"Helping People Changing Lives"

May is Community Action Month!



The Community Action Network is a robust state and local force that helps empower hardworking families to achieve economic independence rather than keeping them reliant on government assistance. There are nearly 1,000 agencies across the country working every day to create economic opportunity, strengthen local communities, and help families find pathways to prosperity. This year, the Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency, Inc., a proud member of the Community Action Network, commemorates 60 years in service helping families throughout Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis.

“Each May, during Community Action Month, we reflect on the impact the Agency and our network has had on families,” stated Dr. Charlestine Fairley, Chief Executive Officer. “Last year alone we served over 39,000 individuals, and the network served over 15 million across the country with services such as energy assistance, housing assistance, and Early Head Start.”

Community Action Agencies ensure that hard-working American families have access to the opportunities they need to thrive, while also promoting local economic growth and reducing government dependency. All agencies are locally controlled with boards of directors composed of local elected officials or their representatives, private and public sector representatives, and engaged community residents.



The Community Action Agency is proud to provide services for low-income households in our community. Our staff has been dedicated to the people we serve for 60 years!

Agency Staff Attend Maryland Community Action Partnership Conference in Ocean City

Ocean City was the place to be May 6-9, 2025, as the Maryland Community Action Partnership (MCAP) hosted its annual conference with the theme Leading Change, Empowering Communities. Nine members of the Agency’s staff were selected to attend the conference and had the opportunity to engage with experts, thought leaders, and peers who are on the frontlines of community development and advocacy. Over 30 workshops were offered for participants to attend.

This year, MCAP developed a reentry symposium entitled Bridging the Gap: Reentry, Opportunity and Community Impact. The symposium brought together experts, advocates, and partners committed to reentry, featuring panels, success stories, and strategic discussions. Community Action Agencies are breaking barriers, fostering opportunities and strengthening partnerships to create lasting change.

The Agency is proud to announce that Joshua Hatch, our Vice President, was among the distinguished speakers at the symposium. He was joined by The Honorable Carolyn J. Scruggs, Maryland Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services; The Honorable Judge Stacy McCormack, 5^th District Anne Arundel County Circuit Court; Edward Jackson, Chief of Police, City of Annapolis; and Michael Williams, Director of Returning Citizens Affairs Division, Prince Georges County.

Journalist Tom Ferraro Wins Award from Press Association for Agency Newsletter Series

The Maryland-Delaware-District of Columbia Press Association recently awarded Tom Ferraro best of show in the public service category for journalism in 2024. According to Maryland Matters, Mr. Ferraro outclassed all comers in the state for his series on “Mounting Homelessness in America.”

Mr. Ferraro’s series was initially published in Community Action’s monthly newsletters, and after publication, shared as commentary to Maryland Matters. Mr. Ferraro worked with Community Action staff to gain key introductions to local elected officials, and Anne Arundel County organizations and agencies working with the homeless population. Each article we published was the result of hours of research and interviews.

We are proud of the work Mr. Ferraro has accomplished on behalf of Community Action’s monthly newsletter as an Agency volunteer.

Congratulations, Mr. Ferraro!

Community Action to Launch Financial Literacy Lunch and Learn Series in June

Beginning in June 2025, the Agency’s Housing Assistance and Services program is excited to launch a new virtual Lunch and Learn series focused on financial literacy. These quick, 20-minute monthly sessions have been developed to empower customers and other interested attendees with practical tools and knowledge to improve financial well-being.

Each month, a different aspect of financial literacy will be explored – from budgeting basics to smarter saving strategies. We will also be featuring guest speakers to dive into important topics like retirement planning and investment tips.

Grab your lunch, log in, and learn with us! We believe that financial health is as important as physical health.

Stay tuned for the full schedule and speaker announcements!

It’s Time to Register for the Upcoming First Time Home Buyers Workshop!

The Community Action Agency’s Housing Assistance and Services department is hosting a First Time Home Buyers workshop on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at our headquarters, located at 251 West Street in Annapolis. The comprehensive class is designed to guide first-time home buyers through the home buying process, from budgeting to closing. The cost of the workshop is $70 per household.

To register, or to obtain more information, please contact Denise Crews at dcrews@aaccaa.info.

Don’t miss this opportunity to take the first step toward homeownership!

Community Action’s 5^th Annual Taste of Anne Arundel is Launching Soon!

Community Action is pleased to announce that our 5^th Annual Taste of Anne Arundel will be launching soon! This annual fundraiser is very easy concept – the Agency receives donations from Anne Arundel County restaurants in the form of gift cards, which we raffle off to raise money to support our programs. As in years past, we will have a combination of new restaurants and older favorites. We’ll be announcing our launch date and restaurant sponsors soon! 

For more information, or to donate gift cards, please contact Ms. Snyder at jsnyder@aaccaa.info.



Fundraising never tasted so good!

Community Action’s Early Head Start Program Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Month

May is Teacher Appreciation Month! In the spirit of the month, one of Community Action’s Early Head Start parents expressed her gratitude for all that she has been able to accomplish as a parent and as a mother. Please enjoy this warm expression of thanks!

I wanted to take a moment to share just how much the Early Head Start program in Edgewater has meant to me and my son. I started nursing school just three weeks postpartum in 2023, and it was one of the most challenging times of my life. My sister recommended the Early Head Start program, and I will forever be grateful that they took us in. This program has truly changed our lives for the better. It gave me the opportunity to pursue my education knowing my son was in a safe, loving, and supportive environment. Every morning, we’re welcomed by smiling faces and warm greetings. It gives me peace of mind knowing my child is in good hands while I focus on building a better future for us.

