Heartly House restores hope and mobilizes a network of support to empower survivors, strengthen our community, and prevent power-based violence through advocacy, education, and compassion. Since 1978, Heartly House has grown to attempt to meet Frederick County’s growing needs and today provides a continuum of care that includes Crisis intervention and response, emergency shelter, case management, community based services with satellite locations across the county, legal advocacy and representation, individual and group victim specific, trauma informed counseling. We are the only provider of these comprehensive services for victims and survivors in Frederick County. While we know and depend on other agencies and organizations that provide support for survivors, what makes Heartly House unique is that we are here for survivors wherever they are on their journey to healing and wholeness for as long as they need us. And we are here to not only support survivors but also to provide age appropriate, evidence based prevention trainings in Frederick County Public Schools, as well as specialized trainings for community partners, the business community, law enforcement, FCC, Hood and the Mount, and the general public.
A conversation with Niki Thrash, Executive Director
Tell us your origin story!
I started at Heartly House as Director of Development almost 8 years ago and was given the opportunity and honor to lead the organization as Executive Director in January of 2025. While I’ve worked in the field of nonprofit marketing, fund development and management for more than 30 years, this position is by far the most challenging and rewarding. I’m privileged to be leading this team of compassionate professionals and to help lead this community to a place where intimate partner violence, sexual assault and human trafficking is not tolerated. My why is very personal. But publicly, I can say that I want to create safety and stability for families, and for children to understand it’s not their fault and that there are safe and caring adults who can walk beside them to safe places. Heartly House is one of those safe places.
What do you like most about being an organization in Frederick?
Frederick is a unique community where caring for one another is not just an idea – it is an intentional way of life. My career started in Boston, and then I moved to Washington, DC, and Montgomery County, MD, but when I came to Frederick, I found a home not only for my family, but for me as a professional. People talk about the uniqueness of our business community, the ‘secret sauce’, the special place – all of that is true and it is all about the people. The thing I like most about leading a business in this community is the people and the partnerships, the support and the common goals. Working for the good.
Why did you join the Chamber?
Every organization I’ve worked for in Frederick has been a member of the Chamber. Chamber membership is connection, partnerships, and giving back. I don’t belong to get what I can for the good of my organization and my team, but I belong to give back, to connect others to the resources that Heartly House can provide that will strengthen their business and our community.
How has being a member of the Chamber benefitted Heartly House?
Let me count the ways… professional development through LFC and other educational opportunities, connections to trusted partners, resources to support my organization, social and professional networks, demonstrated best practices, advocacy, special opportunities and discounts from member organizations, a community of caring professionals – all are benefits for the team I lead.
What do you want Heartly House to be known for?
Heartly House is more than a shelter and provides services for EVERYONE. Over the years, our reputation for being a shelter for women and children leaving domestic violence has somewhat overshadowed the fact that we are so much more. Heartly House supports ALL victims and survivors of domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, as well as sexual assault and human trafficking, and that support includes not only an emergency shelter. Our continuum of care meets survivors where they are and when they need us. That could be in the immediate medical emergency following an abusive situation or many years later when an individual has the capacity and strength to seek support. I want the community to know that we are a safe space and a community of hope, empowerment and resources. I want the community to know that EVERYONE has a role to play in preventing victimization and supporting survivors. Heartly House offers evidence-based prevention trainings and resources. We are a trusted partner committed to building safer, more resilient families, businesses and neighborhoods.
How can people support you?
Heartly House has earned a Platinum Seal of Transparency rating from Candid (formerly Guidestar), the highest level, awarded to nonprofit organizations. With that rating, donors can be confident that we are good stewards of your investment in our work. As a nonprofit, we depend on the generosity of our community to ensure our continued lifesaving operations. Donations in any amount are needed and greatly appreciated. We appreciate gift cards to grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations, so we can provide them to clients to support their urgent needs. We also have a dedicated group of donors known as our Healing Hearts Circle and opportunities to leave a lasting legacy with a planned gift. Reach out to Amy Benton, our Development Director for more information AmyB@HeartlyHouse.org
Anything else coming up that people should know about?
Coming up on April 23, you can join us at Hood College for Take Back the Night, a supportive and empowering space for all survivors of power-based violence and their allies. Our annual event, Walk a Mile in Their Shoes, in October, is an opportunity to come out and show support survivors. We have opportunities for businesses and organizations to sponsor the event, organize teams to walk together, and even join in a competition to win the annual Hoffman Cup to raise the most money to support survivors. The evening before the walk, you can join us for Cocktails and Carbs – a fun night of great food, music and dancing – sponsorships and individual tickets are also available for this great 80s Themed night. All the details can be found on our website: www.HeartlyHouse.org and on our socials @HeartlyHouse.
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.