The Community Emergency Fund
The Reformed Church of America has called each church to "build
community and reach out in mission both locally and globally" and the
Reformed Church of Poughkeepsie is answering.
A fund has been established by the Reformed Church as a tax-exempt,
charitable program to assist those who are in critical financial need.
This fund, the Community Emergency Fund, will collect monies from donor
sources and issue payments to bills related to the emergency situation
being funded. One hundred percent of donated funds will reach the
intended need, as all administrative costs will be donated by the
church.
Pastor Geehan notes: "This is another way our church is reaching out to
assist people in our community who have experienced critical emergency
financial needs that are not available from normal sources and must be
satisfied through the concern and generosity of the public."
To be eligible for participation in the fund, applicants must have a
critical financial need that is not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or
any other individual or company sponsored insurance program.
The Maria Fund
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The Maria Fund is the first participant in the
Community Emergency Fund. Maria was severely burned in
her home on March 6th and is still in an induced coma
at Westchester Medical Center. Her husband, Mark
Hopkins, is seeking financial assistance from the
community to provide medical care for Maria.
On March 6, 2004, a Town of Poughkeepsie resident named
Maria Heng suffered burns to 75% of her body at her
home on DeLaval Place.
According to her Husband, Mark Hopkins, she walked past
a lit candle on the floor setting her cotton dress on
fire.
The fire was extinguished in the couple's bath, but not
before Ms. Heng had suffered extensive full-thickness
burns.
Ms. Heng is under intensive care at The Westchester
Medical Center in Vallhalla awaiting grafts to restore
her lost skin. While her condition remains highly
critical, she has promise of recovery.
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Maria is a five year resident of the Poughkeepsie area. She works as an
internet designer and programmer locally - mainly for the website of a
local credit union. She is an avid gardener, a fan of international
cuisines, and enjoys the Hudson Valley for its beauty, historic
buildings, and landscape. (Maria has recently taken up skiing - which
she loves.)
She married native-born Mark Hopkins! in 1999 settling with him in the
Town of Poughkeepsie . Prior to that she was a resident of Singapore
where she was a fashion model and taught pre-school children.
Donations may be made to:
The Maria Burn Fund
c/o The Reformed Church Community Emergency Fund
70 Hooker Avenue
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
For more information about the Community Emergency Fund,
e-mail
or call the Church office at
(845) 452-8110.