The Community Foundation created the Friends & Neighbors Support Fund (FANS) as a way for concerned citizens in Washington County to respond to emergency situations affecting their neighbors. Nonprofit organizations within the community forward recommendations to the Foundation when a situation arises that meets a unique, one-time need. We do our best to make sure a long-term solution is put into place through other community organizations before asking donors to invest in an unsolvable problem. Then, we e-mail interested donors to share the specifics without divulging any personal or identifying information. Donors can decide at that time whether or not to make a tax-deductible contribution to help resolve the need. FANS’ members have made gifts ranging from $10 to $1,000. We disburse FANS funds to a responsible nonprofit organization to help them close the gap and, hopefully, resolve the situation.

Holly Place provides a safe and affordable home for 15 low-income seniors. They offer personal care, housekeeping, laundry, medication administration and transportation to appointments at a minimal cost. Recently, one of Holly Place’s two vehicles, a 23-year old, seven passenger van broke down beyond repair. This vehicle provided much needed transportation for the residents. The cost to replace the van with a wheelchair lift was $25,000. On behalf of many generous donors, Holly Place was able to purchase a “new” van for transporting residents to their doctor’s appointments once again. It has rear wheel-chair access and can transport four other people plus the driver.

Joining the FANS Network is a great way to give back to your community and know that your contribution has an immediate impact in helping an individual or family in need, right here in Washington County. To join the FANS Network, send your e-mail address with the word FANS in the subject line to cfwc@cfwcmd.org or call (301) 745-5210.