Heartly House has been the only organization in Frederick County, MD that provides comprehensive services, free of charge, to survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and child abuse.Â
Services include a 24-hour hotline, crisis intervention, hospital accompaniment, emergency shelter, counseling, legal services, case management, and community education and training for anyone who lives or goes to school in the county. Heartily House serves all survivors, regardless of race, gender, gender identity, education, income, or immigration status.Â
A Conversation with Jenn Metcalf, Engagement & Prevention Manager
Tell us Heartly House’s origin story.
Heartly House opened its doors in 1979 after a local group of women recognized a need for emergency housing specifically for women who were victims of domestic violence. Since then, Heartly House has expanded to become Frederick’s only service center for all victims and survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking.Â
We still have an emergency shelter; we’ve expanded our services in. a myriad of ways in which I will discuss in the next slide. And while our initial shelter was for women, now our shelter and other support services are for any survivor, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religious affiliation, etc. Â
All of our support services are free of charge and are centered around trauma-informed care, meaning we understand how trauma reactions can arise in survivors, and we will not judge them for this.Â
Lastly, Heartly House understands that supporting survivors is only one *very important* part of ending power-based violence. While we started as a survivor support service center, we have also grown our mission to include prevention work to dismantle power-based violence for future generations.Â
What do you like most about operating in Frederick?
Most people come to Heartly House because they are in crisis. We are meeting people in the midst of the worst event in their lives. Supporting them in that and walking with them as they begin their healing journey is the best part of our work. We also love being part of the Frederick community, and seeing how the work that we do makes the place where we live safer and healthier for everyone.
What makes Heartly House unique?
We are the only organization in Frederick County that provides the range of services we provide for as long as our clients need us.Â
What do you wish people knew about Heartly House?
When people think of Heartly House, most think of a shelter for women and children. We want people to know that all our services, including shelter, are for anyone who lives in Frederick County. We serve men, too!Â
What ways can people in the community support you?
Share the message! Follow us on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Follow us, like our posts, and share them with your audiences. We are always looking for people to support the mission as well through time, money, and resources. Check out our website for ways to be involved with Heartly House.
What does Heartly House do best?
Our clients know we will be here when they need us, for as long as they need us. We strive to provide empowering, trauma-informed care to every person we serve.
Do you have any exciting events coming up?
Friday, May 19th we are holding our second annual Take Back the Night Event at JBK Theater on the campus of Frederick Community College. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/take-back-the-night-with-heartly-house-tickets-585708208017
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.