United Way of Kent County (UWKC) hosted an appreciation breakfast for 17 volunteers on Friday, April 28 at Heron Point in Chestertown. Seventeen partner agencies submitted nominations of their “Volunteer of the Year” to receive recognition: Roberta Brown, American Red Cross, Edwin Pickering, Boy Scouts of America, Linwood Lively, Character Counts, James Brown, Community Food Pantry, George Corey, Easter Seals, Sara and David Quinn, Echo Hill Outdoor School, Jennifer Wayne, Kent Association of Riding Therapy, Beverly Birkmire, Kent County CARES, Bridget Mahoney, Esq., Mid-Shore Pro Bono, Martha Bliss, Rock Hall Yacht Club Sailing School, Pam Vogel, Rebuilding Together, Alpha Chi Omega (AXO) Washington College, Abigail Collins, Emma Russell-Doda, Lauryn Konieczka, Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence, Laura Chamberlin, Samaritan Group, Connie Schroth and Madhu Sidhu, Open Doors Partners in Education, Cinda Pittcock, Compass Regional Hospice.

In addition, the Chesapeake Bank and Trust Co. was awarded the “Business Partner of the Year”. The award was accepted by bank President Bob Altieri, who is a Board member of United Way Kent County. Guest speaker, Ron Fithian, Chair of the Kent County Commissioners, congratulated those cited and described economic initiatives being considered. He brought up the continuing challenge of lack of transportation options in Kent County, saying the Commissioners are evaluating the feasibility of acquiring small wheelchair-accessible vans that could provide door-to-door “on demand” service. The United Way and others have advocated for such a service.

Long time UWKC Board member and key organizer of the event Carol Droge read brief descriptions of each volunteer’s work, with Board President Delia Shoge presenting certificates.  Highlights were Linwood Lovely who has been a volunteer Character Coach for Character Counts for over 17 years. Laura Chamberlin, a volunteer with the Samaritan Group whose dedication with a core group of volunteers provided critical staffing of Kent County’s only emergency winter shelter, and Martha Bliss who crafts bags, totes, and useful items for RHYC Sailing School using “retired” sails whose profits benefit the sailing school.

Photo: Front row, left to right; back row, left to right: Abigail Collins (Mid Shore Council Family Violence, MSCFV), Cinda Pittcock (Compass Regional Health), Emma Russell-Doda and Lauryn Konieczka (MSCFV). Madhu Sidhu and Connie Schroth (Open Doors Partners in Education), Beverly Birkmire (Kent County Cares Foundation) Sara and David Quinn (Echo Hill Outdoor School), Jennifer Wayne (Kent Association of Riding Therapy), Edwin Pickering (Boy Scouts – Del-Mar-Va Council), Linwood Lively (Character Counts), Martha Bliss (Rock Hall Sailing Scholarship Program), Bridget Mahoney, Esq. (Mid-Shore Pro Bono), Laura Chamberlin (Samaritan Group).

In closing remarks, Executive Director Hope Clark thanked all of the agencies for their collective impact on our community, and listed examples of impressive accomplishments from participating organizations. For example, UWKC funds supported Mid Shore Pro Bono (MSPB) to provide an attorney at rent court weekly where tenants were able to obtain same day representation, as well as assistance with Family law issues, Elder Law issues, record expungement, and consumer debt issues. For All Seasons provides our ‘in school mental health program’ and in 2022, UWKC funds represented roughly 242 sessions in financial assistance for trauma-certified behavioral health services to uninsured and underinsured Kent County residents.

UWKC Funds also allowed the Kent County Cares Foundation to obtain a documentation system for case tracking to continue to make forward progress in obtaining accreditation, supported a therapist to be trained in Parent Child Interaction Therapy, and in partnership with the Baltimore Child Abuse Center facilitated forensic interview peer reviews to enhance and develop forensic interviewers’ skills with Kent County Child Advocacy Center.

