Maryland Association of Social Services Boards Foundation
Impact
Lifting Lives Award & More
Lifting Lives Award
Awarded annually as part of MASSB's annual conference, each local board is invited to nominate a program that is either innovative or one that has a significant impact on your community.
2023 Lifting Lives Awards Winners!
First Place
$1,500
"Travel with Care"
Second Place (Tie)
$1,000
"Crabs for a Cause"
Harford County board member, Pat Weaver, accepted the award for the program which will provide 25 children transitioning to out of home care with a suitcase and backpack. Emergency removal is abrupt, so the luggage will be delivered immediately. The caseworker will help them pack their belongings. The board has selected a sturdy rolling suitcase and tote bag combination that currently sells on Amazon for $55. The set will accommodate clothes, personal care items, comfort items such as a stuffed animal or blanket, and school supplies; and is sized so that most children can manage it on their own.
Allegany County Director, Courtney Winterberg-Thomas, accepted the award for this highly successful fundraiser to help seniors whose income does not meet their basic needs. Board members develop promotional materials, solicit sponsors, help with event set-up/clean-up, and volunteer for the event. Agency staff distribute flyers, share social media posts, purchase tickets to attend, and volunteer their time the weekend of the event. Funds are used to purchase incontinence supplies, mobility aids, Ensure, bedside commodes, shower grab bars and handheld shower heads, as well as safety monitoring devices for seniors to wear in their homes. In its third year, the event has raised over $74,000 and benefitted 150+ individuals.
Second Place (Tie)
$1,000
"ACES"
Calvert County board member, Stefany Lang, accepted the award for the "ACES" initiative. In April 2023, Calvert Family Advocates (CFA) partnered with DSS and Maryland Citizens Review Board for Children to offer free ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) training for the community. Panelists represented Calvert's DSS/CPS, Public Schools, Sheriff's Office, the States Attorney's Office, and CASA. Attendees learned what ACEs are, how they not only affect a single person but that person's whole community, and how government agencies and volunteer organizations can take ACEs into consideration when working with their populations. This was low cost, as DSS paid for refreshments, and as a nonprofit, CFA secured discounted event space.
Third Place
$500
"Community Outreach"
Anne Arundel County Director, Rachael Maconachy, accepted the award for the DSS Emergency Services Community Outreach program provides on-site services to assist individuals and families. The program was initiated in September 2017 at Brooklyn Park Middle School, and after several moves to address privacy and ease of access, moved to Brooklyn Park Library. Families have expressed that they feel more comfortable knowing they can come to a safe and friendly environment to get their needs and concerns addressed, without having to spend a day traveling to and from a main office location that may not be convenient for them. Since 2017, direct on-site services have been provided to over 6,000 individuals and families in the community.
Recipient of
fun and excitement
With the generous support of the MASSB Foundation, a group of young students were able to attend camp this summer. We are truly grateful to the Foundation for enriching the lives of these children and our community.
Clothing Recipient
"This clothing grant has been AMAZING! Being able to shop for clothing has been such a tremendous gift to these families and it helps the young students be prepared to learn."
Recipient of
dental aid
“The MASSB Foundation helped my son be able to get the dental work he desperately needed to remove teeth that were causing him an immense amount of pain. They were there when every other person and agency turned us away and could not help. I will be forever grateful for their help in my son’s time of need.”