About Uplifting Families

Uplifting Families is an all-volunteer organization that works 
collaboratively with local government and other nonprofits 
to help Frederick County residents in need.

We improve the lives of Frederick County residents most vulnerable - be it youth, seniors, and families.

Uplifting Families in Frederick County is the Social Services Advisory Board for Frederick County. All board members are residents of Frederick County, and have been appointed to serve by the County Executive.

We provide assistance and support to individuals and families referred to us by the Frederick County Department of Social Services (DSS). This relationship ensures that donations made to Uplifting Families are used to support qualified individuals and families who, with the help of professionals, are on the road to self-sufficiency.

We work collaboratively with local government and other nonprofits to ensure our efforts are not duplicative. As an all-volunteer organization with no overhead, ALL donations are used to help Frederick County residents in need.

Meet Our Board Members

Ed Hinde

Board Chair

Chris Kimberly

Board Vice Chair

Lysmariam Vallares-Pena

Board Treasurer

Casey Day

Board Secretary

Renee Knapp

Frederick County Councilwoman

Debbie Marini

Executive Director,
Frederick County DSS

Jenifer Zimmer

Board Member

Patrick Hammett

Board Member

Elizabeth Etouke

Board Member

Pastor Chance Martinez-Colon

Board Member

Dave Drezner

Board Member

Cheryl Back

Board Member

Natalie Gipson

Board Member

Join Uplifting Families

If interested in becoming a Board member, please submit a cover letter and resume.

Support Frederick County’s most vulnerable by giving a one-time or monthly gift

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