The MASSB Minute

Greetings Everyone. May is National Foster Care Month and it reminds us of what can happen when communities get together to lift lives in powerful ways. Across our regions, we see inspiring examples of how collective action creates lasting impact on our communities. The Northern High School Chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) exemplifies the positive impact of youth leadership service on foster families. In Calvert County, the launch of KIDS CLOSET ensures that children entering foster care receive clothing, supplies, and comfort during uncertain times, helping resource families provide stability from the very first day.

Meanwhile, Harford County's Heart & Soul 2024 Concert Series combined the power of music with community advocacy, raising awareness about the Department of Social Services programs and building new partnerships. Each of these efforts, diverse yet deeply connected, demonstrates how community-oriented activities weave together a stronger and more compassionate community in support of vulnerable populations. Through events like this, and involvement in the upcoming Community Meeting and MASSB Fall Conference, we are building a better future for our communities.

Best,
Tony

Congratulations to the Northern High School Chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) in Owings, Maryland. The students won 1st place at the Maryland FBLA State Leadership Conference for their Community Service Project supporting foster families!

National Foster Care Month is an initiative of the Children's Bureau. Each May, we take time to raise awareness of issues related to foster care and acknowledge the parents, family members, foster parents, child welfare and related professionals, mentors, policymakers, and other members of the community who help children and youth in foster care find permanent homes and connections.

In recognition of National Foster Care Month, we checked in with Stefany Lang to get an update on one of our Lifting Lives Award Winners, Calvert County's KIDS CLOSET. With an initial investment of about $4,000, Calvert County's KIDS CLOSET stocks clothing, hygiene products, toys and baby supplies to provide:

• Emergency supplies and necessities like car seats, diapers, and pack-and-plays to eliminate frantic last-minute searches by resource parents and DSS staff;
• Newly placed children with the opportunity to choose clothing and other necessities to help them feel comfortable and settled in their new resource home; and
• Children returning to their families of origin with items to help the family succeed in reunification.

The closet has benefited 8 children since it opened in October, including a child who entered care during the Christmas holidays. With only 4 hours' notice, the resource mom was able to quickly choose clothes, toys, a winter coat and toiletries to assist until she could get to the store to purchase additional items.

The KIDS CLOSET stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and community support, ensuring that children entering care are met with comfort, care, and a sense of belonging.

Tips to Set Up a KIDS CLOSET

Last year, Harford County's board shared their plans to host a coffee-house style music series. We asked one of the organizers, board member Pat Weaver, how it went.

What was the purpose of the Heart & Soul Series?
We wanted to host an event that would be primarily a "friend raiser," raising awareness about DSS. The concert program included information about DSS programs and the role of the advisory board. Our first concert had 30 attendees and that increased to 50 by the last concert. About half of the attendees knew nothing about DSS or the Advisory Board so we thought as a friend raiser we were successful.

Did you also raise funds?
The secondary purpose was as a fundraiser and we did end up comfortably in the black after the 3 concerts. We had around 4–5 sponsors for each of the concerts, most repeat sponsors. Our biggest sponsor was Harford Community College, who donated $700 for the series. Our profits were deposited into the Harford Family Assistance Fund, which is what we have named our account held by the MASSB Foundation.

How much effort was involved for your board?
It took about 4 people to prepare and supervise the concerts. The entire board was asked to find sponsors, sell a few tickets, or at least purchase a ticket themselves. I created the program and a sponsor package using the free version of CANVA that's available for nonprofits.

Do you plan to host another concert series this year?
We don't plan a concert series this year. We have new membership on our board who would like to try something different.

Any final thoughts?
The concert series afforded lots of opportunities for partnerships and advocacy and, in time, I believe it would have become a successful fundraiser, too. I'd never done anything like this before, and it was a great experience!

Create beautiful designs with CANVA at no cost! Harford County's program for the Heart & Soul Concert Series was created using the free version of CANVA available for nonprofits. Check out other free tools for nonprofits, too, such as Beefree and MailChimp — easy-to-use templates provide hundreds of options for newsletters, e-mails, banners, flyers and more.

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

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.

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