Better Together Upcoming Opportunities, Events, & Resources Digest

  • Week of April 17, 2026

    Maryland Corps Seeking Host Site Partners & Members

    The Maryland Department of Service and Civic Engagement announces its next Maryland Corps/Service Year Option application deadline is Friday, May 1, 2026 for both Members and Host Site Partners (i.e. employers).

     Maryland Corps/Service Year Option is Maryland’s signature program designed to connect young adults who have a passion for service with organizations to strengthen communities, address Maryland’s most pressing issues, and develop talent pipelines across diverse sectors.

    For more Host Site information visit the Host Site Partner page. 

    Learn about Member program benefits and application here.

    Nominate great Member candidates here. 

    All Host Site Partner recommendations can be emailed to dsci.gov@maryland.gov.

    Mentor MD|DC

    Mentor MD|DC offers youth mentor and mentee opportunities for organizations in Maryland and D.C. They provide several resources that can be incorporated into other programming as desired.

    Mentoring Connector Database

    The Mentoring Connector is the only national database of mentoring programs. MENTOR MDDC manages our region of this database, which is a free service for mentoring programs to recruit more local volunteers and greatly increase visibility for their organizations.

    Anyone interested in becoming a mentor can search for mentoring opportunities by zip code, ages of youth served, and program type to find and contact programs that interest them.

    Cultural Humility Training

    This free virtual workshop will teach mentors how to practice cultural humility and navigate social identities to build stronger, more equitable relationships with youth.

    What: Becoming a Better Mentor: Practicing Cultural Humility

    When: Thursday, May 21, 10:30am – 12:00pm

    Where: Virtually/online

    Register here

    CASH Campaign 10th Financial Education Summit

    This virtual conference unites educators, researchers, and community leaders advancing financial education in Maryland to explore cutting-edge research, emerging practices, and timely insights.

    Topics include:

    • Healing your relationship with money
    • Policies impacting individuals and families
    • Vetting financial advice on social media, and
    • Personal finance for neurodivergent populations.

    This is a two-day event; be sure to register for both sessions.

    Visit Event Home View Summit Agenda (PDF)

    When: April 28, 1:00pm – 5:00pm & April 29, 9:30am – 1:30pm

    Where: Virtually/online via Zoom

    Register for Day 1 (April 28th) here

    Register for Day 2 (April 29th) here

    Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center Grand Opening

    Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting Event!

    What: Satellite Office – Federalsburg Ribbon Cutting

    When: Friday May 1, 11:30am – 12:30pm

    • 11:30 open for tour
    • 12:00 ribbon cutting followed by lunch!

    Where: 115 N. Main St., Federalsburg MD 21632

    For more information call 877-772-9832 or reach out to mateo@chesmrc.org.

    See linked flyer (JPG) View on CHESMRC website

  • Week of April 10, 2026

    This is a friendly reminder that the Caroline Human Services Council invites you to join us for a FREE In-Person Workshop, Bridges Out of Poverty, presented by aha! Process Inc. 

    Register via Google forms here.

    Alert iconPLEASE NOTE – This free workshop is limited to 90 participants, and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Registration will be closing on Friday, April 10th, 2026. Please make sure to register by then!

    When: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm on April 23, 2026

    Where: Caroline County Public Library – 100 Market Street, 2nd Floor, Denton, MD 21629

    Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mzk2RKZPRKfI1dqyrFZp6sB4WiZeM9KDBQEzo7dWcXE/edit

    For those who have already registered, please disregard this email. If you have any questions, please contact Brittany LaLone Jump at blalonehsc@gmail.com.

    Sign-up for the Maryland Coalition for Community Schools Newsletter

    The Maryland Coalition for Community Schools (MD4CS), established in 2016, is committed to fostering student and family success through the widespread implementation of the Community Schools Model across Maryland. 

    MD4CS shares resources, opportunities and helps communities learn about and get involved with their local Community Schools.

    Sign-up for their newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/mdoutofschooltime/md4cs-sign-up

    Produce Prescription Focus Group and Survey

    The Maryland Department of Health continues to develop a statewide model for produce prescriptions to increase household access to and affordability of fresh produce.

    They are seeking a one-hour focus group session of ENOUGH organization participants to provide feedback on how MDH can most effectively implement a statewide produce prescription program that allows for community flexibility and addresses individual community needs.

    This is a unique opportunity where your organization can provide direct input on a new state program!

    Please email Naomi Carolan if you are interested in participating.

    Additionally, MDH is requesting feedback through an optional 2-minute survey. Please fill this survey out or send it to your partners to provide inputs! 

