Bester News

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

https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press/pages/what-they-are-saying-governor-moore-announces-inaugural-enough-grant-awardees.aspx

Hagerstown City Park was the site of the 9th annual South End Community Block Party this past Saturday, September 21, 2024. Bester Community of Hope, an initiative of San Mar Family and Community Services, and in collaboration with Hagerstown City Parks and Recreation’s Fall Fest, hosted a day filled with free, family-friendly activities and events capped off in the evening by a fireworks display. The event welcomed approximately 2000 people during the 4-hour celebration. “I look forward to this event every year! I know this will be a day my daughter and I can enjoy spending time together and having fun,” offered Chris, a longtime South End resident.

Cruel Summer, a live band tribute to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, headlined the event playing over 2 hours of the greatest Taylor Swift’s songs. Over 40 resource vendors attended, providing vital community resources focusing on health, early childhood education, community services, and childcare. Again this year, St. John’s Episcopal Church and Families Helping Families joined forces to provide a free clothing giveaway, while Deirdre “Mama Dee” Norris, the founder of the local non-profit It’s A Blessing To Be A Blessing, graciously provided attendees with snacks, school supplies and hygiene bags. Joint Training Facility returned with their inflatable laser and archery tag activities and the day even saw Lego Man join in on the fun of families creating long-lasting memories. New to Block Party this year was the South Hagerstown High School Marching Band, who kicked off the event marching through the park and offering guests a chance to hear several songs from their ensemble.

Maggie, a South End Neighborhood Ambassador, reflected on her first South End Community Block Party, “The Block Party was an incredible experience. As a first-time attendee and volunteer, I felt so much pride in being a part of the Hagerstown community. The generosity of the vendors, the appreciation from the community, and the all-around warmth that the community members shared with one another filled my heart. I had no idea how many different support systems were already in place and ready for those in need. The food, music, laughter, and community connections I witnessed during the event reinforced my love for this quaint town. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Hagerstown community and Bester Community of Hope. I am already looking forward to next year’s event!”

Bester Community of Hope is a community initiative of San Mar Family & Community Services, focused on strengthening and improving outcomes for families who live in the South End of Hagerstown, Maryland. This effort is made possible by the significant support and collaboration of the Washington County Department of Social Services, and their focus on prevention and upstream efforts as a way to make a collective impact for families. Strategic neighborhood programs and efforts are made possible by philanthropic support from the Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Foundation. For more information about this holistic approach to supporting families and communities, please visit www.besterhope.org.

 

 

Annual event slated for September 21st at City Park

Bester Community of Hope, (BCOH), a San Mar Initiative, is excited to announce their 9th annual South End Community Block Party. Together with Fall Fest, BCOH will celebrate the Hagerstown community on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. This event offers a free, fun-filled opportunity for families to gain access to an array of vital resources. Entertainment during the afternoon will feature performances by Cruel Summer, a Taylor Swift tribute band, hailing from New York. Cruel Summer’s performances will take place in the band shell area of Hagerstown City Park. The South Hagerstown High School marching band, under the direction of Andrew Gallagher, will kick off the event with a performance beginning promptly at 11:00 am. Families in attendance will also find other fun activities including laser tag, archery tag, and a character meet and greet in the areas adjacent to the band shell. All activities are offered free of charge to those in attendance.

 

The South End Community Block Party was first held in 2016 to foster a sense of community and the development of a shared vision for the South End neighborhoods. In the years following 2016, Block Party events have been held in conjunction with Fall Fest at Hagerstown City Park, allowing more families to attend. The Block Party is touted as an annual event honoring the South End to celebrate the great strengths that exist there, as well as offer endless access and information from close to fifty different resource providers in the community to support strong and vibrant families.

Funding and support for the annual South End Community Block Party is provided on behalf of the Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Foundation, along with an ongoing partnership with the Washington County Department of Human Services. For more information on this year’s event, please contact Alicia Taluskie at 240-513-6370 or stay up to date on the event tab on the BCOH Facebook page.

Babypalooza is more than just a baby shower; it’s a fun-filled gathering celebrating the youngest members of our community.  This annual event, hosted by Bester Community of Hope, was held on Saturday, April 6, 2024.  Bester Elementary School welcomed approximately 186 families to the Whimsical Woodland themed event.

As families entered the school they were greeted by the opportunity to visit the Early Learning Carnival.  Here, 5 local early intervention agencies created engaging stations for families to visit. Each station featured games and activities allowing children to participate in age-appropriate developmental tasks that included water play, sensory bin exploration, as well as fine and gross motor skill movement exercises.

