The Women's Giving Circle of Frederick County, Maryland

09/07/2026

Beyond Shelter is one of the nonprofits our Women's Giving Circle is proud to support, and this post is a powerful reminder of why that work matters. 276 children have had a safe place to sleep since their Emergency Family Shelter opened in 2022. That's 276 kids who could focus on being kids, not on where they'd sleep that night. As families across Frederick County settle back into the school year, we're grateful for organizations like Beyond Shelter doing this work every day.

A new school year should mean new backpacks, new teachers, and new beginnings—not wondering where you’ll sleep tonight.

As children across Frederick County head back to school today, we can’t forget the sobering reality facing thousands of children across our country.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 148,238 children under the age of 18 experienced homelessness on a single night in January 2024—a 33% increase from the year before. Children experienced the largest increase of any age group. At the same time, homelessness among people in families with children rose by 39%.

Here in Frederick County, Beyond Shelter is working EVERY DAY to change that story.

Since opening our permanent Emergency Family Shelter in April 2022, we have provided shelter to 276 children—from newborns to 18-year-olds.

That means 276 children who had a safe place to sleep.
276 children who had a place to feel secure.
276 children who had the opportunity to focus on school, family, and simply being a kid.

Because behind every statistic is a child.

A child who deserves to walk into their classroom knowing they have a safe place to come home to.

When you support Beyond Shelter, you are helping make that possible. 💙

Help us provide safety, stability, and hope to children and families in our community:
https://buff.ly/4aYXD8Y

Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report, based on the January 2024 Point-in-Time Count.

09/07/2026

We're looking forward to welcoming members and non-members to our September 15 luncheon at Dutch's Daughter. Registration has been strong, and if you've been thinking about joining us, now is a great time to get your ticket. Registration closes September 8.

Our featured speaker, Denise Hill, Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Frederick County, will share how a Women's Giving Circle grant is expanding literacy and life skills opportunities for women in our community.

We'll also celebrate 20 years of collective giving, share what's ahead for WGC as we begin our next chapter as an independent organization, and reveal our refreshed brand for the first time.

Whether you've been part of WGC for years, are a newer member, or are simply interested in learning more about us, we'd love to have you there.

https://www.givesignup.org/TicketEvent/WGCSeptemberLuncheon2026

08/28/2026

We're looking forward to welcoming members and non-members to our September 15 luncheon at Dutch's Daughter. Registration has been strong, and if you've been thinking about joining us, now is a great time to get your ticket.

Our featured speaker, Denise Hill, Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Frederick County, will share how a Women's Giving Circle grant is expanding literacy and life skills opportunities for women in our community.

We'll also celebrate 20 years of collective giving, share what's ahead for WGC as we begin our next chapter as an independent organization, and reveal our refreshed brand for the first time.

Whether you've been part of WGC for years, are a newer member, or are simply interested in learning more about us, we'd love to have you there.

Registration closes 9/8 or when tickets sold out.

https://www.givesignup.org/TicketEvent/WGCSeptemberLuncheon2026

08/18/2026

From the WGC archives: Celebrating grants and giving more than 13 years ago!

08/16/2026

Tonight's WGC Summer Concert Meetup is canceled due to the forecasted inclement weather. Stay safe and dry, and we'll see you at another WGC gathering soon!

08/15/2026

Join us September 15 for connection, inspiration, and a look at what’s next for WGC! Doors open at 11:15 AM
https://www.givesignup.org/TicketEvent/WGCSeptemberLuncheon2026

08/09/2026

Last weekend, the Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club hosted the 37th annual Women's Distance Festival 5K. The race had a record year with 739 registered participants!

The Steeplechasers have donated the net proceeds of the race to the Giving Circle since 2010 and we are very grateful.

Giving Circle members were out in force, running, walking, volunteering, and sponsoring the race. We tried to identify WGC members in this album but if we missed you, the full set of photos is available at https://frederickwdf.com/photos.

08/08/2026

Save the Date!

For 20 years, the Women's Giving Circle has been bringing people together through collective giving to improve the lives of women in Frederick County.

Join us on September 15 as we celebrate our past, embrace our future, and share some exciting news.

We'll also hear from the Literacy Council of Frederick County, one of our recurring grant recipients, about the impact of WGC's collective giving.

Registration opens this week!

08/07/2026

Last night, our own Karlys Kline, founder of the Women's Giving Circle, was awarded the SHERO Heart Award at the final night of 2026 S.H.E. Week, hosted by the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. The SHERO Awards recognize the achievements and contributions of trailblazers across various fields, showcasing the incredible impact they’ve made. Awardees embody the true spirit of Strength, Heart, and Equality.
Karlys has remarkable HEART and displays deep compassion and connection in our community. Founding the Women's Giving Circle 20 years ago is just one of the ways that she has had a positive impact on the lives of Frederick residents. Congratulations Karlys!