CAROLINE HUMAN SERVICES COUNCIL

On Tuesday, August 12th, 2025, the Caroline Human Services Council proudly hosted its 4th Annual Community Engagement/Resource Day at beautiful Chambers Park in Federalsburg — a place full of fond memories for many long-time residents.

The event brought together an estimated 250–300 community members and youth, alongside 42 incredible partner organizations, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere filled with valuable resources, meaningful conversations, and community spirit.

Attendees shared their thoughts about what makes their community strong and what it still needs — through surveys and heartfelt conversations. Neighbors met, often for the first time, sparking new connections and awareness of the resources around them.

More than just free food and prizes, this event was a true celebration of community, connection, and care — with something for everyone to enjoy and share together:

🎒 Backpacks filled with school supplies

💦 Dunk tank, jumbo water slides & splash fun

⚽ GaGa Ball pit action

🧩 Puzzles & table activities for all ages

🎟️ Raffle with exciting prizes

...and so much more! ✨

From laughter in the park to meaningful conversations, it was a day to remember — and a reminder of the power of coming together.

Huge thanks to everyone who came out and made it happen!

END HOMELESSNESS-The round table meeting discusses permanent supportive housing solutions for individuals and families who are homeless and have a mental health disability. Please contact Ashley Kessinger, Continuum of Care Manager, at akessinger@midshorebehavioralhealth.org for additional information.

September is National Recovery Month, and several organizations and county agencies are joining forces to bring awareness to the Caroline community about substance use and abuse – but more importantly, to assist Caroline countians in helping others and getting the help that can transform lives.

Events planned for Caroline Goes Purple are a Purple Paddle, a Memory Walk, Purple Sunday, and a high school volleyball game between the county’s two high schools. A family-friendly mid-Shore outdoor fair is planned, as well.

Visit Drug-Free Caroline on Facebook for more information about these events for Caroline Goes Purple:

• Saturday, Sept. 13 – Purple Paddle, a 2-mile paddle on the Choptank River, because “Recovery is a journey – let’s paddle through it.” the Paddle replaces the Color Run of the past two years and is sponsored by Drug-Free Caroline and the Caroline County Department of Recreation and Parks. The event begins at 9 a.m. and will feature music, vendors, food trucks and prizes.
• Saturday, Sept. 20 – The fourth annual Memory Walk for those grieving the loss of a loved one to addiction and overdose. The walk is planned from 9 a.m. to noon at James T. Wright Park, 105 Back Landing Road, Preston.
• Wednesday, Sept. 24 – The county’s two high school volleyball teams will compete at Colonel Richardson High School, 25320 Richardson Road. The North Caroline vs. Colonel Richardson JV game begins at 4 p.m., while the varsity game begins at 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 27 – Going Purple Together from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be a family fun event to support recovery in the five Mid-Shore counties, which includes Caroline. Sponsored by the Mid-Shore Planning Collaborative, the event at Church Hill Park, 1130 Sudlersville Road, will feature food trucks, a live performer, face painting, dunk tank, foam machine, a DJ and free raffle prizes.
• Sunday, Sept. 28 – Purple Sunday in Caroline churches, promoted by the Caroline County Christian Clergy Association. Congregations are asked to wear purple, pray for those in recovery and those in supportive roles, and to participate in community events during the month.

The problem is real, but progress is being made

By Connie Connolly

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T-shirt and Challenge coins - available for purchase

Visit the SPOOKTACULAR FEST HAUNTED HOUSE before the SPOOKTACULAR FEST HALLOWEEN COSTUME Contest.

The Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition is supporting the 'Building Healthy Families' program being led by the Eastern Shore AHEC.

Building Healthy Families is effective in helping families, children, and parents make sensible and sustainable changes to their nutrition and physical activity, using research-tested behavior change strategies through a person-first and health-centered approach.

The 12-month group-based program includes:

• An information session
• 12 weekly face-to-face family sessions (2 hours each)
• 6 refresher sessions (~90 mins each)

Healthy incentives provided to keep participants on track and a healthy dinner provided at each class!

ELIGIBILITY

1. Children must be between the ages of 6 and 12 years old

2. BMI above the 95th percentile compared to children of the same age and sex

3. Children and their families must reside in one of the five Mid-Shore counties (Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot, Kent or Queen Anne’s)

Learn more by contacting the Eastern Shore AHEC @ 410-221-2600 or visit https://esahec.org/building-healthy-families/

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) has developed a Firearm Safe Storage and Youth Suicide Prevention Guide as part of their ongoing efforts to reduce youth suicides, reduce firearm violence, and improve health outcomes for all Marylanders. For additional resources please visit: https://health.maryland.gov/.../suicidepr.../Pages/home.aspx

is excited for a new collaborative partnership that connects Mid Shore residents to 211.

211 is a free and confidential way to connect 24/7 with community resources for food, housing, utility assistance, mental health support, and more.

Visit https://www.midshorehealth.org/post/what-s-the-211-hon and download the marketing materials.

After a long winter, spring blooms with hope. Parent coaching can be that breath of fresh air that guides you to sunnier days. Parent Coaching is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL resource provided by your school district that connects you with a coach and content created by therapists. All coaching correspondence is HIPAA protected. Click here to register for on-going support from a coach: https://cookcenter.info/coaching

Spanish-Spring Coaching Flyer: https://app.box.com/s/bkq6mvgc2oazvuqw05pzfh1n6lm7nzfv

Families, be sure to add this your Back to School resources! Free coaching + other mental health resources for Caroline families, available through ParentGuidance.org and more information on carolineschools.org.

Coordinated, Interagency Support for Your Child

The Local Care Team provides FREE problem solving for individual and family needs. We help families who have children with intensive needs access resources within the community. We are committed to helping you, even when you feel like you have nowhere to turn. Not sure where to start? Email Kat Stork, LCT Coordinator kstorklct@gmail.com or text (410) 200-8651.