From management to the teachers and helpers, every single member of the staff goes above and beyond to create a nurturing, structured, and clean environment for the children. Their commitment is evident in every detail from how well the classrooms are maintained to how they communicate with families. I’ve always felt heard, supported, and respected.

My son, Leandro, will be two years old this August, and he has grown and flourished thanks to this program. As a full-time nursing student, I don’t always have the time I wish I had to teach him myself, but his teachers have filled that gap with so much love, patience, and intentional learning. Because of them, he already knows his colors, numbers, ABCs, and even animals. Seeing him thrive is the most rewarding feeling, and I truly owe that progress to the incredible staff here.

The care and cleanliness at this center are unmatched and truly a 10 out of 10. The staff are not only kind and welcoming but also extremely professional and organized. They stay on top of everything from hand hygiene and daily cleaning routines to keeping updated records, tracking vaccines and health visits, and conducting regular home visits to help us stay on track with family goals. If my son misses a day, they follow up to check in, which shows how much they genuinely care.

They go above and beyond to make each child feel seen and included by organizing wonderful events throughout the year like Christmas, Easter, and Halloween. These moments have helped build special memories for Leandro and have made him feel excited about school. In February, I welcomed my second baby, and I’ve already placed her on the waiting list because I wouldn’t trust anyone else the way I trust this team. Leandro absolutely adores the staff. He blows kisses to them every morning, which says everything about the love and connection he feels here. I always feel welcome to ask questions, and the staff are consistently helpful, knowledgeable, and supportive. I wholeheartedly recommend this program and this location to every parent I meet.

The day my son has to leave this program will be bittersweet because it has been so much more than just a daycare. It has been a second home filled with love, safety, and growth. I graduate with my nursing degree on May 22, and without a doubt, this program played a major role in helping me reach that milestone. I will always be thankful for everything they’ve done for my child and me.



With deep gratitude,

 Carolina Granados

During April, Community Action’s Health Ambassadors team spent time visiting neighborhoods in the Annapolis area. They had an opportunity to engage with an elderly woman who shared that lately she hasn’t been able to get out as she normally does due to health issues. Our team checked her mailbox for her and also removed a few bags of trash she had. As they talked with her, they explained that she should contact her health insurance provider to see if they covered rides to her doctor’s appointments, as well as sharing information about organizations that can offer home health assistance using her insurance. Contact information was also shared for the County’s Department of Aging and Disabilities to find out what resources could be available for her. The woman was very grateful and almost in tears. She stated she had seen the Health Ambassadors in the neighborhood before and always wondered what they were doing – and now she knows!

Community Action’s Health Ambassadors team visits county communities, libraries, senior centers, and food banks on a regular basis to meet with people and let them know what resources are available for assistance over a wide range of areas including mental health, energy assistance, housing assistance, and where to obtain food at local food banks and pop-ups.

For more information about the Health Ambassadors, please contact Ms. Morgan at smorgan@aaccaa.info.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Mental health is essential for overall well-being at every stage of life. Regardless of age, background, or experience, prioritizing mental health strengthens individuals, families, and communities.

Supporting older adults mental health: as we age, we may experience life changes that impact our mental health.

·      Life changes in older adults can impact mental health, but help is always available

·      Mental health conditions in older adults may present differently, such as through changes in interests or energy levels

·      Open conversations about mental health can encourage older adults to seek support

·      Mental health care can enhance quality of life, independence, and social connections

·      Spending time with older adults fosters meaningful connections and well-being

Building strong foundations for children’s mental health: supportive families, communities, and resources help children lay the groundwork for lifelong well-being.

·      Supportive families, schools and communities help children and teens build strong mental health

·      Teaching coping skills early empowers young people to manage emotions and challenges

·      Recognizing early signs of mental health concerns can lead to timely support and positive outcomes

·      Open conversations about emotions help children develop resilience and feel safe seeking help

·      Regular physical activity can help improve children’s mental health and enhance their well-being

·      Many children face mental health challenges – early intervention and support can make a difference

Hope and support for serious mental illness and serious emotional disturbance: support, understanding, and access to care help people with SMI or SED – and their families – pursue recovery and live meaningful lives

·      People younger than 18 who have mental health conditions that severely affect their ability to function in school, family, or within the community are described as having SED.

·      Millions of people live with SMI or SED, but treatment and support can help them thrive

·      Early diagnosis and continuous support help people with SMI manage symptoms and live enjoyable, productive lives

·      People with conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression can benefit from personalized care that helps them navigate challenges

·      Coordinated care and strong community connections improve quality of life for people with SMI and SED. There is hope – many people with SMI are living, working, and flourishing in recovery.

The Connection between mental and physical health: mental and physical health are deeply connected – and integrated care for co-occurring conditions supports lifelong wellness.

·      Mental and physical health are equally important – take care of one supports the other

·      Depression and anxiety increase the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes

·      Regular activity, good nutrition, and quality sleep support both mental and physical well-being

·      Integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions improves outcomes

·      Preventive care, strong support networks, and early intervention promote lifelong wellness

The power of community and connection in mental health: supportive relationships and connected communities foster a sense of belonging and promote mental well-being for all.

·      Strong mental health is for everyone – and support should be available to all

·      Each person’s mental health journey is unique – a strong support system makes a difference

·      Prioritizing self-care and seeking support strengthen resilience and well-being

·      Social connection and community support play a vital role in mental health and recovery

·      Open conversations about mental health help break stigma and encourage people to seek support

The Community Action Agency is seeking volunteers who are ready to come help and make a difference in our community! Volunteers are needed to assist with a variety of tasks.

For more information, please call 410.626.1900 x1024.