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News
July 24, 2006
Dollar A Day Women's Initiative Launched To Support Grassroots
In an effort to bridge the funding gap for the renovation and expansion of Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, capital campaign co-chair Mary Ann Scully has announced the creation of the “Dollar A Day Women's Initiative.”
“Women are more capable than ever before to address the issues of society with their money,” Scully said. “Philanthropy can be a tool for improving the quality of life for members of our community.”
Grassroots provides 24-hour crisis intervention services and operates Howard County's only emergency shelter programs. It is in the midst of a capital campaign to renovate and expand its facilities on Freetown Road in Columbia. The construction project will more than double the building size, from under 9,000 square feet to over 20,000 square feet. Shelter rooms for families and individuals will be increased from 32 to 55. The new facility will also provide much improved space for the crisis intervention hotlines, walk-in counseling and mobile crisis team.
The Dollar A Day Women's Initiative is designed to attract $1,000 pledges from local women, who could make their donations over a three-year period. “A pledge of $1,000 is $333 per year or less than a dollar a day” for such donors, Scully said.
“We live in a wonderful county,” she added, “but families do become homeless in Howard County due to financial crisis, people suffering from depression become suicidal, domestic disputes escalate to violence, teenagers run away home. Grassroots averts tragedy every day.”
The Grassroots Renovation and Expansion Campaign is currently short $260,000 of its $5.5 million funding goal. Once the funding is secured, construction on the project will begin. Groundbreaking is tentatively slated for October.
Scully, President and CEO of Howard Bank, shares leadership of the Grassroots Renovation and Expansion Campaign Committee with Steven Koren of Koren Development Company.
For information about the Dollar A Day Women's Initiative, contact Lynne Nemeth at lmnemeth@aol.com , or call 301-596-0654. |
July 24, 2006
Grassroots
Renovation and Expansion Update
Campaign Short $260,000 of Funding Goal
The Renovation and Expansion Campaign is nearing completion, but we are still $260,000 short of goal. A couple of creative ideas for bridging the funding gap are being launched by friends of Grassroots, and new donations are coming in every day.
Howard County General Hospital 's $45,000 contribution will be recognized by naming the Lobby, Emergency Overnight Shelter Room and the Mobile Crisis Team Room after the hospital. Special thanks to HCGH President & CEO Vic Broccolino for being an early and continuing supporter.
Most recently, we received a pledge of $10,000 from Lakeview Title Company , $7,000 from Redhead Companies, $5,000 from Miles & Stockbridge Foundation and a contribution of $2,540 from RE/MAX 100. Redhead Companies CEO and writer Ed Stern is a member of the board of Grassroots. Nancy Kasemeyer collected the RE/MAX 100 contribution from 39 agents. The Glenwood Lions Club has also donated $500.
The faith community continues to support the campaign, with 13 congregations making pledges. Contributions from St. John Baptist Church congregants now total $19,035. The latest churches to join the campaign are Mt. Pisgah A.M.E, $5,000, and St. Paul's Roman Catholic, $2,718.
The latest gifts from individuals have come from Diane Murray and Gareth Murray, Sr., $10,000; Jim and Dessie Moxley , $5,000; Steve and Samantha Sachs, $2,500; Ron and Gail Schimel , $2,500; Steve Breeden , $1,000; Greg and Susan Landry , $1,000.
Other significant personal contributions have come from Yolanda Bruno, Andre DeVermeil, Doug Hostetler , $15,000 each; Mim and Steve Dubin , Margaret W. Bridwell, M.D. , $10,000; Bach and Bob Jeffrey , $5,000; Brigitte and Donald Manekin Family, Shirley Collier , $3,000; Maggie Brown, Barbara K. Lawson, John and Nancy Meade, Jean Moon, Lynne Nemeth, Migsie and Gar Richlin, Brooke and Kari Schumm, Ira Wertenteil , $2,500; George and Ann Barker , Michael and Renee Lowden , $1,500; Joseph and Deanna Murray , $1,200; Robert Coursey, Jr., Barbara and Patrick Flinn, Bettye C. Frazier, Gilbert and Alice Jefferson, Chaya Kaplan, Jim and Ann Lano, Judith and Robert Meyers , The Reuwer Charitable Foundation, Stanley and Dorothy Rodbell, Arlene and Bob Sheff, $1000. Thanks to each and every one of you for your generosity.
