Serving low-income seniors throughout Frederick County through programs,

direct assistance, and community partnerships.

Food & More Program

66 seniors on a biweekly basis 42 seniors received weekly produce 23 seniors received monthly shelf stable food

Transportation Program 62 transports provided

Direct Assistance Requests

56 services provided

Medical Equipment Center 28 pieces of equipment were donated

19 pieces of equipment distributed

Total Services Provided

456 services provided

Restoring Hope

       This past month, a woman in her mid-seventies, reached out to SOAR for assistance with a request for housing support.

       Some months earlier, she experienced a health crisis, which required a hospital and rehab stay. During this time, she lost her housing. After being released from rehab with no place to live, she began living in her car. With a monthly income of $1,350, her housing options were limited. Fortunately, she recently qualified for a senior apartment. However, she needed assistance covering the security deposit and first month’s rent, which SOAR was able to provide.

       While she waited for her apartment to be ready, SOAR covered the cost of a motel stay during a period of hot weather, providing her with safe, temporary place to stay until she could move into her new home. Once she was settled, SOAR purchased a bed and bedding to ensure that she would have a comfortable place to sleep.

       Because of the generosity and compassion of our donors, this senior was able to move into her new home with greater stability and dignity. Your support makes a meaningful difference for low-income seniors during times of crisis, helping them rebuild their lives and restore hope. Together, we are helping our senior neighbors access the support they need as they navigate difficult circumstances.

Stories like this are becoming more common. 

With your support, compassionate and meaningful help is possible when it’s needed most. 

SOAR celebrated our wonderful volunteers last month with a special Volunteer Appreciation gathering.

Thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers for sharing your time, energy, and compassion.

Your service makes a lasting difference in the lives of the seniors we support!

       Shawn H. Graff has dedicated more than 30 years to serving the Frederick County community in a variety of professional roles. For the past 18 years, she has specialized as a Medicare Specialist, helping individuals age 65 and older navigate the complexities of Medicare and healthcare coverage. Through her work, she has gained a deep understanding of the daily challenges faced by older adults and their families, as well as the gaps in available community resources.

       Shawn’s passion for serving others extends beyond her career. As the primary caregiver for both of her aging parents during their illnesses, she experienced firsthand the emotional and practical demands of caregiving while also raising two sons. Together with her boys, she coached youth mountain biking and volunteered to deliver Meals on Wheels, instilling in them the importance of community service.

       An active member of the Rotary Club of Frederick, Shawn enjoys giving back through volunteer initiatives that strengthen and support her community. Outside of work and volunteering, she values an active lifestyle and enjoys working out, hiking, reading, listening to podcasts, and traveling.

       Driven by compassion, service, and a commitment to improving the lives of older adults, Shawn continues to advocate for seniors and their families while making a positive impact in her community.

       Mary Rolle has worked and served in Frederick County for many years. Early in her career, she worked in the criminal justice field. She was a Professor at Frederick Community College from 1998 and retired in 2022.

       Mary was elected to Orhan’s Court (Probate Court) in 2019, where she served as Chief Judge for the Orphan’s Court. Following her service on the Orphan’s Court, she was elected as Register of Wills in 2022. As the Register of Wills, she has focused on providing exceptional customer service and ensuring the last wishes of each decedent are carried out.

       Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts degree in Psychology. She is the Vice President of the Maryland Register of Will Association and a member of the National College of Probate Judges.

       Mary lives in Thurmont and enjoys spending time with her 3 children and 4 grandchildren. She volunteers with the animal shelter fostering bottle fed baby kittens.

       Andy Carpel is the owner of Carpel Video, a local business specializing in digitizing home movies, photographs, slides, and other cherished media to flash drives.

      He has served on the boards of several community organizations and held leadership roles as Chairman of the Community Foundation of Frederick County, President of Beth Sholom Congregation, and President of the Rotary Club of Frederick. In addition, Andy was active on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County, the Frederick Arts Council, and the 72 Hour Film Festival.

       Andy and his family have called Frederick home for many years, where they raised five children. He is also the proud grandfather of 14 (mostly nice) grandchildren. Andy lives in Frederick with his charming wife, Shurron.

Your gifts help provide essentials like food for homebound seniors, housing support, transportation to medical appointments, and emergency assistance.

Thank you to the Elder Services Provider Council for their generous grant and support of our mission to improve the quality of life for low-income seniors in Frederick County.

Mark your calendars for SOAR’s signature event, A Toast to the Holidays!

Sponsorship Opportunities are still available. We invite you to be part of this special event and help support our mission of improving the quality of life for low-income seniors in Frederick County.

Sponsorship deadline is September 1, 2026

       SOAR’s Transportation Program offers free rides to medical appointments for low-income seniors who do not own a car or are no longer able to drive.

       We recognize that some seniors need more than just transportation, they benefit from door-to-door assistance and support during their appointments. With this in mind, we offer the option of caregiver-assisted transportation, ensuring seniors have a companion to help them safely get to and from medical visits.

       SOAR is looking for caring and dependable volunteer drivers for our transportation program. Your time and support can make a meaningful difference in helping seniors get to important medical appointments. If you are interested in volunteering, please apply here.

       SOAR is the grateful recipient of a minivan, which allows us to offer our volunteers the option of using their own car or the SOAR minivan when transporting our seniors to their appointments.

       We are sincerely grateful to Mark and Susan Butt and the Rotary Club of Frederick for making this possible.

Leslie Schultz, Founder/Executive Director Stephanie McGovern, Food Program & Volunteer Coordinator Patty Chopas, Program Coordinator Maggie Clingman, Development Coordinator

Judy Lancaster, President JD Shuman, Vice-President Andrew Jeanneret, Treasurer Rebecca Full, Secretary

Susan Butt, Director

Andy Carpel, Director

Shawn Graff, Director Angela Mayer, Director

Mary Rolle, Director

SOAR has created an Amazon.com list of essential needs for low-income seniors. If you are interested in helping us provide these items, please visit our list.

THANK YOU!

Our Contact Information

Supporting Older Adults Through Resources

P.O. Box 1603

Frederick, MD 21702

240-575-9665

https://soarfrederick.org

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