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Andrea Ingram Announces Retirement
 After more than a quarter century leading Grassroots, Executive Director Andrea Ingram has announced that she will retire once a replacement has been found.
“We know we will never truly replace Andrea Ingram. She is an amazing Executive Director,” said Grassroots Board President Mary Lasky. “Her legacy, however, includes leaving behind an efficient and effective organization, a well-trained staff and hundreds of volunteers and donors. That will make the transition easier for her successor.”
Recruitment efforts are underway, Lasky said, and a Selection Committee has been formed. “We are looking for a special person,” Lasky noted, “and we don’t intend to rush the process. Andrea has agreed to stay until a successful transition has taken place.”
A wonderful story about Andrea appeared in the Columbia Flier, Howard County Times and Howard section of The Baltimore Sun. You might want to check it out.
Suicide Prevention Smart Phone App Now Available
Grassroots has teamed up with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to develop the first suicide assessment app in the country. The ubiquity of smart phones has made the app an easy-to-access technology in the effort to combat a rise in deaths by suicide.
The suicide prevention smart phone app is called “There is Hope” and is targeted to someone struggling with taking their own life or for those concerned about suicidal thoughts in others. In addition to valuable information about warning signs, risk factors and tips on how to talk to someone who is suicidal, features include an immediate connection to crisis counselors at Grassroots who will deliver help and hope for preventing suicide.
The app is free for download on iTunes and Google Play.
“There is Hope” was created with funds from the Maryland Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention Network (MD-SPIN) Grant in Partnership with the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Riding With The Heroes Attracts 308 Bikers
The second annual Riding with the Heroes benefit for Grassroots and the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) attracted 308 motorcyclists with 90 passengers. Police, fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel, current military and veterans and others participated. Proceeds of approximately $5,000 each were made to Grassroots and ICISF, and $1,000 was donated to Ellicott City flood victims.
Bob’s BMW provided a support vehicle, and fire and police personnel helped with the event, as did Junior Firefighters, Police Explorers and Police Auxiliary volunteers.
Sponsors at the Chief’s level included Bob’s BMW, Keller Williams Head for Home Team, Apple Ford Lincoln, and Howard County Professional Firefighters Association. Captain’s Level Sponsor was FOP Lodge 143, Officer’s Level Sponsor was Professional Fire Officers. Supporters included Red Knights Motorcycle Club, Blue Knights Motorcylce Club and HCPD Minority Officers Association. Mission BBQ provided lunch, and Wegmans provided breakfast.
Change Matters Kicks Off Campaign
Ellicott Mills Middle School recently kicked off its school-wide Change Matters Campaign. The sixth graders were introduced to the Howard County Public School’s Student Service Learning program through an introduction about homelessness in Howard County and Grassroots services. The seventh grade team focused on Grassroots crisis service and learned how the Mobile Crisis Team was on site the night of the Ellicott City flood. Mental health and suicide prevention were the topic of discussion for eighth graders.
All three grades will participate in a walkathon during the Spring of 2017. Proceeds from this activity will go directly to support Grassroots services. Ellicott Mills Middle School has been a Change Matters Champion for the last six years, helping to raise over $30,000 for Grassroots.
Upcoming Events
World Music Murray Hill Middle School presents “Music From Around the World” on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 7 p.m., at the school, 9989 Winter Sun Road in Laurel. The event will include the Murray Hill Middle School Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Orchestra and 7th/8th Grade Chorus in concert. Refreshments will be sold by the Murray Hill Middle School PTA and Music Boosters with proceeds going to Grassroots, along donations from attendees. There is no charge for admission to the concert.
Save the Dates Further details will be forthcoming in future newsletters, but you will want to mark your calendars for the following benefits for Grassroots: Women Leaders for Grassroots Nov. 28, Breakfast with Santa Dec. 3 and 10, Soup’r Sundae April 2. The 6th Annual Glen Mar Golf Classic May 8.
Briefs
Community Crisis As in the past, Grassroots was called into action in the aftermath of the Ellicott City flood. Grassroots staffers helped at the recovery and resource center and were busy placing families in motel rooms.
We are always telling people that anyone can become homeless, and the flooding in Ellicott City certainly proved the point.
Needed Items Grassroots has no room for clothing. Please donate gift cards from places like Walmark, Target, Safeway and Giant, as well as gas cards to give to people who walk in the door needing immediate help. We are also looking for 4-person tents with all their parts, as well as heavy-duty backpacks and sleeping bags. You can drop them off at Grassroots.
Swimming Success The Phelps Luck Swim Team raised $1,907 for Grassroots, thanks to the talents of its young members.
HIRE POWER The annual HIRE POWER award, which recognize local companies promoting the county’s workforce, recognized Hungry Harvest, which works with Grassroots to ensure workers have support services, such as transportation.
Check Presentation Making its annual contribution to Grassroots were representatives of Temple Isaiah, which holds a variety of fundraisers, including the Matzoh Ball Run, in support of local nonprofits. Grassroots’ share was $2,000.
Are you a Friend of Grassroots?
Are you a donor to Grassroots? Have you made a gift this year? Grassroots depends upon the generosity of individuals, organizations and businesses in the community to support its free services to people in crisis, to help provide the 24-7 hotline and suicide prevention efforts, round-the-clock personal counseling, Mobile Crisis Team, the shelter programs and other activities to help people achieve a positive resolution to their crisis situation. Please make a gift to Grassroots today. Any size gift is welcome. If you can afford $50 or more per month, consider joining The Friends of Grassroots who donate $600 or more per year. Thank you for your support.
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