Help the Campaign: Spread the Word
If you are looking for information materials about the campaign, see the attached Fact Sheet and Contribution Form. If you want other information sent by mail or electronically, contact jeanmoon@comcast.net. For other information, contact Campaign Director Lynne Nemeth, lmnemeth@aol.com. Encourage your friends to use the PayPal option on the website, www.grassrootscrisis.org, to make a donation. It is quick and easy.
Dollar A Day Women's Initiative Announced
In an effort to bridge the funding gap for the renovation and expansion of Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, capital campaign co-chair Mary Ann Scully has announced the creation of the “Dollar A Day Women's Initiative.”
“Women are more capable than ever before to address the issues of society with their money,” Scully said. “Philanthropy can be a tool for improving the quality of life for members of our community.”
The Dollar A Day Women's Initiative is designed to attract $1,000 pledges from local women, who could make their donations over a three-year period. “A pledge of $1,000 is $333 per year or less than a dollar a day” for such donors, Scully said.
Scully, President and CEO of Howard Bank, shares leadership of the Grassroots Renovation and Expansion Campaign Committee with Steven Koren of Koren Development Company.
Bar Foundation Plans Fundraiser for Grassroots
The Bar Foundation for Howard County , in cooperation with the Howard County Bar Association, the Women's Bar Association of Maryland, Howard County Chapter, and The Waring-Mitchell Law Society, is holding a benefit for Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center on Oct. 19, 6-8 p.m.
The fundraiser, “Shoot the Bull: A Different Kind of Bull Roast,” will be held in The Loft of The Other Barn, Oakland Mills Village Center in Columbia. It will feature an election year theme. The menu will include interesting variations of the typical bull roast, and a signature Martini will be featured at the Barristers Bar.
The Bar Foundation for Howard County is the philanthropic arm of the Howard County Bar Association and is funded by contributions from members and fundraising.
Sponsorships for “Shoot the Bull” are available for $2,500. Benefits include recognition at Grassroots and at the party site, as well as 10 tickets to the fundraiser. Individual tickets to “Shoot the Bull” are $50 in advance, $75 at the door, and can be ordered by contacting kim@howardcountybar.org, or calling 410-313-2035. A ticket order form is attached.
Hostetler and Kelehan Join Campaign Committee
N. Douglas Hostetler and Kevin J. Kelehan have joined the Grassroots Renovation and Expansion Campaign Committee.
Hostetler, a resident of Ellicott City, is principal of Hostetler Church, LLC, a financial services firm providing family wealth counseling and private wealth management.
Kelehan is a member of the law firm of Reese & Carney, LLP. His practice areas include housing and community development law, housing finance, construction law and real estate development.
Other members of the Renovation and Expansion Campaign Committee include co-chairs Steven Koren of Koren Development Company and Mary Ann Scully of Howard Bank, Maggie Brown, Yolanda Bruno, Shirley Collier, Darwin Eads, Bob Fleishman, Rabbi Susan Grossman, Pat Hiban, Jeff Kassman, Mimi Mathews, John W. Meade, Joseph V. Murray, Sr., Ed Stern, Rich Thometz, Rev. Richard Tillman, Rev. Ostein Truitt and Steve Zelenak. |
June 26, 2006
Grassroots
Renovation and Expansion Update
Campaign Reaches $4.1 Million Of $5.5 Million Goal
The Renovation and Expansion Campaign has raised 75% of its $5.5 million goal: over $4.1 million has been donated or pledged.
One big boost recently came from the State Department of Housing and Community Development , which has stated its intention of awarding Grassroots $1 million, contingent upon fulfilling several requirements. A State of Maryland Bond Bill previously added $450,000 to the campaign. Howard County Government has already pledged $1.5 million.
Special thanks for helping us get this far goes to The Horizon Foundation , $200,000; The Columbia Foundation , $100,000; and Howard County General Hospital , $45,000. These early donors got us started.
Religious Congregations Pledge $156,793
Three new faith communities have joined the campaign, bringing to 11 the number of religious congregations pledging financial support to the Renovation and Expansion. The new contributions came from Bethany United Methodist Church and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church , both of which donated $15,000 and will have shelter rooms named in their honor, and Gary Memorial United Methodist Church, which gave $1,000. Bethany United and Gary Memorial were among the 15 congregations that served as cold weather shelters for the homeless this past winter.
