Thanks to all for supporting CCDSS
At a time when we are inundated by news of divisiveness in our country, the efforts of the Charles County Department of Social Services (CCDSS) staff and community partners remind us that many acts of love and kindness exist. This letter is a huge thank you to my staff, their families and community partners who went above and beyond to serve others. It is also an appeal for volunteers on behalf of the children and families of this county.
CCDSS’ staff provides services to help those most in need maintain self-sufficiency, achieve independence and find safety. During August, CCDSS staff carried out two events on behalf of children and families — not because there was personal reward or public acknowledgment, but because it is in their soul to respond to the needs of others.
On Aug. 10, more than 70 people participated in the “Back To School Jam” for children in foster care. This after-hours event happened solely because CCDSS staff decided it was important. Andrea Leys, Kelly Lind, Trisha Baggott, Missy Langham, Jason Harley, Kyle Austin, Lolita Gleaton, Britney and the Greenwood family, David Ward, Precious Coleman, Romondo Gordon, Claudelle Parchment, Mae Wade, Jeronda Montgomery, Paris and Mark Lindsay and family, Kelly Beswick and son, Charles Webb, Imani Booker, Markeeta Dixon, Ivan Gray, Kristen Sesker, Angela Lewis, Tia DeLoach, Pablo Gary and Brianna Johnson joined forces to celebrate returning to school. Many foster and adoptive parents brought their families to help make the event a success.
Through the efforts of these staff, community partners participated as well. Thank you to: Tonya Kennerly, the CASA of Southern Maryland program manager, part of The Center for Children; Fay Wade, executive assistant for the Southern MD Tri-County Community Action Committee; Jesse Williams, III, McGruff & the Explorers — Charles County Sheriffs Office; Carolyn Engleson, BSN, RN, the AERS Program at the Charles County Department of Health; Ms. Zebbie Warren of the Women of Action Charles County; Chris at Bob’s Barber Shop who gave free hair cuts for all children; Bethany Goodwin, from the Charles County Public Schools who passed out school supplies; Sonic who donated ice cream; our face painter Rebecca Ham; Reggie Rice the Magician; Taste Buds, our Caterer and adoptive parent and Eleanor Evitts at Custom Promotions and Embroidery who provided T-shirts.
On Aug. 24, staff came together again for the Back Pack and Lunch Giveaway, partnering with the Southern Maryland Food Bank. More than 130 children received backpacks and other supplies and, along with their caregivers, were served lunch by the Southern Maryland Food Bank. Like all events, this one required a lot of background work and community support. Organizer Amy Davis wrote in an email, “Most of all we thank staff who came together to prepare for yesterday. Thank you for those who were able to bless children with school supplies and backpacks. Children were smiling and cheering! A few received teddy bears, dolls and other surprises. It was a joy to see the community respond to hopes and prayers that many at risk families would receive support and a head start to a successful school year.”
CCDSS staff who came together to make this a success included: Amy Davis, June Adams, Nikkia Jackson, Mae Wade, Ivan Gray, Diane Cowan, Paris Lindesay, Lakea Leath, Charles Webb, Lequita Preston, Maurice Butler, Joanne Gay, Claudelle Parchment, Andrea Leys, Cindy Goad, Dave Ward, Security Officers Shubrooks and Washington, Shawn Kendall, Deborah Gordon, Toni Proctor, Norman Adams, Kelly Beswick, Lorrie Brennan, Danny Fitzgerald, Tia Deloatch and Pablo Gary.
If interested in volunteering, please contact us at charles.codss@maryland.gov.
Therese Wolf, La Plata The writer is the director of the Charles County Department of Social Services.