    …

  • Week of April 3, 2026

    Thank you to all the Caroline and Federalsburg Better Together followers that have signed up and opened our digests! We hope that you have found useful information and opportunities in these emails.

    This week you will notice a little change to the digest. Thanks to the work of local website developer, small business, and Caroline Better Together participant, Webbed Presence, the digest is now nicely formatted and connected to a page on carolinebettertogether.org. Now the information will be archived and available to everyone, whether they received the digest or not! Going forward, all digest emails will have this standardized look and connection to the website.

    If any of you have items you think belong in the digest, please send them to admin@carolinebettertogether.org and we will include them (at our discretion—please keep the info and announcements relevant).

    Economic Edge: The Caroline County Business Academy

    Caroline County Economic Development and Tourism is excited to announce the second cohort of Economic Edge: The Caroline County Business Academy. This innovative program was designed to empower local entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and support needed to successfully grow and manage their small businesses in Caroline County. 

    The application period has been extended through April 14, 2026. There is no cost to participants. Eight classes, which meet via Zoom, will run on Tuesdays from April 21 to June 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. 

    Session topics include:

    • Building sustainable organizational infrastructure
    • Leading people and planning for growth
    • Marketing and selling B2G, B2B, and B2C
    • Accounting, human resources, legal, taxes, and insurance
    • Preparing for capital and essential financial documentation

    Apply online here. For more information click here. 

    Caroline County Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan (LPPRP) Focus Groups

    All MD counties must complete an LPPRP every 5yrs to be eligible for Project Open Space funds, which support maintenance and expansion of Recreation & Parks facilities and programs. County LPPRPs are then integrated into the State Land Preservation Plan, which is key to long range preservation planning and access to Federal and philanthropic conservation funds. 

    Community engagement is a key part of the LPPRP and Caroline County Recreation & Parks is hosting three focus groups to hear from county residents about their parks and recreation experiences and hopes for the future. Dates and locations for the groups are listed below. Please use the following link to register to participate: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CBTDigest

    The two remaining focus groups are:

    • Central: Fretterd Community Center, Tuesday April 7th @ 6pm
    • North: Greensboro Library, Thursday, April 9th @ 6pm

  • Week of March 27, 2026

    Free Bridges Out of Poverty In-Person Workshop (Re-share)

    See linked flyer (JPG)

    What: Caroline Human Services Council invites you to join us for a FREE In-Person Workshop, Bridges Out of Poverty, presented by aha! Process Inc.  Please see the attached flyer for workshop information and the registration link through Google Forms. For your convenience, you can also click the registration link here.

    Join us in making a profound impact on individuals and communities by mastering the Bridges Out of Poverty concepts.

    Empower those in need to build a better future, one step at a time.

    **PLEASE NOTE – This free workshop is limited to 90 participants, and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

    When: 8:30-3pm, April 23, 2026

    Where: Caroline County Public Library – 100 Market Street, 2nd Floor, Denton, MD 21629

    Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mzk2RKZPRKfI1dqyrFZp6sB4WiZeM9KDBQEzo7dWcXE/edit

    If you have any questions, please contact Susan Runnels, Caroline LMB at carolinehumanservices@gmail.com.

    Thank you!

    Caroline County Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan (LPPRP) Focus Groups

    All MD counties must complete an LPPRP every 5yrs to be eligible for Project Open Space funds, which support maintenance and expansion of Recreation & Parks facilities and programs. County LPPRPs are then integrated into the State Land Preservation Plan, which is key to long range preservation planning and access to Federal and philanthropic conservation funds.

    Community engagement is a key part of the LPPRP and Caroline County Recreation & Parks is hosting three focus groups to hear from county residents about their parks and recreation experiences and hopes for the future. Dates and locations for the groups are listed below. Please use the following link to register to participate: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CBTDigest

    • South: Federalsburg Library, Tuesday, March 31st @ 6pm
    • Central: Fretterd Community Center, Tuesday April 7th @ 6pm
    • North: Greensboro Library, Thursday, April 9th @ 6pm
    …

  • Week of March 20, 2026

    Chronic Absenteeism in Schools: Turn the Curve with RBA

    What: A “Turn the Curve” exercise led by Senior Consultant Dan Duncan on chronic absenteeism in schools paired with our newest RBAi tool.

    Our intention is for this event to be a collaborative workshop – bring your best ideas and solutions and expect to be inspired and learn when we all work together.

    Sign up for this meeting through our secure form and we will email you the meeting link shortly for next month’s workshop.