The other congregations donating to the campaign are: Linden-Linthicum United Methodist Church, $47,500; congregants of St. John Baptist Church, who have pledged $16,035; Glen Mar United Methodist , $15,000; St. John Evangelist Catholic Church , $15,000; Kittamaqundi Community , $15,000; St. Louis Catholic Church , $15,000; Lisbon United Methodist Church , $1,000, and St. Joseph Catholic Community , $1,000.
Developers and Homebuilders Donate $156,000
The Developers & Homebuilders Shelter Initiative has attracted 21 donors. New contributors include Beazer Homes and Shelter Development , which have each donated $10,000, and PDC, Inc ., which has contributed $3,000.
Other donors include: Elm Street Development , $17,500; Hailey Development, KasCon, Koren Development, Patriot Homes and Ryland Homes, $15,000 each; Gaines & Company , $10,000; Grayson Homes , Harkins Builders , Richard Talkin, Esq./Don Reuwer , $5,000 each.
In addition, pledges and contributions have been made by Rachuba Family Foundation , $3,000; Columbia Builders , Dale Thompson Builders and Gray and Son, Inc., $1,000 each. Other gifts have come from Bozzuto & Associates, Mitchell and Best, Lovell America, Inc., and The Adler Corporation .
Real estate brokers have contributed $50,000: Odum Real Estate Group and Pat Hiban Real Estate , $15,000 each; The Northrop Team and The Priscilla Berry Team , $10,000 each.
Other Businesses and Groups Help Campaign
Major pledges have come from The Rouse Company Foundation and Ascend One Corp . Each has made contributions of $50,000
Financial institutions have also stepped up to help with the campaign. Citizens National Bank has made a $20,000 pledge, and Howard Bank and Provident Bank have each pledged $15,000. The Columbia Bank has contributed $10,000. BB&T had donated $1,000.
Contributions have come from Microwave Telemetry , $15,000; LB&B Associates , $10,000; Berman, Goldman & Ribakow and Synthesis, $3,000 each; Commercial Insurance Managers , Lakeside Title , Snell Enterprises , T.R. Klein & Company , and Wealth Preservation, Inc., $1,000 each;
Local organizations have embraced the project. The Bar Foundation of Howard County has pledged $25,000 to the campaign. Support has also come from the Columbia-Patuxent Rotary, $15,000, and Sunrise Rotary , $10,000. The Clarksville Lions Club and the Columbia Business Exchange have each contributed $1,000.
Looking for Temporary Space
While Grassroots is undergoing construction, the crisis intervention services, shelter programs and offices will have to be relocated. Grassroots is looking for temporary space. If you know of any, please contact Andrea Ingram, 410-531-6006.
Grassroots Accredited by Suicidology Association
Grassroots has been awarded accreditation for five years by the American Association of Suicidology. It joins 148 other AAS accredited crisis agencies in North America and will be honored for this achievement at the AAS's Annual Meeting next Spring.
Accreditation signifies that an organization has been evaluated through an on-site examination, and has met or exceeded specific standards in administration, training, general service delivery, services in life-threatening crisis, ethical issues, community integration and program evaluation.
PayPal Option on Grassroots Website
The Grassroots Board of Directors and staff members have contributed $53,620 to the campaign, and many other individuals have made pledges and donations. We will list them in a future e-newsletter. In the meantime, encourage your friends to use the PayPal option on the website, www.grassrootscrisis.org, to make a donation.
Help the Campaign: Spread the Word
If you are looking for information materials about the campaign, see the attached Fact Sheet and Contribution Form. If you want other information sent by mail or electronically, contact jeanmoon@comcast.net. For other information, contact Campaign Director Lynne Nemeth, lmnemeth@aol.com. |
May 15, 2006
Grassroots
Renovation and Expansion Update
Campaign Reaches $3 Million Of $5.5 Million Goal
The Renovation and Expansion Campaign has raised over $3 million of the $5.5 million goal, thanks to the support of generous supporters. The latest gifts have come from religious congregations, businesses and individuals, with the biggest new donation from Howard County General Hospital , which made the first contribution to the renovation and expansion several years ago. The total pledge from HCGH is now $55,000, and three shelter rooms will be named in the hospital's honor.