United Way supports agencies who assist Kent County residents in UWKC’s three impact areas: Education, Financial Stability, and Health and is committed to programs and activities that are free of racial or ethnic discrimination. UWKC endeavors to provide and maintain an environment that fosters respect among all members of the community.

Now that government funds made available from the pandemic have been depleted, organizations urgently need contributions to continue vital services. Donations to UWKC may be made at any time via the website unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

United Way of Kent County (UWKC) will hold a fund-raising bocce tournament on Saturday, April 1, from 12 to 5 at Wilmer Park in Chestertown. The rain date is April 2.  Registration and donation information is posted on the UWKC website. All ages are welcome. No prior experience with the game is required.

Teams will compete for prizes, while taking advantage of the opportunity to practice for the upcoming league season. The charge is $25 per team member, with a maximum of 24 teams and at least 4 players per team, but teams can have as many team members as they like!

There will be two overall prizes; 1 for the Game and 1 for the Community!  The Team with the greatest UWKC donation AFTER round 1 will receive a BYE in round 2! The Community prize will go to the team that raises the most money for Health, Education and Financial stability for all Kent County residents. Winners will be able to enjoy a trip on the River Packet together! Players are encouraged to obtain sponsorships.

‘Morning, Noon, & Night’ Food truck will be at the event 12-5pm selling food. Beer and Water will be available and you can BYOB!

Donations may be made at any time via the website unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

United Way of Kent County (UWKC) invites agencies to apply for funds for its 2024 allocations. Applications are due Saturday, April 15, 2023. Information may be found online at the UWKC website. https://unitedwayofkentcounty.org/news/2023-uwkc-application/. A webinar is scheduled for March 23^rd from 4-5 pm for those with questions about the application. Please contact Hope Clark at [email protected] if you would like to attend.

Last year 23 Partner Agencies were awarded a total of $160,000.  An Allocations Committee reviews applications, with a particular view toward proposed assistance to Kent County residents in UWKC’s three impact areas: Education, Financial Stability, and Health. UWKC is committed to programs and activities that are free of racial or ethnic discrimination. UWKC endeavors to provide and maintain an environment that fosters respect among all members of the community.

Donations to UWKC may be made at any time via the website unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

UWKC and the KCLMB periodically conduct planning and cross-sector conversations to improve the wellbeing of residents across the county.  They are exploring the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach to inform their planning efforts over the next year or more.  On February 16th, 25 community leaders will gather to learn more about the strategy.

With ABCD, service providers can better engage with individuals affected by homelessness, hunger and other challenges and become partners in driving change. The strategy connects the strengths and resources of residents and neighborhoods. According to John McKnight, a founder, “ABCD builds on the gifts (skills, experiences, knowledge, and passions) of local community members, the power of local associations, and the supportive functions of local institutions to build more sustainable communities for the future.”  To learn more visit:  www.resources.depaul.edu/abcd-institute

ABCD starts at the neighborhood level with residents exploring their strengths, skills, and connections. By leveraging what already exists in the community, they can better leverage other external resources. The approach gives space for highly creative opportunities to emerge.

Traditionally, organizations and agencies identify priorities and programs by looking at what communities need, or by identifying what is lacking. This unintentionally overlooks the possibilities and opportunities that are already present in those spaces.

United Way of Kent County… works to improve the Health, Education and Financial Stability of Individuals and Families in Kent County with a focus on community partnerships as the most effective means to problem solving.  www.unitedwayofkentcounty.org/

Kent County Local Management Board…is an interagency forum that convenes partners, funds solutions, and evaluates local investments to improve systems, services and programs for Kent County youth and families.  The current Community Plan for Children, Youth & Families prioritizes basic needs and economic mobility, centering the voice and choice of youth and families, and expanding community-based programs and innovative approaches for child well-being.  www.linktr.ee/KCLMB

Runners and walkers are invited to Wilmer Park on Saturday, November 12, at 9am for United Way of Kent County’s annual “Run United” event. The race starts and ends at the Park across from 400 Cross Street in Chestertown.   A free Kiddie Dash for ages 10 and under will precede the race.

