The MASSB Minute

Greetings Everyone. As we conclude the first half of this year, it is time to thank each of you for your continued dedication and volunteer service to your communities through your work on the local advisory boards. Indeed, volunteerism remains the backbone of our shared mission.

This month, we highlight the inspiring outreach efforts of Garrett County DSS, whose mobile programming is effectively addressing geographic and technological barriers by bringing essential services directly to residents. Their success illustrates the power of creative partnerships and engaged advisory boards in reaching those who need us most. At the state level, we remain grateful to the DHS Office of Government Affairs for their 2025 legislative update and the successful passage of important legislation that matters to our communities.

As we look ahead, I encourage you to consider projects for MASSB's new mini-grants to support local initiatives, and to mark your calendars for our Fall Conference taking place October 16–17 at Howard Community College. Whether through legislative advocacy, community partnerships, and grassroots activities, your collective efforts make a positive difference across Maryland. Let us carry this positive momentum forward as we enter the second half of the year.

Best,
Tony

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Government Affairs (OGA) team, led by Rachel Sledge, briefed us on legislation important to DHS at our Legislative Conference in March. She recently provided the results of Maryland's legislative session.

Departmental bills that passed:

• SB 205 / HB 246 — Adult Protective Services
• SB 230 / HB 246 — LDSS Audits

Other Departmental bills did not move. However, DHS topics such as child support (pass-through/multi-family adjustment), unlicensed settings and hotel stays were addressed by the legislature.

2025 Legislative Session Results

Garrett County is Maryland's westernmost county, completely within the Appalachian Mountains. In 2021, Garrett County DSS launched a robust outreach program to address the significant geographical barriers faced by residents who need services. The goal was to extend services directly into towns and communities, avoiding the need for residents to travel long distances to DSS offices, while additionally addressing barriers created by widespread issues with internet connectivity and technology access which made remote services challenging. Easily accessible locations were selected such as libraries, community and senior centers, and a fire hall. Outreach also occurs at the county fair, mobile food truck events and any place where customers are likely to be.

The outreach is impressive!

• 5 to 10 events per month, over 8 days
• 7 distinct locations including the communities of Accident, Friendsville, Swanton, Grantsville, Kitzmiller, McHenry, and Bloomington

During events, individuals can apply for services immediately using accessible tablets for online applications, with or without staff support. Paper applications are also available for on-site completion or to take home. Additionally, essential information about cash assistance, medical benefits, SNAP, Child and Adult Protective Services, and child support programs is offered.

Customers learn about outreach events from promotional materials including Facebook posts, flyers, and mailed postcards. Newspaper advertisements are also being planned. The DSS Advisory Board is extremely supportive and stays engaged with updates at their meetings and by helping to advertise events with their own constituents, agencies, and within their local communities.

The benefits are significant!

• Customers save time and money when they are able to access services at locations close to where they live.
• Customer numbers are increasing as verified by DSS's close tracking of the number of people served and services provided.
• Community feedback confirms the visible presence and availability of DSS.
• Customers feel acknowledged by DSS, no matter where they live in this large geographic county.

Interested in starting an outreach program in your county? GCDSS shares these keys to success:

• Start small.
• Be fanatically consistent with scheduling, especially if you are only going somewhere once a month.
• Reach out to unlikely community partners — it's amazing what groups are willing to support/house your outreach efforts.
• Don't be discouraged by low numbers of actual attendees — it's hard to know who "sees" your effort and is impacted by it indirectly.
• Keep track of who you see — data helps you justify the program and any expansion/changes you may need to make in the future.

For more information, please contact the Garrett County Department of Social Services at (301) 533-3108.

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Thanks to everyone who attended the Community Meeting on May 16. Missed it? Download the Treasurer's Training presentation below. If you have questions about how to manage your MASSB Foundation account, please contact Nate Poerio at massbftreasurer@gmail.com.

Download Treasurer's Training

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.