Religious Congregations Pledge $124,783
Eight religious congregations have pledged financial support to the Renovation and Expansion. Linden-Lithicum United Methodist Church has increased its pledge to $47,500, and congregants of St. John's Baptist Church have pledged $15,035 and will have a shelter room named in the congregation's honor. The Rev. Ostein Truitt of St. John Baptist Church is a member of the Campaign Committee.
New donors also include Lisbon United Methodist Church , $1,000, and St. Joseph Catholic Community , $1,000. Other contributors are Glen Mar United Methodist , $15,000; St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church , $15,000; Kittamaqundi Community , $15,000; St. Louis Catholic Church , $15,000.
Businesses and Individuals Join the Campaign
New donors from the business community include Commercial Insurance Mangers , $1,000, and T.R. Klein & Company , $1,000, as well as British and American Auto, $728.
In addition, Doug Hostetler , a new member of the Renovation and Expansion Campaign, has pledged $15,000. Other new donors include Shirley Collier , $3,000; Barbara K. Lawson , $2,500; Robert Coursey, Jr ., $1,000; Jim and Ann Lano , $1,000; and Carol Steeley , $500.
Developers and Homebuilders Make Gifts
The Developers & Homebuilders Shelter Initiative, led by Campaign Co-Chair Steven Koren and Rich Thometz of Hailey Development, has attracted 18 donors. New donors include Patriot Homes , which has pledged $15,000, and Elm Street Development , which increased its pledge to $17,500. Both will have shelter rooms named in their honor. Another new donor is Harkins Builders , which pledged $5,000.
In addition, pledges and contributions have been made by Hailey Development, KasCon, Koren Development and Ryland Homes, $15,000; Gaines & Company , $10,000; Grayson Homes , $5,000; Richard Talkin, Esq./Don Reuwer , $5,000; Rachuba Family Foundation , $3,000; Columbia Builders , Gray and Son, Inc. and Dale Thompson Builders , $1,000 each. Other gifts have come from Bozzuto & Associates, Mitchell and Best, Lovell America, Inc., and The Adler Corporation.
Spring Fling Nets An Appreciative Donor
Realtor Pat Hiban, a member of the Campaign Committee, and other representatives of Grassroots attended the annual Howard County Board of Realtors Spring Fling on April 25. Setting up shop in Nottingham's while colleagues enjoyed the festivities, Pat talked to fellow realtors and others in the business about Grassroots' renovation and expansion plans.
The effort netted a pledge of $10,000 from The Priscilla Berry Team . Priscilla Berry told Pat that Grassroots had been of great help to her earlier in her life, and she was happy to be the position to show her gratitude. The Men's Shelter Computer/Study Room will be named in her company's honor.
Other donors from the real estate community include Pat Hiban, $15,000; Odum Real Estate Group , $15,000; and Creig Northrop and The Northrop Team , which has pledged $10,000.
Grassroots Reaches Out To North Laurel
Grassroots has located a counselor, Dianne Desantis, a master's level social worker, in the Southeast satellite office of Family and Children's Services in the Whiskey Bottom Shopping Center in North Laurel. The counselor meets by appointment with clients on Wednesdays, from noon to 6 p.m. Some of the clients in North Laurel are people who have called the Grassroots Hotline and need face-to-face crisis intervention. Others are referrals from the Mobile Crisis Team and from Family and Children's Services staff who have identified people who need immediate assistance. Some of the new clients have insurance but are unable to get immediate intervention; others have not insurance and need immediate help.
Other providers using the Family and Children's Services office are FIRN (Foreign-born Information and Referral Network), Domestic Violence Center and Community Action Council.
“The multi-service center is a great concept,” says Desantis. “I see local families and individuals in crisis situations and then make sure they get the longer term help they need, which could be through Family and Children's Services or another partner or community resource.”
Andrea Ingram Honored by Leadership Group
Grassroots Executive Director Andrea Ingram will be recognized for her “significant and notable contribution for the betterment of our community” by Leadership Howard County in conjunction with the Community Leadership Association. The annual Distinguished Alumni award is given to a Leadership Howard County graduate “who exemplifies the spirit and goals for civic involvement and trusteeship that Leadership Howard County seeks to encourage.” Andrea will be honored at Leadership Howard County's annual graduation and membership awards dinner on June 13.
If you are looking for information materials about the campaign, see the attached Fact Sheet and Contribution Form. If you want other information sent by mail or electronically, contact jeanmoon@comcast.net. For other information, contact Campaign Director Lynne Nemeth, lmnemeth@aol.com.
