Wrapping up our Fall Conference, meeting new MASSB Treasurer Stephanie Cox, and celebrating our 2023 Lifting Lives Award winners.
Greetings everyone. Last month, we concluded another annual MASSB conference that brought many of us together to learn, exchange ideas, and inspire each other. I want to express my deepest gratitude for the active participation in the 2023 MASSB conference, which focused on the crucial theme of foster care. As we reflect on the outcomes of this year's conference and start thinking about the 2024 annual conference, we also have an opportunity to focus on the importance of another theme – adoption. November marks National Adoption Month, a time when we collectively celebrate the importance of providing loving homes and brighter futures for children in need.
Foster care and adoption are not just topics of discussion. As illustrated by your involvement in the community and development of partnerships with community organizations, foster care and adoption are matters of great importance that require continuous effort, dedication, and action. In recognition of your dedication to these important matters and many others, I would like to emphasize that MASSB is committed to supporting your efforts by providing the relevant resources. Together we have the power to help vulnerable populations so that they can enjoy a safe and nurturing environment to thrive.
Best,
Tony
Thanks to everyone who attended our conference to learn about the important topic of Foster Care. We are so grateful to the speakers and panelists who shared their expertise and helped us learn about the challenges and opportunities for biological and resource families who are living this experience. Presentations are available on the MASSB Foundation website.
Our conferences provide a forum to learn, network, and meet YOUR needs! If you missed the survey and have suggestions for next year please e-mail us at trustee@massbfoundation.org.
“Taking away some great recommendations on how to engage the community with DSS and the Advisory Board.”
“The opportunity for local board members to meet/collaborate/fellowship/learn from each other.”
“The content was based on the previous year's evaluation. Planners listened!”
Stephanie Cox, Board Member — New MASSB Treasurer
I'm Stephanie Cox, currently serving as the Secretary on the Advisory Board of the Prince George's County Department of Social Services, where I have been a resident for over 40 years, always striving to make a positive and meaningful impact on my community. With a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland in Family Studies, my career spans both the state government and private sector, primarily focusing on program management initiatives in human services, education, research, and policy analysis to enhance family life. Additionally, I have held Social Work roles, offering case management, community liaison services, resource connections, and consultations.
Beyond my professional life, I have served as President of the newly chartered Prince George's County Junior League chapter, which is one of the oldest, largest, and most effective women's volunteer organizations in the world committed to social reform. In my current role as a pharmaceutical sales representative, I collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure the accessibility and affordability of cutting-edge medicines. In my personal life, I have been married for 23 years, have three children, and a Goldendoodle. My hobbies include reading, old movies, theater, shopping, travel, and currently, I'm learning a second language, Spanish.
Congratulations to our 2023 Lifting Lives Awards Winners! Nominees were judged on their initiative's impact, local board involvement, cost to implement and ease of replication. We are thrilled to recognize four exceptional initiatives with cash awards that will be used to further their impactful work in their communities.
1st Place – $1,500 – “Travel with Care”
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.
2nd Place (Tie) – $1,000 – “Crabs for a Cause”
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.
2nd 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.
3rd Place – $500 – “Community Outreach”
Anne Arundel County Director, Rachael Maconachy, accepted the award for the DSS Emergency Services Community Outreach program, which 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.
Keeping track of your finances and who you have helped is critical for describing the impact of your board's work to potential donors and board members. It's also a requirement for the MASSB Foundation's tax return. Be on the lookout for the metrics collection sheet that will be e-mailed to your Chair and Finance Officer in December. Review the Finance and Metrics presentation from the conference to learn how to use the Logic Model to tell your story.
As of September 30, 2021, there were 114,000 children and youth waiting to be adopted who were at risk of aging out of foster care without permanent family connections. More than one in five children waiting for adoption were 13–17 years old. The average age of all children waiting to be adopted was 7.5 years old. The average time in care for all children waiting to be adopted was 33.7 months. The average time in care for children waiting to be adopted after termination of parental rights was 19 months. (Source: childwelfare.gov)
View Finance & Metrics Presentation