"Helping People Changing Lives"

Community Action Agency Board of Directors' Message to Staff

At the Agency's annual holiday staff luncheon on December 11, 2025, Board member Randy Habeck gave remarks to honor the staff on behalf of the Board of Directors:

The Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency stands as a shining example of what true community-centered service looks like, and you, the staff, deserve highest the praise for the impact you make every single day. What sets this organization apart is the unwavering commitment to empowering residents through programs that address immediate needs while fostering long-term growth, stability, and independence. Whether through housing assistance, early childhood education, energy support, helping returning citizens reconnect, or financial empowerment initiatives, you consistently demonstrate compassion, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by local families.

All of you embody the heart and soul of the Agency’s mission. You approach every interaction with empathy, respect, and an authentic desire to help. The staff goes far beyond the expectations of their roles, working late hours, navigating complex situations, and offering not just services, but genuine encouragement and hope. Your ability to meet people where they are, without judgement, creates a sense of dignity and trust that is priceless for those facing hardships.

The teams’ expertise and dedication results in programs that are not only effective, but truly life changing. You all stay informed, adapt to evolving community needs, and continuously look for innovative ways to deliver support. The positive ripple effect of your work can be seen across Anne Arundel county-families becoming more stable, children gaining educational foundations, seniors staying warm and secure, returning citizens achieving lifelong goals, and individuals discovering confidence and opportunities they did not know were possible.

In a world where compassion and service too often go unrecognized, the Anne Arundel County, Community Action Agency and its staff shine brightly. Your tireless efforts strengthen the community, uplift families, and make our county a more equitable and hopeful place for everyone. You deserve the deep appreciation and gratitude from the Board of Directors for the difference you make.

Director of Annapolis Middle School Therapeutic Program Featured on Community Schools Impact Show



Dr. Eric Elston, Director of the Agency’s Annapolis Middle School Therapeutic Program, was nominated by Community School staff to be featured on the Community Schools Impact Show. During his interview, Dr. Elston highlighted the Agency’s impact on delivering family and community support through collaborative program and outreach initiatives.

To view the interview, please click here.

Community Action Agency’s

2025 Employees of the Year

Dr. Charlestine R. Fairley honored two agency staff members as Employees of the Year at the annual staff holiday luncheon on December 11, 2025. Roxanne McGowan and Namond Williams both work within the Detention and Reentry Services program and were cited for their excellence in carrying out their work and commitment to the Agency’s mission and the people they serve. 

Congratulations Roxanne and Namond for a job well done!

Community Action Agency’s

2025 Volunteer of the Year

Dr. Charlestine Fairley also honored Dawn Martini as Volunteer of the Year. Dawn has been assisting the Agency’s Housing Assistance and Services program for several years. Her dedication to Community Action is demonstrated through consistent service and a can-do attitude. Through her hard work, she has become a valued member of the Housing team.

Congratulations Dawn!

Janeen Tasker, Director of Energy Programs, Sworn In to City of Annapolis Human Relations Commission

On Thursday, November 20, 2025, Janeen Tasker, Director of Energy Programs for the Community Action Agency, was sworn in by Mayor Gavin Buckley as a member of the City of Annapolis Human Relations Commission. The Commission works to prevent and address discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, and education by investigating complaints, facilitating mediation, and providing community education. It also advises City leadership on policies that promote fairness, equal opportunity, and an inclusive Annapolis.

Congratulations, Janeen!

Community Action Agency Hosts

29^th Annual Harriet Pratt Gifts of Love

Twenty-nine years ago, Harriet Pratt, a Community Action Agency staff member, had an idea. She wanted to pull together an annual holiday event that would serve the children participating in the Stanton Center’s after school program. Her vision of having an evening of fun for children continues to this day and has become the Harriett Pratt Gifts of Love – a holiday party to celebrate the children in our community.

This year, the 29^th Annual Harriett Pratt Gifts of Love event took place on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel. Over 150 people attended the event including children, their parents, and program partners. This year children were invited from the Stanton Center’s afterschool program, the Agency’s program at Annapolis Middle School, and families enrolled in Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ McKinney-Vento program for homeless children, and Early Head Start families.

Children in attendance enjoyed story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Activities included a crafts project provided by Art Farm and face painting. A new addition this year was provided by the Rotary Club of Annapolis’ Little Free Library committee. Volunteers set up two tables with hundreds of books to appeal to a broad range of ages and interests, and all guests were able to select books to take home. Children also received gifts that were purchased based on their personal wish lists. 

The program wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of our partners, including Atlas Restaurant Group, who provided a delicious meal and staffing; Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, which has hosted the event for twenty-nine years, and the Rotary Club of Annapolis who supported the event with a generous grant. The event was also supported by Boatyard Bar and Grill, Connors Family Giving Fund, Fowler United Methodist Church, and PMC. Individual donors also gave generously through funding and purchasing gifts for children.

The Community Action Agency appreciates everyone who participated in the event, and we are looking forward to our 30^th Annual Harriet Pratt Gifts of Love in 2026.

For more information about Gifts of Love, please contact Julie Snyder at jsnyder@aaccaa.info.

Eviction Prevention Program (EPP):

Are You Eligible?

The Eviction Prevention Program helps households avoid eviction and stay safely housed. Here’s what you need to know:

Who Qualifies?

• Reside in Anne Arundel County
• Facing eviction: Court judgment, Warrant of Restitution or sheriff’s notice required
• Look-back rule: Eligible customers cannot have received housing assistance in the past 12-15 months

Required documentation:

• Government photo ID for all adults in the household
• Proof of household income for past 30 days
• Lease and rental ledger
• Court/legal eviction documents

To learn more about the Eviction Prevention Program, please contact Ms. Crews at dcrews@aaccaa.info.

Our New Website Is Live!

We’re excited to share that the Agency’s new website, www.aaccaa.info, is officially live! The updated site offers a fresh look, easier navigation, and improved access to information about our programs, services, and impact in the community.

We invite you to explore the site, learn more about our work, and stay connected with the latest updates. Be sure to check it out and let us know what you think!

Community Action Holiday Hours

The Community Action Agency has special hours for Christmas Week.

Tuesday, December 23, 2025: Our offices will be closed; however staff will be available by calling 410.626.1900.

Wednesday, December 24, 2025 - Friday, December 26, 2025: The Agency will be closed for business as our staff celebrate the holiday.

Monday, December 29, 2025: Our Annapolis and Linthicum offices will be open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Our Lothian office will be open from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Agency Invites Families to Operation Warm

The Community Action Agency, in partnership with Annapolis Subaru, is hosting Operation Warm at Annapolis Middle School on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 6 - 8 p.m. Children must be present to receive a new coat.

To register, please click here or visit https://tinyurl.com/AACCAACoatDrive.

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.