Help the Campaign: Spread the Word
If you are looking for information materials about the campaign, see the attached Fact Sheet and Contribution Form. If you want other information sent by mail or electronically, contact jeanmoon@comcast.net. For other information, contact Campaign Director Lynne Nemeth, lmnemeth@aol.com. |
April 3, 2006
Grassroots Renovation and ExpansionUpdate
Campaign Reaches 44% Of $5.5 Million Goal
The Renovation and Expansion Campaign has raised over $2.4 million of the $5.5 million goal, thanks to the support of generous supporters. The latest gifts come from banks.
Citizens National Bank has pledged $20,000 and will have the Group Counseling/Activity Room named in its honor. Provident Bank has pledged $15,000 and will have a Counseling Room named in its honor. Steven E. Zelenak of Provident’s Commercial Banking Group is a member of both the Grassroots Board of Directors and the Campaign Committee. Howard Bank has pledged $15,000 and will have the Entrance Garden named in its honor. Howard Bank President and CEO Mary Ann Scully is Campaign Co-Chair. Columbia Bank has pledged $10,000 and will have the Courtyard Garden named in its honor.
Faith Communities Shelter 97 During Winter
Fifteen congregations sheltered a total of 97 people from Nov. 21, 2005-March 26, 2006, as part of the Cold Weather Shelter Program organized by Grassroots. Participants, people unable to get into Grassroots because it was full, included 8 children and 80 adults, one of whom was a Katrina evacuee. Fourteen people have since moved into Grassroots, and permanent housing has been found for another 8. Temporary accommodations have been located for many of the others.
Participating congregations included Atholton Seventh Day Adventist Church, Gary Memorial United Methodist Church, Locust United Methodist Church, Columbia Community Church, Kittamaqundi Community Church, Christ Memorial Presbyterian Church, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Bethany United Methodist Church, Linden-Lithicum United Methodist Church, Glen Mar United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church of Howard County, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Trinity Episcopal Church and St. John Baptist Church.
Of these congregations, Linden-Lithicum and Glen Mar United Methodist Churches and Kittamaqundi Community Church have already announced their support of the campaign to renovate and expand Grassroots. Linden-Lithicum has pedged $25,000, and Glen Mar and Kittamaqundi have each pledged $15,000. St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church and St. Louis Roman Catholic Church have also each pledged $15,000, and each will have a shelter room named after it.
Sophia Viglotti, daughter of Grassroots crisis counselor Katie Cogan, and her eighth grade friends, Anam Mashi and Amanda Betz, held a bake sale at St. Louis School and raised $258 for the campaign. It is never too early to learn about philanthropy.
St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church’s pastor, Rev. Richard Tillman, is a member of the Renovation and Expansion Campaign Committee, along with Rabbi Susan Grossman of Beth Shalom Congregation, Rev. Mimi Mathews of St. John Episcopal Church and Rev. Ostein Truitt of St. John Baptist Church.
Realtors, Developers and Homebuilders Make Gifts
Creig Northrop has joined Realtors Pat Hiban Real Estate and Odum Real Estate Group in making a pledge to the campaign. Pat Hiban, who is on the campaign committee, and Odum Real Estate Group have each pledged $15,000 and will have shelter rooms named after the firms. Northrop has pledged $10,000; the Emergency Overnight Shelter Room will be named in honor of the Northrop Group.
The Developers & Homebuilders Shelter Initiative, led by Campaign Co-Chair Steven Koren and Rich Thometz of Hailey Development, has attracted 15 donors. Hailey Development,KasCon,Koren Development and Ryland Homes have each pledged $15,000 and will have shelter rooms named in their honor.
In addition, pledges and contributions have been made by: Gaines & Company, $10,000; Grayson Homes, $5,000; Richard Talkin, Esq./Don Reuwer, $5,000; Rachuba Family Foundation, $3,000; Elm Street Development, $2,500; Columbia Builders, Gray and Son, Inc. and Dale Thompson Builders, $1,000 each. Other gifts have come from Mitchell and Best, Lovell America, Inc., and The Adler Corporation.
Businesses and Organizations Join the Campaign
The Bar Foundation of Howard County has pledged $25,000 to the campaign. The group is hosting a benefit for Grassroots October 19. “Shoot the Bull: A Different Kind of Bull Roast” will bring together attorneys, judges, elected officials, candidates for office, friends and others. The Lobby of Grassroots is going to be named in honor of The Bar Foundation and include the names of the law firms that sponsor the benefit.
