The Talbot Family Network, the Local Management Board for Talbot County, was awarded grant funds for FY 19 through the Governor’s Office for Children. The total award is $525,478.
The mission of the Talbot Family Network is, through collaboration with public and private entities, to identify and develop support systems for a safe, healthy, and caring community for all Talbot County children and families.
Through an extensive planning process undertaken by the Talbot Family Network (TFN) during FY 16 through 18 the needs of children and families were identified and gaps in programming were assessed by the TFN Board. The TFN Board is comprised of public and private representatives appointed by the Talbot County Council.
The programs and strategies funded by this grant include interventions for some of Maryland’s most vulnerable populations: families and children impacted by caregiver incarceration; disconnected youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who are neither working nor attending school; children and youth who are food-insecure; and youth who are experiencing homelessness. These interventions represent new pathways to opportunities and a push for systemic change that will further Governor Hogan’s vision of ensuring an economically secure Maryland for all.
In FY 18, TFN was one of nine jurisdictions in the state of Maryland, and the only jurisdiction on the Mid-Shore, to receive an increase in their award from the previous year.Those funds were then added to the total FY 19 budget.
“The Governor’s Office for Children recognizes and appreciates the unique role of the Local Management Boards in understanding the specific concerns of their communities and developing corresponding programs for children, youth, and families,” said Jaclin Warner Wiggins, acting executive director of the Governor’s Office for Children.
Executive Director, Katherine Sevon stated “Talbot Family Network is eager to continue supporting the success of all children and families in Talbot County through these valuable programs.”
For more information on the Talbot Family Network or the planning process please go to www.healthytalbot.org or contact TFN at [email protected].
Talbot Base Funding: $525,478
Programs include:
Conversation on Race – Provides for two Beyond Diversity seminars on racism, equity and action for Local Management Board vendors and stakeholders. The creation of a community of practice will provide for a series of at least quarterly conversations and support sessions to foster a Racial Equity Community of Practice in Talbot County. Beyond Diversity is conducted in partnership with the Talbot County Public Schools.
Healthy Families – A two-generation, prenatal through age 5 home visiting program for high-risk families that supports the development of healthy, stable, economically self-sufficient parents by capitalizing on the worker/parent relationship and leveraging this trust to engage the mothers in self-development and behavior change.
Community Nutrition and Gardening Education – Nutrition and gardening education for the community and coordinates with the Talbot County Hunger Coalition.
Healthy Habits – An after-school hunger and nutrition education program targeting 150 children eligible for Free and Reduced Priced Meals at two sites with research-based nutrition education and after school meals.
Mentoring Youth and Supporting Families Impacted by Incarceration –Provides mentoring including individual needs assessment, case management services and a trauma informed therapeutic support group for children impacted by incarceration of a parent. This year will add support groups for the parent/caregiver as well as family bonding events.
Bridges Out of Poverty/Getting Ahead Workshops – Educational and practical training provided to resourced and non-resourced community members regarding poverty and methods of moving out of poverty.
Reengagement Coordinator – Will identify and re-engage drop outs in an individualized educational program in partnership with public schools.
Career Pathways – A training program that provides engagement, pre-employment education, training, and career opportunities for disconnected youth.
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