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Background & Membership

The Board is composed of nine members, with one member from Howard County Government. Board members serve three-year terms and are responsible for advising on the application and formulation of state policies, procedures, and programs that apply to Howard County, and to evaluate the local director of the Department of Social Services, a State agency.

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be Howard County residents, 18 years of age or older, with an interest in the delivery of social services in Howard County.

Meeting Info

Board meetings are typically the 3rd Monday of the month at 5 pm and are offered in a hybrid model. Meetings, agendas, and minutes are available to the public in accordance with the Maryland Open Meetings Act.

Conferences

Maryland Association of Social Services Boards, with support of the Howard County Board and Howard County DSS, hosted a Legislative Meeting in March 2024 and will host the Fall 2025 Statewide MASSB Meeting.

Current & Prior Initiatives (2020–Present)

• Strategic Planning (2020): Engaged in a planning initiative with the department to re-organize the Board Handbook, new member training documents, a calendar of events, and fundraising information in a central, transparent, and accessible location.
• Transportation Support: Board initiative to support clients with employment transportation. Organizations were engaged to provide clothing for interviews; bus passes and gas cards were purchased to support clients in the first weeks of a new job.
• High Needs Closet: In partnership with DSS staff, the Board identified and stocked essential items for vulnerable children and adults — including diapers, wipes, pack & play, strollers, Depends, pads, wheelchairs, and walkers — for urgent situations the department may encounter.
• Kid Space Renovation: Identified and renovated the children's area of the DSS lobby. New furniture was ordered and a mural was commissioned through artist Carien Quiroga in collaboration with the Maryland State Arts Council Artist-in-Residence program.

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Board Composition

The Washington County Board is composed of nine members, with one being an ex-officio member from the Washington County Board of County Commissioners. Board members serve three-year terms and are responsible for advising on the application and formulation of procedures and programs that apply to Washington County, and evaluating the local director of the Department of Social Services.

Eligibility & Application

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must reside in Washington County, be 18 years of age or older, and have an interest in assisting with the delivery of social services in Washington County.

Meeting Schedule

Board meetings are on the 4th Monday of the month (September through June) at 5:30 pm and are offered in a hybrid model. Board meetings, agendas, and minutes are available to the public in accordance with the Maryland Open Meetings Act.

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