Microwave Telemetry has pledged $15,000 and will have a shelter room named in its honor, as will The Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent.LB&B Association has pledged $10,000, and Berman, Goldman and Ribakow has pledged $3,000.
Lakeside Title, Wealth Preservation, Inc. and the Snell Corporation have each committed $1,000, as has the Clarksville Lions Club and the Columbia Business Exchange.
As previously reported, Howard County Government has pledged $1.5 million. Other major donors include: The Horizon Foundation, $200,000; The Columbia Foundation, $75,000; The Rouse Company Foundation, $50,000;
Ascend One Corp., $50,000.
People in the Community Make Pledges
Frank and YolandaBruno have pledged $15,000 for the Medical Exam Room. Andre and Mary Pat DeVerneil have also pledged $15,000, and a shelter room will be named in memory of Mary Pat’s parents, Mary and John Donelan. Steve and Mim Dubin have pledged $10,000 and will name the Outdoor Picnic/Dining Area.
Other contributions have been made by Bob and Bach Jeffrey, $5,000; Brigitte and Donald Manekin Family, $3,000; Maggie Brown, John and Nancy Meade, Jean Moon, Lynne Nemeth, Migsie and Gar Richlin, $2,500 each; Michael and Renee Lowden, $1,500; Joseph V. and Deanna Murray, Sr., $1,200; George and Anne Barker, Barbara and Patrick Flinn, Gilbert and Alice Jefferson, Judith and Robert Meyers, The Reuwer Charitable Trust, Brooke and Kari Schumm, Arlene and Bob Sheff, $1,000; Lawrence Weaver, $500.
Help the Campaign: Spread the Word
If you are looking for information materials about the campaign, see the attached Fact Sheet and Contribution Form. If you want other information sent by mail or electronically, contact jeanmoon@comcast.net. For other information, contact Campaign Director Lynne Nemeth, lmnemeth@aol.com.
February 13, 2006
Grassroots Renovation and Expansion Campaign Garners Support
Developers, Realtors and Faith Communities Make Pledges
The faith community and local businesses are showing their support for the renovation and expansion of Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center with cash and pledges.
Grassroots recently launched a capital fund-raising campaign to improve its facility on Freetown Road in Columbia. Headed by local business leaders Steven Koren of Koren Development Company, Inc. and Mary Ann Scully, president and CEO of Howard Bank, the campaign has attracted a wide range of donors.
Glen Mar United Methodist Church led the way with the first gift from a religious community, followed by St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, Kittamaqundi Community Church, St. Louis Roman Catholic Church and Linden Linthicum Methodist Church. All have contributed $15,000. Shelter rooms in the renovated facility will be named after each.
The Faith Community Committee of the campaign includes Rabbi Susan Grossman, Rev. Mimi Mathews, Fr. Richard Tillman and Rev. Ostein Truitt.
On the business side, Ascend One Corp. made a leadership gift of $50,000 and will have the Family Shelter Community Living Room named in its honor. The Rouse Company Foundation also pledged $50,000, and the Grassroots conference room will be named in its honor. Howard Bank made a $15,000 contribution; the renovated center’s new entrance garden will be named after the bank. Pat Hiban Real Estate and Odum Real Estate Group have also each made pledges of $15,000 and will have shelter rooms named after their companies.
Koren and Rich Thometz of Hailey Development are heading the Developers & Homebuilders Shelter Initiative, and their companies have donated $15,000 each. In addition, Ryland Homes has pledged $15,000 to the campaign. Donations have also come from Dale Thompson Builders, Elm Street Development and Richard Talkin, Esq.
In additions to the faith communities and businesses that have made significant contributions, the Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent pledged $15,000 and will have a shelter room named for the club.
Grassroots Executive Director Andrea Ingram says more than 200 monthly requests for shelter go unmet due to lack of space.
“Our only counseling room and the lobby are often occupied for days by a homeless family, disabled individual, or vulnerable elderly person while staff members work on finding a safe temporary solution,” she says. To help meet the need during the winter, about 15 local churches take turns operating Cold Weather Shelters. Each church hosts the shelter, which serves about 20 people, for one or two weeks. The shelters are open only at night.