Babypalooza guests were also encouraged to visit the woodland themed photo booth where Bester Community of Hope volunteers provided attendees with a family photo memento to take home.

As families transitioned from the Early Learning Carnival and made their way to the gymnasium, they were encouraged to visit the Parent Resiliency room.  Realizing the importance of self-care in creating and supporting strong caregivers, the Director and staff from the Jack E. Barr Center for Well Being, curated a calm space where families could color, listen to relaxing music, enjoy snacks and be provided with mental health and meditation resources.

When event guests finally reached the gymnasium, a sea of community resource vendors greeted them, eagerly waiting to provide critical and vital supports.  Over 40 vendors were available for families to speak with in order to learn about places to go and how to access needed services, all aimed at expanding a family’s network of supports. Bonnie Downing, our community partner with Carefirst Community Health plan of Maryland shared, “I am always glad to be welcomed at this event.  This year’s turnout was the best I’ve seen in a few years.  I was happy to connect with so many people. I’ll definitely be back next year!”

Of course no celebration would be complete without great food and prizes!  A huge thank you to Aetna Better Health and Washington County Grant management who graciously sponsored this years boxed lunch meal from Chick Fil A.  Community partners and Bester Community of Hope also combined to provide 11 prize bundles that were raffled off at the conclusion of the event.  Every adult in attendance received 3 raffle tickets that allowed them a chance to try their luck at winning one of the amazing prizes offered.

For families with young children and parents to be, Babypalooza offered an afternoon focused on celebrating life, love and the incredible journey that is parenthood.  The event also served as a reminder to families that they are not alone on this journey; rather they have an entire community here to support and cheer them on each step of the way.  Community resident Nadine Thompson summed it up best when she said, “It’s amazing to see so many people coming together to celebrate and support young families in this community.  I really enjoy this event and this year’s was one of the best!”

Bester Community of Hope provides support and opportunities for families in the South End of Hagerstown through the partnership and funding by Washington County Department of Social Services and the Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Foundation.  If you are interested in learning more about our efforts please contact us at: 240-513-6370 or find us at www.besterhope.org.

Close to 650 people poured into the Maryland Theatre last week to participate in “Balance: Striving for Progress for Families & Communities” the eighth annual community training held by Bester Community of Hope, a San Mar initiative. The event continues to draw national speakers focused on cross sector collaboration and reviewing strategies to address the expressed needs of children, families, and communities.

San Mar CEO Keith Fanjoy, LCSW-C, kicked off the day with a call to action to the community to take larger strides toward the types of structures and supports that children and families are asking for every day. Illustrating the upstream parable “the river story” Fanjoy shared that, “It’s not an either/or circumstance, it is a both/and need in human services. While we have taken many upstream steps and good efforts as a society, it’s not enough. The universal and common-sense truths of what needs to be done in our communities have been known for generations, why are we still saying them as opposed to investing and implementing the supports that families are asking for to scale? What will it take?”  As a part of recognizing those who have been steadfast in their efforts in prevention and system change for a generation, San Mar Family & Community Services recognized long-time collaborator and supporter Paul DiLorenzo ACSW, MLSP, formerly of Casey Family Programs and currently a Senior Fellow of the Child Welfare League of America, with the Bruce T. Anderson Legacy Award. The recognition reflected his decade of diligently providing humble guidance and wisdom in the original launch of the Bester Community of Hope initiative.

The program began with Heather Forbes of the Beyond Consequences Institute, who laid a foundational philosophy on “The Language of Trauma” for community partners. Heather shared guiding principles in her research and models of service while giving practical examples of how to best interact with the most difficult youth. These ideas centered on reframing how we view individuals to build greater empathy and understanding. In addition, she brought various audience members to the stage with hilarious examples of how to come alongside “in the moment” problematic behavior, and respond to the needs of the three unique parts of the brain through “maximizing vs minimizing”. Forbes followed her keynote by spending the remainder of the day touring local schools and providing more specialized training with Washington County Public Schools leaders in partnership with South Hagerstown High School administrator Tim Morrow.

