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.
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.
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!
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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:
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.
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)
The Youth REACH Count is a critical statewide effort to better understand the experiences and needs of young people experiencing housing instability across Maryland. Your partnership is essential to helping us reach youth where they are and ensure their voices are counted.
Who: Youth and young adults under 25 experiencing homelessness or housing instability
What: A brief, confidential survey designed to inform youth-centered policy, funding, and system improvements
Maryland Department of Health Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities FY2027 Funding Opportunities
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities (MHHD) has announced the release of two major grant opportunities designed to advance health equity and improve outcomes for racial and ethnic minority communities across Maryland. The deadline for both RFAs is March 11, 2026, at 5 PM.
Minority Outreach and Technical Assistance (MOTA) Program
The MOTA program is MHHD’s flagship initiative, focusing on community-based health education and prevention through funding to organizations provide preventative programming, utilize community engagement, partnerships, outreach, technical assistance, and ongoing intervention with individuals in need.
This grant supports projects targeting chronic disease and critical health areas, including:
Addressing Disparities in Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Program
The SDOH program targets the “upstream” factors that impact health, typically outside health care delivery, necessary to reduce health disparities and maintain healthy communities and populations. The program does this by funding organizations to provide community-based interventions addressing SDOH.
Learn more about social determinants of health here. Examples of SDOH applicants should address include :
Safe Housing, Transportation, and Neighborhoods
Racism, Discrimination, and Violence,
Education, Job Opportunities, and Income
Access to Nutritious Food and Physical Opportunities
Health Language and Literacy Skills
To learn more about the SDOH program, visit bit.ly/4qDBG7r
The Pre-Application Webinar for the Social Determinants of Health FY 2027 RFA will be held on February 26, 2026, 12 – 2 p.m. Register to attend at eventbrite.com/e/1980495081101/?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Registration is Open for The 2nd Annual Eastern Shore Food Security Symposium!
Join us for Feeding Our Futures, Moving Forward Together: The 2nd Annual Eastern Shore Food Security Symposium on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Chesapeake College for a day filled with insightful discussions, engaging workshops, and networking opportunities. Together, we will explore innovative solutions to address food insecurity in our community. Let’s come together to share ideas and strategies to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food. This event is free, and both breakfast and lunch will be provided.
The opening session features an inspiring lineup of distinguished speakers who will share insights on the future of agriculture, food security, and rural health in Maryland.
Secretary Kevin Atticks of the Maryland Department of Agriculture will kick off the event, delivering opening remarks on the vital role of agriculture and the food system in Maryland.
Secretary Kevin Atticks of the Maryland Department of Agriculture will kick off the event, delivering opening remarks on the vital role of agriculture and the food system in Maryland.
Charlotte Davis, Executive Director of the Rural Maryland Council will highlight exciting new opportunities poised to revitalize and strengthen our rural communities.
The Maryland Department of Health will introduce the new Rural Health Transformation Program, highlighting funding opportunities and targeted investments to enhance food security among rural Marylanders.
Seating is Limited. Register Now. For questions about the event, please contact Nancy Nunn at nnunn@umd.edu.
