Rooted Reflections: The Heart Behind the Bears

Years before Rachel’s Bears officially became a fund here, Andrea was already collecting books and stuffed animals for children in hospitals. The effort began in 2019 in memory of Sweet Alexa, who lost her battle with pediatric brain cancer in 2015. What started as a way to honor one little girl grew again after Andrea lost her lifelong friend, Rachel Williams, in 2022. Rachel was a pediatric nurse at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital who had spent her career caring for children. Andrea found a way to carry both of their stories forward through something children could actually hold onto during some of their hardest days.
We Are Carroll Awards featured in the Baltimore Sun

The annual We Are Carroll Awards (formerly POY) were recently featured in the Baltimore Sun’s Carroll County Times edition, highlighting the winners and shining a light on the work of the Community Foundation of Carroll County. The article by Lily Carey was published online on Sept 25, 2025. You can read the article here. My […]
We Are Carroll Awards Celebrates Carroll County, MD Nonprofits

The Community Foundation of Carroll County presents the We Are Carroll Awards — formerly Philanthropists of the Year — celebrating greatness. We’re awarding two nonprofit partners, one best friend, one legend, and one incredibly generous philanthropist. We’ve rebranded, expanded, and opened the awards this year. Included is a community member nominated by a Carroll County […]
Westminster Living Charity Spotlight:
Whispering Woods Animal Safe Haven To view and read the article, click the Download Button below.
Jaclyn Mathias, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Carroll County, joins the We Are Carroll podcast

Today we speak with Jaclyn Mathias, executive director of the Community Foundation of Carroll County. In this interview, Jaclyn wraps up CFCC’s 30th anniversary year and looks to the future of the foundation, the community, and partner nonprofits served by the organization. Remember, you can learn more about the Community Foundation of Carroll County on our website: www.wearecarroll.org. Stay with us.
Diane Jones, co-founder of Carroll Sings! With One Voice! joins the We Are Carroll podcast

Today we speak with Diane Jones, co-founder of Carroll Sings! With One Voice!, a community choir in Carroll County, Maryland, that harmonizes hearts and hands, uniting our community through the joy of music and the spirit of giving!
Carroll Singers Artistic Director Julie Richard joins the We Are Carroll podcast

Today we speak with Julie Richard, artistic director of Carroll Singers, an adult choral group in Carroll County, Maryland.
Brian Safe Haven Founder/CEO Lillian Hardie joins the We Are Carroll podcast

Today we speak with Lillian Hardie, founder and CEO of Brian Safe Haven, food pantry and community advocacy agency located in Taneytown.
Dayhoff: Sixteenth annual Philanthropists of the Year Awards to be presented Sept. 25

This year the Community Foundation of Carroll County 16th annual Carroll County Philanthropists of the Year Awards program will be held at the Carroll Arts Center, 91 E. Main St., Westminster, on Sept. 25. The Class of 2024 “What Keeps You Growing” event recognizes achievements in four categories: Living Legacy; Rooted in the Community; Rising Star; and the Fund-nominated as BFF.
Community Profile: The Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County is an oasis of financial and administrative support for over 300 nonprofit organizations. The Foundation has been serving the needs of countless individuals and families throughout Carroll County, Maryland, since 1994. A very special Foundation annual event, the Philanthropists of the Year celebration, will be held in September.