The Sophia Ann Charity Brings Hope and Healing to Families in Frederick County

Alisha Yocum

When Frederick Health Hospital Labor and Delivery Nurse Elena Griffis noticed a lack of ongoing support for families experiencing pregnancy or infant loss, she knew something had to change. As the hospital’s Perinatal Loss Coordinator, she often saw families leave the hospital without the resources they needed to heal emotionally.

Determined to fill that void, Griffis began researching ways to expand support beyond the hospital walls. Her vision soon grew into something much larger. In July 2025, she founded The Sophia Ann Charity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emotional, educational, and financial support to families navigating the challenges of fertility struggles, pregnancy, and infant loss.

Griffis credits collaboration for bringing the project to life. She partnered with Annapolis Therapist Heather Silver, who operated a similar center, to shape the program model. After months of searching, the pair found a space on Industry Lane that became home to The Sophia Center. Griffis also worked closely with Kim and Shane Wivell of Fairfield, Pennsylvania, naming the charity in honor of their daughter, Sophia Ann, whose memory inspired much of the organization’s mission.

Just three months later, on October 4, her dream became reality with the opening of The Sophia Center, Frederick County’s first perinatal mental health center.

Funded through The Sophia Ann Charity, the center offers therapy, peer-led support groups, educational programs for healthcare providers, and community advocacy—ensuring no family faces loss or perinatal challenges alone, regardless of their ability to pay.

The Wivell’s story is one of unimaginable loss met with resilience and hope. After an eight-and-a-half-year struggle with infertility, Kim and Shane lost their daughter Sophia at just over 21 weeks gestation on May 3, 2023. The heartbreak was compounded by serious medical complications that followed for Kim. During their time in the hospital, they received a comfort bag from Grace Gives Back, which included keepsakes and information about Sweet Grace Ministries, a peer-led support network for grieving parents.

“From the moment Kim walked into that first meeting, she was surrounded by love and understanding,” Shane shared. “If it hadn’t been for Sweet Grace Ministries, we wouldn’t have healed as well or as fast as we have.”

In time, the Wivells helped bring Sweet Grace Ministries to Frederick, partnering with Griffis and others to offer local meetings. Today, they facilitate monthly support groups through The Sophia Ann Charity—helping other families find comfort and connection in their grief.

The Sophia Center now hosts six free monthly support groups, covering topics like fertility challenges, grief and loss, pregnancy after loss, postpartum adjustment, and even a group just for dads. Seven licensed therapists currently see clients at the center.

Workshops are also offered throughout the year, including an upcoming event, “Preparing for the Holidays After Loss,” led by therapist Maureen Gaffney on November 1.

“This center is truly for the community,” Wivell stated. “We want people to know they’re not alone and that there’s a safe place to find help, education, and understanding.”

To learn more about the charity, The Sophia Center, or upcoming support opportunities, visit www.sophiaanncharity.com or follow them on Facebook.