    When: SAVE THE DATE! Wednesday, April 15th, 2026, 2:00pm ET

    Investing in Rural America Webinar Series

    The Role of Community Colleges in Rural Workforce Development

    When: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 2:00 – 3:00 P.M. EST

    Register Now: https://stlouisfed-org.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_wsp6SvrsTbaH3ptQP72wmg

    Community colleges play a critical role in expanding economic opportunity, particularly in rural communities. Join the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s Center for Rural Economies for a virtual conversation exploring how community colleges are helping to strengthen rural workforce development and support local economies.

    Each year, the Richmond Fed conducts the Survey of Community College Outcomes with the goal of providing a more holistic look at how community colleges are preparing their students for the workforce. The webinar will start by reviewing this year’s results and their implications. Following the presentation, community college presidents from rural-serving institutions will share their perspectives on building workforce pipelines, partnering with local employers, and supporting student success in their communities.

    Together, the speakers will discuss the opportunities and barriers facing rural workforce development, as well as innovative strategies community colleges are using to connect students with in-demand careers within their communities.

    Climate Ambassador Training

    Dear Community Partners,
    The Dorchester County Health Department is pleased to invite you to an upcoming Climate Ambassador Training, designed to help community members and partners better understand climate change and explore practical ways to take action at the local level.

    This interactive training will provide participants with an opportunity to learn about key climate science concepts, understand how climate change impacts our communities, and discover ways to support environmental health and sustainability initiatives.

    Training Details:

    When: April 15, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

    Where: Dorchester County Health Department
    627 Race St., Cambridge, MD 21613

    Registration: HERE

    During this session, participants will:

    • Understand key climate science and its local impacts
    • Connect climate issues to community values and priorities
    • Explore practical solutions and actions that individuals and communities can take

    Hands plants and business people in circle in office for sustainability charity or social responsibility. Teamwork conservation and employees with sprout in soil for collaboration from above.

    This training is a great opportunity for community leaders, organizations, and residents who are interested in learning more about climate action and becoming ambassadors for positive environmental change.

    If you have any questions, feel free to contact La’Toya Jackson at 443-225-7305.

    Economic Edge: The Caroline County Business Academy

    CCEDT Accepting Applications Now for Second Caroline County Business Academy: Application Period Extended through April 14, 2026

    Caroline County Economic Development and Tourism is excited to announce the second cohort of Economic Edge: The Caroline County Business Academy. This innovative program was designed to empower local entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and support needed to successfully grow and manage their small businesses in Caroline County.

    “At WHC, we believe in the power of Caroline County’s entrepreneurs. That’s why we’ve enhanced this second cohort of EDGE with cutting-edge techniques and tools designed to automate daily tasks, bring more value to customers, and create more jobs in the region. This year, we’ve leveled up the curriculum with a deep dive into AI solutions, giving business owners the edge they need to streamline operations and win more federal, state and local contracts. Partnering with Caroline County Economic Development & Tourism allows us to put these powerful resources directly into the hands of local leaders, ensuring they are fully equipped to thrive in 2026.” – Will Holmes

    When: Eight classes will run on Tuesdays from April 21 to June 9 from 6 to 9 p.m.

    Where: This Free 8-week program meets via Zoom.

    Apply Now: Apply HERE and Read more about the first session here.

    …

  • Week of March 13, 2026

    Free Bridges Out of Poverty In-Person Workshop

    See linked flyer (JPG)

    What: Caroline Human Services Council invites you to join us for a FREE In-Person Workshop, Bridges Out of Poverty, presented by aha! Process Inc.  Please see the attached flyer for workshop information and the registration link through Google Forms. For your convenience, you can also click the registration link here.

    Join us in making a profound impact on individuals and communities by mastering the Bridges Out of Poverty concepts.

    Empower those in need to build a better future, one step at a time.

    **PLEASE NOTE – This free workshop is limited to 90 participants, and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

    When: 8:30-3pm, April 23, 2026

    Where: Caroline County Public Library – 100 Market Street, 2nd Floor, Denton, MD 21629

    Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mzk2RKZPRKfI1dqyrFZp6sB4WiZeM9KDBQEzo7dWcXE/edit

    If you have any questions, please contact Susan Runnels, Caroline LMB at carolinehumanservices@gmail.com.

    Thank you!

