The MASSB Minute

Greetings Everyone. As we celebrate National Volunteer Week (April 20–26), we extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you who give your time, talent, and passion to serve others. Your unwavering commitment to your communities plays a vital role in strengthening Maryland's families and enhancing the impact of human services across the state. Beyond providing direct support, your volunteerism also helps drive meaningful policy advocacy and fosters essential professional collaboration.

This is especially important as we rally support for HB 218/SB 195 — Child Support Modernization, legislation aimed at creating a more equitable and effective system for children and families. Local boards are emerging as major policy advocacy champions, as illustrated by Frederick County's Public Policy and Advocacy Committee to elevate key issues like respite care. These efforts highlight the growing momentum for coordinated advocacy, especially as we look ahead to the 2025 Annual MASSB Fall Conference (October 16–17) and its focus on Rising to the Challenge: Strengthening Local Boards Through Advocacy. Together, through volunteering, advocacy, and collaboration, we are building a stronger, more responsive human services system for all Marylanders.

Best,
Tony

Our e-mail has changed to massbftrustee@gmail.com. Our new contact for financial matters is Nate Poerio, massbftreasurer@gmail.com.

• The Department of Human Services (DHS) urges our support of HB 218/SB 195, Child Support Modernization. The components of HB 218/SB 195 are designed to work together to create a more equitable child support program, increase support for children from both parents, and improve Maryland's performance on key metrics that increase our federal incentive payments and decrease General Fund spending.
• Local boards are interested in fostering more collaboration with the DHS Office of Government Affairs (OGA) and advocating for their community's needs. Standby for action on this topic!
• Frederick County's board has established a Public Policy and Advocacy Committee which is currently advocating for increased funding for respite care.
• Local boards requested dedicated Treasurer's training. In response, a virtual training session is being scheduled for May (exact date and time to be announced soon).

Many thanks to the DHS OGA team for their informative presentation, Howard County DSS and Advisory Board for their hospitality in hosting us, and DSS Directors and MASSB members who joined us in-person or virtually for a rich and productive discussion — including Rachel Sledge, Justin Hayes, Melissa Bender, Vince Pacheco and Daniel Cohen, who presented DHS legislative priorities.

View the Full DHS Presentation

Reporting child abuse and neglect is everyone's responsibility. Please become familiar with the common signs of possible physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse and mental injury provided by MD DHS. Here are just a few:

Potential Signs of Physical Abuse

• Has unexplained injuries/marks, such as burns, bites, bruises, or black eyes
• Is reluctant to explain injuries after returning home from being in another's care
• Seems frightened of parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home

Potential Signs of Neglect

• Begs or steals food or money
• Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor
• Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather

If you suspect a child is being harmed, report your suspicions to your local DSS so an assessment can be made. You have the right to remain anonymous and your report may protect the child and help the family receive assistance. Queen Anne's County DSS "goes blue" during Child Abuse Prevention Month each year — in 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America® introduced the blue pinwheel as the national symbol for child abuse prevention.

Read the Full List of Signs

Distribute agendas in advance, come prepared, and assign a note taker. While formats may vary by County, a well-constructed agenda allows for discussion of current events and future planning, and provides a tool for time management. Volunteer hours are priceless…don't waste them on unproductive meetings!

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 Here

Rising to the Challenge: Strengthening Local Boards Through Advocacy. Host: Howard County.

Developing or revitalizing a non-profit board can be hard! Experienced MASSB members are available for training or coaching sessions. We are all volunteers so help is free of charge. Reasonable funding for training offered by other organizations such as Maryland Nonprofits is also available. Please e-mail massbftrustee@gmail.com.