The Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation Solomon Fine Memorial Fund awarded the organization’s final grant of the year on December 31st. The Community Foundation’s $20,000 contribution to the Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission raised the total amount of grants and scholarships awarded by EWVCF to over $1 million this year.
The Solomon Fine Memorial Fund annually presents a substantial grant to one Martinsburg-Berkeley County nonprofit organization that has done exceptional work during the year. The grant to the Rescue Mission was made even more meaningful as the members of the advisory committee recommended the grant be presented in memory of Martinsburg Mayor Harriet Johnson who was a great supporter of the Rescue Mission and its Director Pastor Tim Guerino.
The Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission has continued operating daily throughout the pandemic. In 2021, the Rescue Mission served more than 70,000 meals, provided a safe place for homeless men to sleep, supplied clothing and shoes to families, and offered job skills training and employment opportunities throughout the community.
Currently, the Rescue Mission is engaged in a capital campaign to convert the existing structure at 604 West King street into six apartments that will provide emergency transitional housing for families. With this $20,000 grant from the Solomon Fine Memorial Fund, the campaign is halfway to its $800,000 goal.
When it is safe to do so, the check will be presented to Rescue Mission Director Pastor Tim Guerino by EWVCF President Andrew McMillan and Solomon Fine Memorial Fund Advisory Committee members Martinsburg Mayor Kevin Knowles, Berkeley County Schools Superintendent Patrick Murphy, Gerrardstown Presbyterian Church Pastor Karen Greenawalt, and Good Samaritan Free Health Care Director Karen Newell.