Garrett Mentors

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The Road to Community Impact

The United Way of Garrett County received two proposals for after school and summer programs and will be funding both proposals this year in the amount of $13,769.  The Executive Committee of the United Way of Garrett County directed 20% of eligible funding to after school and summer programs which was determined by community stakeholders to be the major priority need in the County at this time. 

The primary goal of the first proposal is to provide comprehensive programming to at-risk students in grades 3 to 5.  Program activities focus on academic achievement, school completion and youth development.  The partnering agencies include Garrett County Partnership for Children and Families (primary agency), Garrett County Community Action, Garrett County Health Department, University of MD Garrett County Extension Service, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. 

2010 Outcomes

Through community presentations and blood drives the Western Potomac Chapter – American Red Cross is able to share the importance and value of donating blood. Bottom line…lives are saved through the donation of blood.

Victims of disasters, such as house fires, receive immediate, emergency assistance that may include shelter, medication replacement and clothing. The Red Cross also trains members of the community to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Garrett County adult volunteers to provide youth with the ability to develop a positive self-esteem. The Boy Scouts create a solid set of values, and other fundamentals that help build productive and successful adults.

The Dove Center engages in a community education and outreach effort to prevent and address domestic violence and sexual assault. The community at large is more educated regarding the dynamics of domestic and sexual assault, reducing the negative attitudes towards victims and increasing the likelihood of individuals seeking services.
 
The short term prescription program though Garrett County Community Action enables uninsured and underinsured individuals and families to obtain necessary medications on a one time basis while waiting qualification to a long term assistance program. Without this program, many individuals would go without medications for acute and chronic conditions.

Through the delivery of nutritious meals five days per week, the Meals on Wheels program enables 150 frail, vulnerable, homebound, elderly who are unable to prepare meals for themselves, due to physical or mental conditions, remain in the community. The program enhances the nutritional status of elderly individuals and aids in their mental health through daily contact with delivery persons.

The United Way funds a portion of green construction and energy saving costs for a home that Garrett County Habitat for Humanity will complete. Families gain self esteem and respect while starting on the road to independence.

Diakon Adult Day Services at Mountain Glade provides the only medical day care services in the county. For some clients it is the only form of socialization and medical oversight. For family members, the time the client spends at Mt. Glade is the only respite they receive. Many clients would be placed in long term care if it were not for Mt. Glade services.

Girl Scouting is a pivotal program girls need in their lives to help them navigate the maze of adolescence and avoid obstacles in their path that can impair their physical and emotional health, damage their relationships and destroy their motivation and ability to succeed. Girl Scouting provides a place where girls can have fun, learn leadership skills, develop their moral compass and build self esteem.

Garrett Mentors provides elementary school children with a mentor who will meet with them weekly, be a friend, good listener, provide school support, and “inspire by example”.