Next on the agenda was a dialogue between the President & CEO of Casey Family Programs, Dr. William C. Bell, and the U.S. Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth & Families regarding “The Future of Child Welfare”. The fireside chat format focused on the history of child welfare policy and the current ways government and community systems address the needs of families. Dr. Bell asked the audience to consider the question of what role the government has in raising children, “You are the answer that is in search of its question.” He added, “Most of us in this room would not turn to the government to raise our kids, it is the community. And a community of hope is a place where all five sectors come together to help the most vulnerable people in our community, and how do each of us own the responsibility for all of our children, not just the ones that are in my home.”  Commissioner Jones Gaston shared, “Often times we start arguing about things that aren’t where our core shared beliefs are, which is we want kids to be okay. And again, if we want kids to be okay, their families have to be okay, and their communities have to be okay. The ability to make these changes requires not just us at the federal level to change our thinking and what we believe is possible, it happens at the state level, but it really is you all at the community level that are the drivers of changing the system.” Both guided the audience towards courageous action towards well-being versus welfare and ending family separation by lifting the voices of those most impacted by the system.

Washington County Department of Human Services Director Tiffany Rexrode LCSW-C introduced longtime collaborator Amelia Franck Meyer by sharing in Washington County we have “a bias towards action”.  Franck Meyer took the audience on a journey of system change, and shared, “It doesn’t take a lot of bravery to stay [the system is] broken. It doesn’t take a lot of innovation or ingenuity to say it’s broken. But what are we going to do differently? How are we going to do it differently?” She provided a variety of examples and research highlighting progress and lifted the voices of lived experience as the key to future innovation, and shared the message they ultimately recommended, “Please don’t build a better child welfare system, because in fact the perfect child welfare system exists already, and it’s called the family.”

The day closed out with nationally recognized author of “A Child Called It” Dave Pelzer who provided a charismatic talk sharing “it is always about resilience” as he reflected on the horrendous early childhood abuse he endured. He focused his discussion on the circumstances and the helpers that made a difference in these extreme situations, and shared that a key social worker told him in a time of crisis, “There is nothing you can tell me that will make you love me any less. My love is unconditional.” As he transitioned to a foster home, he we told, “If you can survive all that you did without any help and without any training, I expect nothing but greatness from you now.”

This program led by the Bester Community of Hope initiative was made possible by an ongoing partnership with multiple community stakeholders, and lead support from the Washington County Department of Human Services and the Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Foundation. To learn more about the work of Bester Community of Hope, visit www.besterhope.org.

In recognition of Heart Health Awareness month, Bester Community of Hope was proud to host a “Follow Your Heart” Parent Café at the agency’s Mill St. office on Monday, February 29, 2024.

Be Strong Families Parent Cafés are physically and emotionally safe spaces where people talk and listen to each other on topics that matter to them, such as the challenges and victories of raising a family, navigating landscapes of inequality, enhancing well-being, or being involved in the recovery process of someone they love. Through individual deep self-reflection and peer-to-peer learning, participants explore their strengths, learn about the Protective Factors, and create strategies from their own wisdom and experiences to strengthen their families. Caregivers leave Cafés feeling inspired, energized, and excited to put into practice what they’ve learned.

One parent shared, “This is such a good way to connect with other moms. I have the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone & learn ways to cope when parenting becomes stressful. Having childcare here so I can come is important!” 

South End families were invited to participate in a two-hour long Café during which parents and caregivers were able to meet to discuss topics related to family life through a Protective Factors framework. Childcare was provided and children were able to play games, socialize, and engage in heart-focused arts and crafts. Families gathered and enjoyed a heart-healthy meal of build-your-own rainbow fajita bowls. Low-sodium menu options included baked chicken, rice, dark leafy greens, roasted bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, roasted corn, stewed black beans, and an assortment of healthy toppings and sauces.

 

Caregivers met with special guest Dr. Tammy Bowers, from Towson University’s Nursing Program to gain heart health information and resources, participate in a family-friendly health food activity, and complete free blood pressure screenings prior to the start of the Café. During the Café, participants were able to practice active listening skills during one-on-one conversations as well as engage in group discussions on topics related to Social Connections and Parental Resilience. To wrap up the afternoon, attendees were able to create a “Commitment Card” to highlight one way in which they could “love themself” this year. BCOH will mail the cards directly to attendees at a later date to uplift each individual and remind them of their positive personal commitment.

Through a local partnership as well as a collaboration with Maryland Family Network, Parent Cafés are offered on a monthly basis and available to all South End families. For more information about local Parent Cafés, please reach out to us at [email protected].

For more information about Be Strong Families and the Parent Café framework, visit www.bestrongfamilies.org.