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Impact
Lifting Lives Award & More
Lifting Lives Award
2025 Lifting Lives Awards Winners!
First Place (Innovative)
Anne Arundel County - $1,000
"Supporting Management and Resources for Transitioning Youth"
Second Place (Impact)
Prince George's County - $1,000
"Bridges of Hope: Supporting Foster Youth Through Grief"
Second Place (Impact)
Caroline County - $750
"The Caroline County Christmas Wish Program"
The Supporting Management and Resources for Transitioning Youth (SMART) initiative is a collaborative program in Anne Arundel County designed to fill service gaps for youth aging out of foster care. While ten Adult Independence Program (AIP) vouchers were available through the Housing Commission, there was no case management support for these young adults as they transitioned to independent living. In response, the Homeless Services Unit partnered with the Foster Care Unit and Independent Living Coordinator to develop a seamless model that provides housing case management, assistance with applications and housing searches, ongoing communication with the Housing Commission, and follow-up care. The case manager also supports life skills development, including job readiness, budgeting, and mentorship. Funded through county and grant resources, one Housing Case Manager currently serves four youth with capacity for ten annually, making the program cost-effective and replicable. By aligning housing and support services, SMART reduces future homelessness, enhances efficiency, and demonstrates the impact of interagency collaboration in supporting vulnerable youth toward independence.
Foster youth in Prince George’s County often face repeated losses—family separation, placement disruptions, and the death of loved ones—leaving them vulnerable to isolation, academic struggles, and emotional distress. The Bridges of Hope program was developed to meet this need through a partnership between the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Prince George’s County and DSS board members, offering grief-specific support for foster youth. The program includes youth bereavement groups, grief-informed training for CASA volunteers, and workshops for foster parents and caregivers to strengthen home-based support. It also collaborates with schools and community partners to maintain academic stability and connect families with counseling and mentoring resources. Supported by a $1,500 MASSB Foundation award, the initiative will serve 30–35 youth annually, train 15–20 CASA volunteers, and engage 20–25 caregivers. Despite its modest cost, Bridges of Hope yields significant impact by reducing placement disruptions, preventing behavioral crises, and promoting stability. Its volunteer-driven, low-cost structure makes it easily replicable across other Maryland counties using existing CASA and DSS networks.
The Caroline County Department of Social Services (CCDSS) created the Christmas Wish Program in 2018 to ensure that children who were ineligible for The Star Democrat’s Brighter Christmas Fund still received holiday assistance. What began as a response to funding and eligibility gaps has grown into a vital community initiative that has supported 980 children with clothing, books, and other gifts since its inception—including 320 children last year alone, nearly doubling the previous year’s total. The program’s success reflects the generosity of community partners and local businesses that have stepped up to meet the rising demand from families affected by hardship, including displacement, job loss, and emergencies such as house fires. Sustained entirely by community support, the Christmas Wish Program exemplifies the power of compassion and collaboration in ensuring that every child in Caroline County experiences the joy of the holiday season.
Third Place (Impact)
Calvert County - $500
Baysox-Resource (Foster, Kinship, Adoptive, Guardianship) Appreciation Event "Community Outreach Program"
This event hosted 240 people (over 80 Resource Families). This cost approx $11,000 to host the 240 people. We hope to offer this type of event again to our families. We had resource tables set up (C.A.S.E., NFPA, Paths for Families, and MRPA). This event brought together families from all 24 counties in MD. We wanted to show appreciation for our Resource Families, as the number of Resource homes is declining in MD. Having events like this shows our Resource Families that they are appreciated and valued. It also gives the children in care a chance to meet each other and not feel like "they are the only foster child" out there. With our new budget year starting 7/1/25, our funds were cut from our grant, which will make it almost impossible to hold another event even close to this size again. We received so many requests already asking when we can do the next one but without funds from outside resources it is not something we will be able to do again in the future.
Third Place (Impact)
Howard County - $500
"DSS Children's Play Area Renovation"
The Howard County Board of Social Services partnered with the Department of Social Services (DSS) to transform the children’s play area into a safe, welcoming, and uplifting space for families visiting the agency. Recognizing that parents have more positive experiences when their children are safely engaged, the Board funded new furniture, bookcases, and a colorful rug to revitalize the area. Board Secretary Dr. Alaina Elam collaborated with visual artist Carien Quiroga and the Howard County Detention Center’s Mural Arts Program, where incarcerated individuals learn art techniques and contribute to community projects. Four participants painted a vibrant animal-themed mural on parachute cloth inside the detention center, which was later installed in the DSS play area by the artist, board members, and volunteers. The project not only brightened the space for children but also allowed incarcerated individuals to give back meaningfully to their community. This innovative collaboration serves as a model for other boards seeking to enhance public spaces through creative community partnerships that foster positivity, connection, and renewal.
Honorable Mention
Washington County - $250
"Resource Parent Development and Retention"
The Out of Home Division at the Washington County Department of Social Services provides support to children and youth who cannot safely remain in their homes due to abuse or neglect. They provide temporary, nurturing living arrangements, recruit and license resource families, and offer ongoing support. Resource homes, including kinship and foster homes, offer stability and comfort, provide immediate and long-term care, and help children maintain connections with their biological families. This vital work is replicated across all 24 jurisdictions in Maryland. The department actively celebrates these extraordinary individuals and seeks opportunities to express profound appreciation for their unwavering commitment and love, which transforms lives and strengthens communities.
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.”