A behind-the-scenes look at MASSB Foundation's financial transparency and impact, Chair Dr. Tony Wohlers shares his personal journey to service, and October's Fall Conference draws near.
Greetings Everyone! As we continue the summer season, I hope that each of you seized opportunities to relax and spend time with family and friends. I also want to take a moment to recognize and thank each of you for the incredible work you do to improve the lives of individuals and families across Maryland. I know that many of you are gearing up for a wide range of activities for the remainder of the year. As documented by the metrics feedback, your commitment as volunteers on local social services boards continues to make a lasting impact on vulnerable populations.
The upcoming MASSB Conference, taking place October 16–17 in Howard County, serves as an opportunity to learn, connect, and strengthen our collective advocacy. Moreover, it will also celebrate your achievements through the Lifting Lives Awards. I strongly encourage every board to submit a nomination and showcase the creative, community-driven initiatives you've led. These awards not only bring well-deserved recognition and funding to your efforts, but they also inspire others across the state to rise to the challenge. Our strength lies in our shared commitments and MASSB remains a steady partner through mini-grants, fundraising tools, and shared stories. Together, we are building more compassionate, resilient communities, one act of service at a time.
Best,
Tony
Since being designated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2008, MASSB Foundation has evolved from a simple bank account to a robust organization that addresses the needs of thousands of Marylanders each year. We are grateful for you, members of the local advisory boards, who are on the front lines addressing homelessness and the underlying causes of poverty in your counties.
Our Executive Team is working behind the scenes to support your efforts. In addition to balancing the books and filing the annual tax return, we're working hard to provide more resources for your use:
The annual report has been reformatted to share with external audiences. Please download the 2024 Impact Report to share with your community — this is your work…celebrate it!
Collecting testimonials and stories from people you help is an important part of your board's activities. It's not always possible to talk directly to the customer, so get creative! Include a note with your contact information in the bag of food or clothing you provide, or ask the DSS worker or other engaged expert for feedback. These stories can be used in fundraising and board member recruitment. They will also fill the hearts of your board members knowing they have made a difference in the life of someone who is struggling.
Dr. Tony Wohlers — Chair, MASSB Foundation
My journey into higher education leadership began long before I ever stepped into a college classroom as a faculty member or administrator. It began as an international student from Germany, navigating a new academic system, culture, and community in pursuit of knowledge and its practical applications.
That experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of education to transform lives for individuals and entire communities. Community colleges reflect that mission at their core. Throughout my career, I have worked to strengthen the role of these institutions by building partnerships that bridge education with workforce, social services, and civic organizations. Whether developing accelerated pathways, launching high-impact learning initiatives, or securing grants to expand access, my work has always focused on connecting people — students to opportunity, faculty to purpose, and institutions to the communities they serve.
That same commitment to connection led me to many civic organizations, including the Harford County Department of Social Services Advisory Board and Maryland Association of Social Services Boards (MASSB). While serving as a Dean at Harford Community College in Maryland, I saw the real-life struggles of families navigating gaps between urgent needs and limited public resources. MASSB's mission — to provide resources that support at risk families, children and vulnerable adults — deeply aligned with my own values and commitment to public service. As Chair, I am honored to work with the outstanding Executive Team to help strengthen the capacity of local boards, advance advocacy, and facilitate resources distribution to address needs. These experiences, commitments, and collaborative team efforts have convinced me that MASSB supports communities not just in meeting basic needs, but in building pathways toward safety, stability, and long-term well-being.
Awarded annually as part of MASSB's October conference, the Lifting Lives Award recognizes projects or initiatives that are innovative or impact the local community in a positive way. Projects may be DSS-led or Board-led, however, board involvement is strongly encouraged. Awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place include a monetary allocation to the winning board's MASSB Foundation account of up to $1,500. Nominate your project today!
Join us September 5, 12–1pm, for Conference Preparation and Round Table Discussion.
Rising to the Challenge: Strengthening Local Boards Through Advocacy. Host: Howard County.
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 HereDeveloping 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.
Please also email your updated board roster to massbftrustee@gmail.com so we can add your new members to our correspondence. Thank you!
