FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Jamee Rodgers, Ph.D., CEO, The Community Foundation
Phone: 540-373-9292 x120
Stephanie Myers was a devoted mother, a beloved daughter and sister, and someone whose life touched many people in the Fredericksburg region.
In honoring Stephanie’s life, the Leumas Cares – Stephanie Myers Domestic Violence Victim Support Fund was established by The Community Foundation to provide support for African-American youth who have experienced the profound loss of both parents as a result of domestic violence.
“Behind every statistic about domestic violence are families and children whose lives have been forever altered,” said Jamee Rodgers, Ph.D., CEO of The Community Foundation. “The Stephanie Myers Domestic Violence Victim Support Fund honors Stephanie’s memory by creating opportunities for healing, growth, and hope for young people facing unimaginable loss. Through this fund, her legacy will continue making a positive difference in the lives of others for generations to come.”
Created in Stephanie’s memory, the fund seeks to provide hope and opportunity to young people facing circumstances that no child should have to endure. By helping meet educational, emotional, and developmental needs, the fund aims to connect youth with resources and experiences that promote healing, growth, and long-term well-being.
“Stephanie had a caring spirit and a deep love for her family, especially her children,” said Reggie Samuel, CEO and Founder of The Leumas Group and a member of The Community Foundation’s Board of Governors. “This fund was created to honor her life by investing in young people who need support the most. We hope it serves as a lasting reminder that even in the face of tragedy, compassion can create opportunity, healing, and hope.”
Supporting Youth Through Life’s Most Difficult Challenges
The impact of domestic violence often extends far beyond the immediate crisis. For children and young adults, the effects can be long-lasting, creating emotional, educational, and financial challenges that continue for years.
The Stephanie Myers Domestic Violence Victim Support Fund was established to help address those needs.
The fund supports African-American youth throughout the region who have lost both parents as a result of domestic violence, including circumstances in which one parent lost their life and the other later took their own life. Funding may be used to provide access to resources that foster healing, resilience, and personal growth, including:
- Counseling and mental health services
• Tutoring and academic support
• Scholarships and educational assistance
• Educational enrichment opportunities
• Travel and experiential learning experiences
Creating Lasting Community Impact
The fund was intentionally designed to create both immediate and long-term impact.
For the first 16 years, 75 percent of all grant funding will be directed toward African-American youth who meet the fund’s mission. The remaining 25 percent will support local organizations that provide services and resources to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence.
Following the initial 16-year period, 100 percent of available funding will be directed to organizations dedicated to supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence.
This structure allows the fund to address both the needs of individual youth and the broader systems of support that help families and communities heal.
A Legacy That Lives On
The Stephanie Myers Domestic Violence Victim Support Fund reflects the belief that even in the face of tragedy, hope can endure.
By investing in young people who have experienced profound loss and supporting organizations working to address domestic violence, the fund seeks to create opportunities for healing, growth, and lasting change throughout the Fredericksburg region.
Through the stewardship of the Community Foundation, Stephanie’s memory will continue to inspire meaningful impact for generations to come.
To learn more about the Stephanie Myers Domestic Violence Victim Support Fund or to make a contribution, visit https://www.cfrrr.org/the-stephanie-myers-domestic-violence-victim-support-fund/
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About The Community Foundation
The Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the more than 407,000 residents of Planning District 16, including the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. We partner with individuals, families, businesses, and organizations united by a shared purpose—strengthening our region through thoughtful, impactful philanthropy.
Since inception, the Community Foundation has invested more than $24.8 million in grants and scholarships to support the people, programs, and initiatives that define and uplift our community. Today, we steward 226 named charitable funds established by donors to address a wide range of causes—from education and workforce development to human services, the arts, and community vitality.
Beyond grantmaking, the Foundation serves as a trusted philanthropic leader and resource. We have provided more than 8,000 hours of education and training for local nonprofits, equipping organizations with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to maximize their impact and build long-term sustainability.
With more than $60 million in net assets under management, the Community Foundation maintains a strong financial foundation and a long-term commitment to responsible stewardship. Our strength ensures that the charitable legacies entrusted to us continue to serve this region—today and for generations to come.
For more information, please call (540) 373-9292, email info@cfrrr.org or visit www.cfrrr.org.