Holly Wright, State Senate Democratic candidate for Maryland’s District 37, visited DELMARVA Community Services (DCS) in Cambridge Tuesday, Sept. 4, to meet with staff and learn about the services they provide to residents of the district.
Wright, after a career in public health at the state and regional level, will face incumbent State Sen. Addie Eckardt, R-Md.-37th, in November’s general election.
Wright began her visit at the Senior Center and spoke with Mary Handley, Terri Cornish and Arlene Moaney who help provide programming and services to approximately 50 older persons attending during days of operation. Larry Roberts supervises a kitchen that prepares 300 meals for homebound seniors and others in three counties.
She spoke with individuals in the transportation/dispatching center where several different transportation services for the general public, veterans, medical assistance recipients and others are coordinated.
At the agency’s Delmarva Works location at 1000 Goodwill Avenue she observed an employment assistance meeting and spoke with staff who coordinate the employment development training programs for approximately 12 individuals. Within the same building she spoke with Brenda Blades with the Community Action program about the community food pantry and transitional housing operated by DCS.
The final stop was at one of the 30 group homes operated by DCS in Maryland and Delaware. These group homes are the residences of individuals with developmental disabilities and provide staff and supports to assist these individuals to live independently in the community.
After the tour of just some of the many DCS locations, Wright had an opportunity to speak with Santo A. Grande, the organization’s founder and visionary who has guided the agency’s remarkable growth to this day, employing 320 people and serving thousands. The latest project is Chesapeake Grove Intergenerational Center which will provide several services under one roof and opportunities for seniors and children as well as individuals with disabilities to experience together. The project when completed will provide 50 jobs.
“What a tremendous tribute to the people who work here and the remarkable leadership of Santo Grande. DCS and Santo are truly a treasure on the Mid Shore.”
Delmarva Community Services, Inc., formerly the Dorchester Development Unit, was established in May 1974. Since its founding, there has been continued growth in day, residential, transportation and vocational services across the Mid Shore including senior centers and delivered meals, thirty group homes, adult medical day care, supported employment at Delmarva Works and coordinated transportation throughout the region. Delmarva Community Services welcomes visits with anyone from the community interested in learning about community needs, services and innovative ways to address and provide them.
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