The County-funded Mobile Crisis Team, which operates from Grassroots and served more than 700 people last year, also needs more room, Ingram says. And “walk-in requests for crisis intervention services have increased from less than a dozen in 1990 to 1,000 a year now.”
Currently, the building has just one counseling room. The proposed renovation and expansion would add additional counseling rooms and increase the number of beds available in the shelter from 32 to 55. It would also increase the size of the building, which is owned by Howard County, from 8,920 square feet to about 20,400 square feet.
Donors to Grassroots’ capital campaign will be recognized in a variety of ways, including plaques in the lobby and naming opportunities. Donations of $1,000 or more can be paid in annual installments.
For information, call campaign director Lynne Nemeth at 301-596-0654 or write to lmnemeth@aol.com. Or send your donation to Grassroots, 6700 Freetown Rd., Columbia, MD 21044.
ANNUAL REPORT - FY 2005
MISSION
Grassroots’ mission is to create the opportunity for people in crisis and in need to make positive, empowering changes in their lives by being a 24-hour resource, responding helpfully and professionally, while recognizing each person’s individuality and dignity.
- We acknowledge the dignity of all persons asking for help.
- We pledge to treat all clients with respect at all times.
- We operate from a spirit of helpfulness and welcome.
FY 2005 Highlights
This was a year of great progress in our 7-year quest to expand our capacity to provide shelter and crisis services in Howard County. The cold weather shelter became a turning point in the growing community support for the building project. Also in FY05, Grassroots and Howard County government formed a partnership for the development and construction of the project. With continuing support from The Horizon Foundation for planning and development, a commitment from the County for $1.5 million, and a grant from the Columbia Foundation, the project acquired the support it needed to move forward.
The Shelter Programs:
- The Cold Weather Shelter program, which was hosted by fourteen congregations, served 83 people from November through March and provided 2,365 bed nights. Almost 2,000 volunteers participated in the program in its second year.
- Ten families living in area motels received intensive case management and seven families achieved permanent housing.
- The Family Shelter, Men’s Shelter and Motel Shelter programs served 488 people and provided 5,958 bed nights.
- 64% of family shelter and men’s shelter residents positively resolved their homeless situation.
The Crisis Intervention Services
- Crisis staff answered 26,330 hotline calls and saw 710 walk-ins.
- The Mobile Crisis Team consists of two master’s level counselors who respond with the police to psychiatric emergencies and family crises in the community. In FY05 the team responded to 317 cases, an 80% increase over the previous year. The increased hours of availability and growing community awareness of the service increased its utilization.
- The Crisisstaff provided after hours emergency back-up services to Humanim’s Outpatient Mental Health Center and Residential Services, Sheppard Pratt of Howard County, Jewish Family Services, MSA - The Child and Adolescent Center, and the STTAR Center.
- The Program provided 24-hour answering for the EARN (DSS) Helpline, AIDS Hotline, and Jewish Family Services Teen Line, in addition to the statewide Youth Crisis Hotline (also called the Maryland Crisis Hotline) and the Grassroots general crisis hotline.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FY 2005
Officers
Robert Fleishman, President
Jane Walker, Vice President
Michael Katz, Treasurer
Mimi O’ Donnell, Secretary
Directors
Joseph Berman
Mary Jo Childs
Lisa Chodnicki
Roy Felipe
Jeffrey Kassman
Steven Koren
Carol Ann Leal
Carol Morrison
Capt. Tara Nelson
Rev. Randy Reinhardt
Terri Showers
Ed Stern
David Willemain
Cynthia Willis
Steven Zelenak
Executive Director
Andrea S. Ingram, LCSW-C
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FY 2006
Officers
Robert Fleishman, President
Ed Stern, Vice President
Michael Katz, Treasurer
Lisa Chodnicki, Secretary
Directors
Joseph Berman
Debra Carr
Mary Jo Childs
Jeffrey Kassman
Steven Koren
Carol Ann Leal
Carol Morrison
Capt. Tara Nelson
Rev. Ostein Truitt
Terri Showers
Lourdes Tirado
Jane Walker
David Willemain
Cynthia Willis
Steven Zelenak |
Grassroots is registered as a charitable organization with the Maryland Office of the Secretary of State.
6700 Freetown Road
Columbia, Maryland 21044
Business: 410-531-6006
24 Hours: 410-531-6677
YCH: 1-800-422-0009
TDD: 410-531-5086
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