The MASSB Minute

Greetings, everyone. We are continuing our mission to support vulnerable populations, thereby improving the quality of life in our communities. The Community Meeting in early August will focus on major MASSB initiatives while seeking your valuable feedback. We will also highlight the grant-supported project in Frederick County, aimed at providing targeted assistance and resources to those in need.

We are also excited about the 2024 MASSB annual conference, which will focus on poverty and feature a powerful poverty simulation to deepen our understanding and empathy, and we are seeking proposals for the Lifting Lives Award. Your insights, participation, and dedication are crucial to our success.

Best,
Tony

Ed Hinde, Chair, Frederick County Advisory Board

Earlier this year, MASSB Foundation announced a new grant opportunity for local boards. Frederick County is the first to take advantage of the opportunity. We asked Ed Hinde how their project is progressing:

"Recognizing that we wanted to conduct community outreach and fundraising activities under another name besides the Frederick County Dept of Social Services Advisory Board, we renamed our Fundraising/Outreach committee 'Uplifting Families in Frederick County.' Using the grant funds provided by the MASSB Foundation, we've hired a graphic designer to create a logo, and are now moving to create social media pages, promotional literature, and an internet landing page.

Once this phase is complete, we will begin fundraising activities, targeting Frederick County Chamber of Commerce members and private donors. We are also applying for local philanthropic and government grants under Uplifting Families, with MASSB as the fiscal sponsor. We've taken great inspiration from Calvert Family Advocates and their website, calfam.org.

Our most recent additions to the board include a public-school teacher, a consultant who helps youth and families navigate the FAFSA process, a family psychologist, and a career Army major stationed locally. Our Public Policy and Advocacy Committee is honing in on three focus areas: service coordination across human service agencies, multi-language materials, and increased accessible child care in the county."

Please contact Ed at edhinde@gmail.com to learn more — he's happy to share! Feeling inspired? Grant money is still available.

MASSB Foundation's Lifting Lives Award recognizes projects or initiatives that are innovative or make a significant impact on the community, awarded annually as part of MASSB's Annual Conference. The award for 1st place is $1,500, 2nd place is $1,000, and 3rd place is $500.

Deadline: September 30, 2024.