Join us for the Winter Meeting on the legislative issues facing DSS, grab our new Strategic Plan Checklist, and see how Allegany County's Crab Feast supports local seniors.
Greetings, everyone. As we enter the month of February, we are reminded once again of the important roles all of us play in the lives of others. Volunteering during this special month of Senior Independence offers us the opportunity to not only support our seniors in maintaining their independence but also to foster meaningful connections with those who surround us.
Our commitment to volunteering is a powerful force that makes a difference in our communities, and the members of the advisory boards across the state are often spearheading a wide range of volunteer activities that have positive impacts on the community. To maximize our impact, strategic planning can offer our advisory boards guidance and serve as an effective tool to maximize our positive impacts in the community. A strategic plan empowers us to set clear, measurable goals, ensuring that our resources and energies are directed efficiently and that we channel our collective passion into purposeful actions. Let us be inspired by the potential we hold to make lasting, positive changes in the lives of seniors and our communities alike. Moreover, let's get together for this year's Winter Meeting on March 2, 2024.
Best,
Tony
Saturday, March 2nd, 9am–12pm
Hosted by Howard County DSS
9780 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046
(Ample parking in lot in front of building)
Boost your board member's knowledge of the current legislative climate as it affects our local DSS departments. Rachel Sledge, Director of Government Affairs at Maryland Department of Human Services and her team will review pieces of legislation that impact the work and mission of DSS. Additional board related topics will be presented and discussed following the legislative presentation.
Please RSVP to Foundation President, Tony Wohlers, at twohlers@harford.edu. Virtual option available upon request.
Want to focus or reenergize your board's activities? Developing a strategic plan can seem daunting, but investing time up front to discuss and agree on your board's activities is well worth your time. Follow the steps in the Strategic Plan Checklist to assess your community's needs and develop a plan for how you can help. A plan that covers the next 2–3 years is a good rule of thumb to follow. Questions? E-mail trustee@massbfoundation.org for help getting started.
Download Strategic Plan ChecklistAdvisory Board Chair, Allegany County
February is Senior Independence Month and a great time to learn more about Allegany County's successful Crab Feast fundraiser to support local seniors. Thank you to members of the Allegany team for sharing this information with us!
Why did you decide to raise funds to support local seniors? Initiating fundraising for adult services clients became imperative due to the insufficient funding available to address their needs in our rural community, marked by a substantial senior population, with a significant proportion living in poverty. Despite the identified necessities for services and supplies crucial for enhancing the lives of these individuals and families, there was a stark absence of funding. The fundraiser has proven indispensable, offering essential financial resources for the aging population, facilitating the possibility for people to reside in environments that cater to their needs while minimizing restrictions.
How did you get the idea for a crab feast? Initially our Board initiated a golf tournament to raise funds for seniors. We were working very hard to raise funds and were finding that our area was over saturated with golf tournaments. The idea of a crab feast fundraiser came about through discussion with the Board about what might appeal to a broader community and not compete with already existing fundraisers. Crab feasts in Allegany County are limited, and we chose a fall date — the event has become one of the last opportunities of the season for people in the tri-state area to enjoy crabs. This adaptation not only increased the fundraiser's effectiveness but also expanded its appeal to a broader audience compared to the golf tournament.
How do you spend the funds you raise? The allocated funds are dedicated to essential provisions such as incontinence supplies (depends, personal cleansing wipes, bed pads), durable medical equipment, and assistive devices (shower chairs/benches, handheld showers, bedside commodes). Life alert systems are purchased to ensure independent living with safety measures for falls and medical emergencies. Additionally, funds have supported the acquisition of lift chairs, assisted with bathroom remodeling, and addressed other necessities, facilitating safe aging in place. Despite COVID challenges, the availability of ARPA funding has allowed us to conserve some of the funds raised.
The ongoing success of the fundraiser contributes to meeting increasing goals, enhancing fund availability, especially with the anticipation of federal funds depletion in September, making reliance on proceeds raised from this event crucial.
How do you know your efforts are having an impact? The tangible impact of our efforts is evident as more seniors and disabled individuals can prolong their stay in their homes, benefiting from crucial support. Life alert systems, personal care items, and aids for daily living play a pivotal role in enabling a safer and more extended period of independence.
What advice do you have for any DSS or board interested in developing a major fundraiser such as yours? When exploring potential fundraisers, assess their success and saturation in the community. Consider existing community partners and their fundraising activities. Avoid competition with major partners and identify opportunities to enhance the community. Assess the needs of your area and devise creative strategies, bringing together a diverse team with various strengths and talents to ensure the success of the fundraising projects. Thank you for providing this opportunity for feedback.
Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA): Provides cash to needy families with dependent children. It also prepares program participants for independence through employment programs.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Helps income eligible households buy the food they need for good health. This benefit is meant to supplement an applicant's food budget.