    New Opportunities

    Maryland Corps/Service Year Option Application (Deadline: April 1)

    • Description: The Maryland Corps/Service Year Option (MC/SYO) Program is a minimum 9-month paid opportunity for you to serve your neighbors in your community, gain real-world experience, and build a strong foundation for your future through Maryland’s Department of Service and Civic Innovation (DSCI). Apply as a Member or Partner, or nominate a Member today.
    • Eligibility: Service Year Option: Individuals ages 18–24 who have graduated from high school or earned an equivalent credential (such as a G.E.D. or Certificate of Completion). Maryland Corps: All eligible adults 18 and older; no education requirement.
    • Timeline: April 1 deadline.

    Community Health Resources Commission Funding Opportunity (Deadline: March 30)

    • Description: Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC), an independent commission within the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), released its next round of grant funding on March 6, 2026.  This year’s RFA will make $7 million funding available to help communities address barriers to accessing health care.
    • Eligibility: Programs that address health disparities and promote the delivery of integrated health services in underserved communities
    • Timeline: March 30 submission deadline for Letter of Intent. April 23 for application submission deadline.

    PUBLIC NOTICE: Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Housing Choice Voucher Program Waiting List for the the Eastern Shore: Opens April 1, 2026

    The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) announces that the Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list for Maryland’s Eastern Shore will open on April 1, 2026.

    Applications will be accepted online only beginning at 9:00 a.m. on April 1, 2026, through 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2026.

    The waiting list will be open for residents seeking housing assistance in the following areas:

    • Caroline County
    • Dorchester County
    • Kent County
    • Somerset County
    • Talbot County
    • Wicomico County
    • Worcester County
    • Town of Elkton

    How to Apply
    Preliminary applications must be submitted online at: https://www.waitlistcheck.com/MD1645

    The application is available in multiple languages.

    Submitting a preliminary application does not guarantee placement on the waiting list. All applications received during the open period will have an equal chance of being selected through a computerized random selection process.

    Applicants selected for the waiting list will later be contacted to complete a full eligibility application as housing vouchers become available.

    Assistance with Applications
    Individuals with disabilities or anyone who needs help completing the application may contact DHCD for assistance:
    Email: dhcd.hcv@maryland.gov or Phone: 410-901-4081

    DHCD staff will also be available at the following locations to assist with completing applications:

    • Caroline County Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Caroline County Public Library – Meeting Room 100 Market Street, Denton, MD
    • Talbot County Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Talbot County Public Library 100 W. Dover Street, Easton, MD
    • Wicomico County Friday, April 10, 2026 | 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Wicomico County Library – Paul S. Sarbanes Branch, STEAM Studio 122 S. Division Street, Salisbury, MD
    • Worcester County Friday, April 10, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Worcester County Public Library 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD
    • Kent County Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Kent County Public Library 408 High Street, Chestertown, MD
    • Dorchester County Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Dorchester County Public Library303 Gay Street, Cambridge, MD
    • Town of Elkton Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Elkton Branch of the Cecil County Public Library 301 Newark Avenue, Elkton, MD
    • Somerset County Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Princess Anne Library 11767 Beechwood Street, Princess Anne, MD

    About the Housing Choice Voucher Program
    The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federally funded rental assistance program that helps very low-income families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities afford safe and decent housing in the private rental market.

    DHCD administers the program in several counties on the Eastern Shore, the Town of Elkton and in Western Maryland. Other counties in Maryland manage their own voucher programs and waiting lists.

    Eligibility
    Eligibility is based on total household income and family size. In general, household income must be at or below 50% of the area median income for the county or metropolitan area.

    Assistance is limited to U.S. citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status.

    More Information
    For more information about the Housing Choice Voucher Program, visit: https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Pages/HousingChoice/


    To check the status of an application, visit: https://www.waitlistcheck.com.

    Webinar on Earned Income Tax Credit and Maryland Benefits

    Join us on Friday, March 20th and invite your partners to learn more about the Earned It Campaign and the Maryland Benefits platform! Tax Season is here – we want to make sure YOUR communities are getting the right benefits. Maryland offers two critical benefits: (1) the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a tax break for workers that could give up to 4,000 back to help with bills rent or groceries and (2) the Child Tax Credit, for parents and caregivers. This webinar will ensure YOU know about these benefits and can help your community members sign up!

    In addition, we’ve heard that YOU and YOUR partners would like to be trained on Maryland Benefits. In 2025, Maryland launched Maryland Benefits, a new platform that Marylanders can use to apply for multiple benefits at once, including SNAP, WIC, and Medical Assistance. Learn about both important programs through the webinar!

    When: Friday Mar 20, 2026 ⋅ 11am – 12pm (Eastern Time – New York)

    Where: On Zoom –
    https://zoom.us/j/95556045316?pwd=pAexb5SUCOHmGgmJ45OwgZayeKUvGs.1&jst=2