The rain-or-shine race is a chip timed race, with runners given transponders to wear. Registration begins at 8am in Wilmer Park or may be done in advance online at unitedwayofkentcounty.org. Until November 6, registration is $25. After November 6, the price is $30. Teams may register and must be under the same name. Proceeds benefit the United Way’s  23 local charities. Those unable to participate may register as “Silent Heroes”, in a show of support.

“Run United 5K” long sleeve performance tech shirts will be given to all registered participants. Post-race food and beverage will be available after the race.

Awards will be presented after the race to overall male/female and master winners, top 3 male/female runners in categories 10 and under through 70 & over in 10-year age groups and top 5 male/female walk finishers.

Sponsors include Chesapeake Bank and Trust, Choptank Electric, Modern Stone Age Kitchen, Redner’s, Chesapeake Advisors, Cross St Realtors, RCM Strategic Consulting, Figgs Ordinary, Molly’s, Tidewater Trader, Dukes Moore, Rock Hall Marine Railway, Eastern Shore Animal Hospital, Hagert Family Dentistry, Deep Landing Workshop, A-Plus Septic Service, and Mullin/Ashley Associates.

FY 2022-2023 Partner Agency programs include scholarships for Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s, Echo Hill Outdoor School, the Boy Scouts of the Del-Mar-Va Council, the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Council, the RHYC Sailing School Scholarship Program and Open Door Partners. YouthSTAGES program with Garfield Center for the Arts bringing state-standard and Character Counts-aligned social issues plays right to our schools and community groups, For all Seasons, Kent County Cares Foundation, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Mid-Shore Pro Bono, Upper Shore Aging, Rebuilding Together, Samaritan Group, and Community Mediation Upper Shore, Community Food Pantry, Camp Fairlee Manor/Easterseals, Kent Association of Riding Therapy, American Red Cross, United Needs & Abilities, Upper Shore Aging, and Compass Regional Hospice.

The annual fund-raising campaign is taking place now, with a goal of $280,000. Donations to the organization may be made at any time via the website unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

For more information about the race, go to trisportsevents.com or email [email protected] or [email protected].

United Way of Kent County has announced that Elizabeth Everett, Executive Director for the past ten years, will retire before the next fund-raising campaign.

“This job has been wonderful,” she said. “I can look around the County and see what United Way has been able to do, especially since the pandemic. People have been so generous, and it’s nice to know we are on the upswing.” Everett is leaving to spend time with her family and her new granddaughter.

During her tenure, the organization has made progress in increasing donations resulting from workplace campaigns and has welcomed new businesses into the program. This year a total of 27 non-profit agencies received funds.

United Way of Kent County strives to improve the community by building partnerships and bringing together diverse stakeholders to focus on three impact areas: Health, Education, and Financial Stability. To date, 81% of the current campaign goal of $250,000 has been met. Donations may be made at any time via the website unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Recruitment is now taking place to fill the vacancy. The Board of Directors has determined that the position, previously part-time, will become full-time. Information and a job description are posted at www.unitedwayofkentcounty.org. Direct inquiries and submit resumes with cover letter to [email protected] or call 410-810-0735.

 

United Way of Kent County is requesting nominations for its Board of Directors. Board members serve for a three-year term. Those nominated are expected to have a commitment to Kent County and a desire to build community partnerships and mobilize resources to address root problems.

Board member responsibilities include participation in monthly meetings, committees, and special events; evaluation of funding allocations, and active support for the organization.  United Way is especially looking for those that may speak for underrepresented populations or areas of Kent County.

United Way works to improve the health, education and financial stability of individuals and families in Kent County. The Board assesses community needs, solicits funds, and determines priorities for the allocation of funds.

Those interested may contact the Executive Director, Beth Everett, by email at [email protected] for more information.  The United Way’s annual fund-raising campaign is taking place now. Donations may be made at any time via the website unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.