grant awards to help advance two important nonprofit community projects. Funds will support the construction of an emergency family shelter, a long-standing project of the Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs. Frederick County currently lacks a temporary shelter for families who find themselves facing the trauma and challenges of homelessness. Funds also will support the development of a heritage center being established by the AARCH Society of Frederick (African American Resources – Cultural and Heritage). The Heritage Center for African American History will help residents learn about the underrepresented story of the county’s African American history, including living conditions and important contributions to our community.

"Frederick County is a caring community, committed to making life better for people," Executive Gardner said. "After a multi-year effort to sell county surplus property to support these worthy projects, I am pleased to make this support a reality. The family shelter will help to keep families together, provide stability, and reduce the stress on our community’s children so they can thrive. The heritage center will help us to learn about our past, recognize the contribution of Blacks in Frederick County, and guide us as we work to move forward to shape a bright future for everyone."

The Religious Coalition received $375,000 for the Emergency Family Shelter on Hayward Road in the City of Frederick. "With the vital investment by the County and generous donors in our community, the establishment of a new emergency family shelter program is becoming a reality," said Religious Coalition Executive Director Nick Brown. "With this new shelter we can keep families together and work towards our ultimate goal – returning families to permanent housing."

AARCH’s grant for $50,000 will help fund a Heritage Center on Carroll Street in Frederick. "AARCH greatly appreciates the opportunity to partner with County Executive Jan Gardner and the County Council as we move forward with development of the African American Heritage Center," said AARCH President David Key. "We look forward to providing an understanding of the significant contributions African Americans have made in Frederick County’s history."

Funding for the grants came from the sale of a small parcel of surplus county-owned land along Ballenger Creek Pike. Executive Gardner expressed her appreciation for the support of the County Council to advance these two priority community projects.

County, City provide $3 million to support public schools

Frederick County Government and The City of Frederick are partnering to provide more than $3 million in relief to Frederick County Public Schools to help cover costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be used for food distributions; technology and other costs associated with virtual and in-person learning; as well as safety measures such as personal protective equipment and enhanced air filters.

"Supporting the educational needs of our children is essential if we are to deliver on the promise of public education," County Executive Jan Gardner said. "Our community’s bright future depends on making sure all students have access to reliable technology, nutritious food, and – once it is safe to return to the classroom – a healthy environment for learning."

"City residents account for more than a quarter of all FCPS students," Mayor Michael O’Connor said. "We owe it to our young residents to support them and their families during these challenging times."

There are over 43,000 students enrolled in Frederick County Public Schools. Nearly 12,000 live in the City of Frederick, with the remaining 31,000 residing outside the city. Funding for the grant comes from the County’s $45 million federal Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) award. Frederick County contributed $2,585,522 directly.

The County previously allocated CRF funding to each municipality. Mayor O’Connor is making a request of the Board of Aldermen on December 3, to designate $444,638 of its allocation toward the FCPS relief.