The Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments and Households (ENOUGH) initiative is the first-of-its-kind state-led, place-based strategy to create poverty fighting opportunities driven by communities’ lived experience and expertise, data and cross-sector partnerships. ENOUGH will surge resources into neighborhoods that have been disproportionately impacted by systems and policies that limit wealth creation and economic mobility.
The Governor’s Office for Children announced on December 12, 2024 the inaugural class of 27 ENOUGH grant recipients for Governor Moore’s signature anti-poverty initiative, for the South End of the City of Hagerstown and with Bester Community of Hope as the identified Community Quarterback for a Track Three implementation grant.
BCOH is committed to authentic community engagement and transparency throughout this transformative process. Residents and stakeholders of the South End community are encouraged to get involved and drive these investments in your community. Program updates, reports, and communication will be provided here on an ongoing basis. General inquiries and feedback can be emailed to: connect@besterhope.org.
ENOUGH LEADERSHIP TEAM
The ENOUGH Leadership Team is representative of the key partner organizations with authority to review and act on progress and outcome data, promote equitable governance structures, and advise the Community Quarterback to carry out all legislative requirements of the ENOUGH Grant Program. At a minimum, the leadership team must include a community-based non-profit organization, a local government entity, and a public school. The local ENOUGH Leadership team is currently comprised of the following:
- Keith Fanjoy, CEO, San Mar Family & Community Services
- Jen Younker, Director, Bester Community of Hope
- LeeAnn Santiago, South End resident & Neighborhood Ambassador
- Tim Fisher, CEO, Washington County Community Action Council
- Scott Nicewarner, City Administrator, City of Hagerstown
- Billy Jackson, Coordinator of Student Services and Transition, Washington County Public Schools
NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION PLAN
Guided by local data, rigorous evidence, as well as expertise and insights of South End residents, a Neighborhood Action plan was devised to support children and families in the South End of Hagerstown. To strategically address generational poverty and promote a legacy of economic mobility, key resources will be provided in the following critical areas:
- Housing & Spaces
- Mental Health & Substance Abuse
- Poverty & Concrete Resources
- Workforce Development & Childcare
A subcommittee is being established for each of the target areas to inform the implementation process. Are you a South End resident or a community partner agency with lived or professional experience in one of these areas? Email us at connect@besterhope.org to explore opportunities for you to make a difference!
FY25 SUBGRANTEE COHORT
As the Community Quarterback, BCOH will serve as the primary grant recipient however, will sub-grant funds to partner organizations to accomplish grant funded activities. The following local organizations are the first cohort of subgrantees for FY25:
- Washington County Community Action Council
- Potomac Community Services
- Mental Health Association: Childcare Choices
- Hospice of Washington County
- Asian American Center of Frederick & HARC
- United Way of Washington County
- Children In Need
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 or Federal agency.
To learn more about the statewide ENOUGH grant initiative, please visit: https://goc.maryland.gov/Pages/enough-initiative.aspx .
Last updated: 2/19/25
