Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced the inaugural class of 27 ENOUGH grant recipients for his signature anti-poverty initiative, with the South End of the City of Hagerstown and the Bester Community of Hope initiative as the identified Community Quarterback for a Track Three implementation grant. With an initial award amount of $3 million amongst a network of local stakeholders, and potential expansion in future years as implementation deepens, the San Mar Family & Community Services program joins both Cherry Hill Strong and Park Heights Renaissance in Baltimore as initial Track Three programs.
Governor Moore shared, “We know that there are many root causes of child poverty – and the solutions are unique to the challenges on the ground. So, we are directly partnering in the work to create safe and thriving communities; support healthy and economically secure families; and ensure access to high-quality education. Because partnership produces progress – and nothing else does.”
Since its formal launch in early 2014, the Bester Community of Hope initiative has focused on upstream efforts to meet the needs of families and communities in the South End of Hagerstown. “This amazing grant opportunity recognizes the unique needs facing diverse communities, such as our rural neighborhoods in Hagerstown, Maryland. We’ve been waiting a long time for a day like today,” explained San Mar Family Community Services President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Fanjoy. “ENOUGH will enable San Mar Family and Community Services to deeply address root causes of poverty such as housing and difficult living conditions. Today is about recognizing the quiet persistence and grit of parents who work to open doors of opportunity for their children. And those in the community who listen and sacrifice greatly to join them to break down those barriers to access.”
Bester Community of Hope initiative Director Jen Younker echoed those comments and said, “Thanks to the valiant and transformative leadership of Governor Moore and his administration, the ENOUGH Grant Program will dramatically change the trajectory of our children’s future in Maryland for generations to come. This funding will not only expand our place-based efforts in the South End of Hagerstown and cultivate opportunities for all children to thrive but will empower communities to lead the charge. As the community quarterback, we are eager to collaborate with local residents and community partners to solidify accessible pathways to economic mobility making dreams possible, no matter where you live.”
The Bester Community of Hope team is currently in the preliminary phase of planning a late January convening in the South End of Hagerstown open to the public to share the key details of the initial proposal with stakeholders and the community driven process that will follow. Announcements will be posted at the initiative website besterhope.org, and various other social, digital and print media outlets.
The Governor’s Office for Children funded this project under award number 2025- ENGH-008. All points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of any State agency. Photography courtesy of the Office of the Maryland Governor, managed by the Maryland State Archives.
State of Maryland media releases
Governor Moore Press conference 12/12/24 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tchpSIe8KI4
Governor Wes Moore – (8:25- 27:50); San Mar CEO Keith Fanjoy (35:30-40:30); Harlem Children’s Zone Founder Geoffrey Canada (40:30-48:00)
Governor Moore Press release 12/12/24 https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press/pages/governor-moore-announces-inaugural-enough-grant-awardees.aspx
Governor Moore Press release 12/13/24
