Celebrating National Social Work Month, spotlighting Talbot County's powerful partnership to protect children and families, and previewing October's Fall Conference.
Greetings Everyone. As we celebrate National Social Work Month, we have another opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to all those who dedicate their energy and expertise to serving our communities. Those of us who are working in the Department of Social Services and are serving on advisory boards across the state know that social work is more than a profession — it is a calling that requires immense compassion, resilience, and commitment. This month, we recognize your contributions and acknowledge the importance of other important activities we engage in to support vulnerable populations.
This year's annual MASSB conference theme, Rising to the Challenge: Strengthening Local Boards Through Advocacy, recognizes that our impact extends beyond direct service. Through collaboration and advocacy local boards can play a critical role in ensuring that vital services reach those who need them most. A shining example is the work being done in Talbot County, where the Department of Social Services Advisory Board, the Talbot County Children's Advocacy Center, and Talbot Community Connections have formed a powerful partnership to protect and support children and families. To all who serve — whether through volunteering or championing policy change — thank you for your dedication. Let us continue to rise to the challenge and seize opportunities.
Best,
Tony
Our e-mail has changed to massbftrustee@gmail.com. Our new contact for financial matters is Nate Poerio, massbftreasurer@gmail.com.
It's time to say "THANK YOU" to our hardworking, caring and compassionate DSS workers. The lovely poem "Who Am I?" provides just a glimpse into this noble profession.
Now you do! Follow the template developed by Howard County's board to let your community know about your meetings and activities. Add your link to social and print media to easily share information about your board with potential volunteers and donors. E-mail your content to massbftrustee@gmail.com and our webmaster will have you up and running in no time.
See Howard County's Board WebsiteElaine Wilson — Chair, Talbot County Advisory Board
We are grateful to Talbot County's Board Chair, Elaine Wilson, for sharing the unique connection the Talbot board has with the County's Children's Advocacy Center and the nonprofit, Talbot Community Connections. Together, the 3 organizations are providing vital support to adults and children in Talbot County.
The Talbot County Department of Social Services (TCDSS) Advisory Board's role is to provide advisory, advocacy, oversight, community education, and resource development for the Talbot County DSS.
The TCDSS Board Chair also serves as the Board representative to the Talbot County Children's Advocacy Center (TCCAC) Advisory Committee. The TCCAC serves children who have been sexually abused and their non-offending caregivers in a multi-disciplinary environment. Accredited by the National Children's Alliance, TCCAC services include medical, mental health, advocacy and support. TCCAC provides forensic medical services for the five Mid Shore counties (Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's and Talbot). Since the establishment of our Children's Advocacy Center in 2003, when a child is suspected of being abused, the child is brought by a "safe adult" to the Talbot County Children's Advocacy Center; a safe, child-focused, trauma-informed environment. At the CAC, the child tells their story only once to a trained interviewer who knows the right questions to ask in a way that is child friendly and legally sound. Then, a multidisciplinary team that includes medical professionals, law enforcement, a prosecutor, a mental health consultant, child protective services, and a family advocate make decisions together about how to help the child based on the interview. This multidisciplinary team (MDT) response is the core part of the work that our CAC provides.
Talbot Community Connections (TCC) is a non-profit organization which raises funds to support the Talbot County Department of Social Services to help meet the unmet needs that are fundamental to the safety, security, health and well-being of Talbot County's children and adults. Since its founding in 2001, TCC has assisted thousands of Talbot County residents. Funding supports the TCCAC, families in crisis, children in foster care, vulnerable seniors, adults with disabilities, individuals that are unhoused or unemployed. An example of the funding provided to the TCCAC is the provision of various therapy modalities to enhance outcomes for victims of child sexual abuse.
Grants up to $2,500 are now available for local boards. The funds are intended to address community needs or kick-start larger initiatives for which boards lack funding. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Apply HereRising to the Challenge: Strengthening Local Boards Through Advocacy. Host: Howard County.
