BALTIMORE – Despite salary reductions, furlough days and the daily challenges of providing services to vulnerable and poverty stricken Marylanders, Department of Human Resources’ (DHR) staff still dug deep in their hearts and wallets to commit over $300,000 to various organizations supported by the annual Maryland Charity Campaign (MCC). This year’s campaign theme expressed the importance of giving back to the community: “We Care: The Link That Bonds Us Is Our Commitment for Caring.”
Because of the employees’ generosity and commitment, the Maryland Charity Campaign presented DHR with two of its three most prestigious awards during the 2011 Appreciation and Awards ceremony held on April 27, 2011, at the Spring Grove Hospital Center. The department was honored with the Governor’s Cup for the highest per capita donation and a plaque for the highest participation rate for its 2010 campaign.
“It’s a phenomenal accomplishment considering the economic times and it is a testament to our commitment to DHR’s mission to assist vulnerable individuals and families, said DHR’s lead statewide coordinator, Lynn Bowens. This is the second year in a row that the department won the award for participation.
The Maryland Department of Human Resources is the state’s social services provider. DHR collaborates with 24 local jurisdictions to: provide foster care, adoption, and protective services to children; collect and distribute child support payments; provide protective services, case- management, supportive housing, in-home aide services, and respite care to vulnerable adults; and provide temporary cash, food stamps, and medical assistance to families. It also funds programs for homeless persons, refugees, and migrant workers. Last year, DHR served over one million people in need. In terms of its annual operating budget, DHR is Maryland’s fifth largest state agency.
Editorial Note: Additional event photographers are available http://dhrpics.fotki.com/mcc-thank-you-awards/ng1-4851.html
