Achievement Mentoring

Mission:

Achievement Mentoring provides intensive, individualized case management by focusing on each participant’s strengths and struggles. Through dedicated one-on-one mentoring, the program connects youth and families to needed behavioral, academic, and social resources. The program is especially beneficial for children facing adverse childhood experiences, such as having an incarcerated parent or guardian, which may impact academic performance and emotional well-being. In Queen Anne’s County, Achievement Mentoring has shown measurable success in improving students’ school performance, self-esteem, and social connections.

Services:

• Individualized mentoring focused on behavioral, academic, and social development
• Behavioral Monitoring and Reinforcement Program (BMRP) for grades 4–11
• Botvin LifeSkills Training for grades 3–6, addressing:
  • Personal self-management skills
  • General social skills (e.g., communication, relationship-building, conflict avoidance)
  • Drug resistance skills
• Support for children impacted by incarceration or trauma, helping mitigate academic and emotional challenges
• Connection to community resources tailored to the youth and family’s needs

Meetings:

TBD

Contact Information:

Matt Evans
starke.evans@qacps.org

Family Navigation

Mission:

The Maryland Coalition of Families provides support, guidance, and hope to individuals who love or care for someone facing mental health, substance use, or problem gambling challenges. As experienced caregivers with personal understanding of the difficulties in navigating complex systems, we offer compassionate, reliable, and knowledgeable support. As Maryland’s primary provider of family peer support, we advocate for equitable and compassionate behavioral health services and work to improve the systems families rely on. Our services, including one-on-one support, support groups, and workshops, are confidential and available at no cost, regardless of income or insurance. We are deeply connected to the communities we serve, living and working alongside those we help.

Services:

• Navigate systems of care that are often complicated, frustrating and confusing.
• Find and access resources, services, and programs for yourself or your loved one.
• Connect with families experiencing similar challenges to build natural bonds and support systems.
• Gain a better understanding of the challenges your loved one faces and identify a path forward.
• Help you find your voice to be the best advocate for yourself and your loved one.
• Learn strategies and build skills to help you take care of yourself while you take care of your loved one.

Contact Information:

Carolyn Blades, CFPS
cblades@mdcoalition.org
443-896-6753

Additional Links:

• www.mdcoalition.org/

Healthy Families

Mission:

Healthy Families Mid-Shore provides long-term, voluntary support to families from pregnancy until the child enters full-time education, typically between ages three and five. The program addresses the root causes of costly social issues—such as child abuse, school failure, poverty, unemployment, and crime—by supporting families during early childhood. Parents are paired with trained professionals who offer guidance throughout pregnancy and a child’s critical developmental years. These voluntary home visits have been shown to reduce the need for social welfare, mental health, and juvenile correction services, resulting in significant cost savings for the state. The program empowers parents with the knowledge and skills to build strong families and prevent child maltreatment.

Services:

• Immunization schedule reviews
• Developmental stage assessments
• Parental self-care strategies
• Bonding techniques
• Educational activities for child development

Contact Information:

Nicole Chase-Powell, Program Director
nicole.chase-powell1@maryland.gov
443-262-4464

Community Mentoring

Mission:

To transform the lives of youth, families, and communities through education, resource development, and community engagement. Managed by Minary’s Dream Alliance, Inc., this program is dedicated to empowering young people by providing mentorship and support that foster resilience and community connections.

Services:

This program offers CommUnity Mentoring along with an Adolescent Clubhouse known as Club F.E.A.R (Face Everything & Rise), delivering tailored support and enriching activities to help youth navigate life’s challenges.

Locations:

• Chestertown
• Denton
• Cambridge
• Snow Hill

Contact Information:

Doncella Wilson, LMSW
Executive Director
doncella.wilson@minarysdreamalliance.org

Additional Links:

• www.minarysdreamalliance.org

Transportation Voucher Program

Mission:

The Transportation Voucher Program is designed to eliminate barriers by providing financial assistance for transportation, ensuring that every family can access essential services and opportunities.

Services:

This program offers vouchers for public transit, taxi services, and ride-sharing options, along with dedicated support for navigating available transportation resources.

Meetings:

The program coordinates with Local Care Team partners through monthly meetings to assess needs and votes on voucher distribution as needed.

Contact Information:

Lisa Michaels
Office Coordinator I
Queen Anne’s County Department of Community Services
Community Partnerships for Children and Families
410-758-6677

Additional Links:

• Transportation Voucher Program Application