The Safety Net’s Safety Net by Angela Rieck

I recently watched a documentary about the Depression, and it made me grateful that our government now sees it as its responsibility to help.

But the demand is always greater than the supply. So, I began to wonder, are there any organizations that provide a safety net to the safety net?

I discovered one such organization: Talbot Community Connections (TCC) a nonprofit, volunteer organization that raises funds to provide adjunct assistance to the Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center (which cares for victims of sexual abuse), the Talbot County Department of Social Services, law enforcement, and schools. If there is a specific need that is outside the boundaries or capabilities of our local safety nets, these agencies know who to call (hint, it’s not Ghostbusters), it’s the TCC (www.talbotcommunityconnections.org).

The TCC understands that it is the little things that matter. For example, art and journaling classes to support therapy for victims of child sexual abuse. Training assistance that enables foster parents to maintain their licenses. Even providing a much-needed picnic to recognize the services of law enforcement, therapists, and States Attorney’s workers during the pandemic.

It’s the little things that matter. Purchasing a specialized car seat for a quadriplegic foster child so that he can become mobile.

It’s the little things that matter. Paying for a foster child’s college textbooks.

It’s the little things that matter. Ensuring that all foster children, regardless of age, get Christmas presents.

It’s the little things. Hosting a senior summit to teach caregivers, seniors, and professionals about available support and proposed legislation.

It’s the little things. Providing respite care to a mother and her teenaged daughter so that the daughter can avoid going into foster care.

It’s the little things. Providing 450 children with back packs and school supplies.

It’s the little things. Offering an outdoor challenge course to help victims of child abuse recover their self-confidence.

It’s the little things. Providing daycare for a mother of three who overcame drug addiction so that she can work and become self-sufficient.

It’s the little things. A Family Reunification Program that helps a loving caregiver pay for housing so that she can raise her niece.

Someone’s life is changed. Someone who just needs a little boost, gets a new start. The TCC is saving our community.

One generous act at a time.

Angela Rieck, a Caroline County native, received her PhD in Mathematical Psychology from the University of Maryland and worked as a scientist at Bell Labs, and other high-tech companies in New Jersey before retiring as a corporate executive. Angela and her dogs divide their time between St Michaels and Key West Florida. Her daughter lives and works in New York City.