July 10, 2019       

Media Contacts: 
Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
Kim Eisenreich, Howard County Office of the Local Children’s Board, 410-313-1461

COLUMBIA – Last night, Howard County Government and Department of Community Resources and Services Director, Jacqueline Scott honored the outstanding achievements of graduates of the County’s “Getting Ahead” program and presented five local businesses with a 2019 “HIRE Power” Award. The evening’s emcee was Scott Sheldon, a graduate of the “Getting Ahead While Getting Out” class taken when he was an inmate at the Howard County Detention Center. Photos from the event can be found here

“In Howard County, we are fortunate to live in a community with a strong economy and high levels of affluence. Unfortunately, this can sometimes obscure the urgent needs of our neighbors struggling to get by,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “Though our rate of poverty hovers around 5 percent, a 2018 report estimated that one-in-four Howard County households actually made less than they need to afford basic needs. Our awards honored residents and businesses who are working hard to change those numbers, expand opportunity and create local jobs.” 

Getting Ahead Awards

The “Getting Ahead” program helps individuals in poverty build resources for a more prosperous life for themselves, their families, and their communities. The awards program honored county residents who successfully achieved their goal of attaining economic self-sufficiency and helped others do the same. This year’s Getting Ahead award recipients included:

  • Bright Beginning Award: Miriam Anderson – Despite entering the program with many challenges, including the prospect of homelessness, Miriam Anderson achieved her goal of obtaining full-time employment while also caring for a husband with health issues and a four-year old son.
  • Making It Happen Award: Flor Castro – An example to many, Flor Castro has fulfilled her goals of helping her family and her community by obtaining employment as a bi-lingual receptionist. She also shares the lessons she learned in the program with other members of the Hispanic community as a group facilitator and translator. 
  • Participation Award: Carol Grice – A mother and grandmother, Carol Grice uplifted others in her “Getting Ahead” group with her positive attitude. Despite the stress of her circumstances, her team spirit prevailed, and she always makes others feel included and important.
  • Team Impact Award: Pierre Lloyd – An inmate at the Howard County jail, Pierre Lloyd has taken advantage of various programs offered by the Howard County Department of Corrections with the intent of focusing on change and growth. He has a more forward-thinking perspective and attitude, learning from his struggles and gaining knowledge and direction for a brighter future.
  • Reaching Back Award: Arlette Mayi – An inspiration to other graduates, Arlette Mayi has shared her story of surviving abuse and overcoming homelessness and hopelessness. Since completing the program, she has bought a car, completed a certification program at Howard Community College and became actively involved in the community, regularly attending Staying Ahead group events.
  • Outstanding Staying Ahead Award: Carolyn Young – As a result of the program, Carolyn Young used the training and professional coaching to improve her presentation, communication skills and entrepreneurial vision. She has prepared herself to “stay ahead” and help others to succeed as well.

For more information about the “Getting Ahead” program, contact Marchelle LeBlanc, Getting Ahead Coordinator, Howard County Government, Department of Community Resources and Services, Office of the Local Children’s Board, at 410-313-0225, or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/GA.

“HIRE Power” Awards

The “HIRE Power” Awards are presented annually to county businesses that promote programs and practices to develop the local workforce through innovative job support, inclusive hiring strategies and community outreach efforts. The 2019 awards were presented to:

  • Elite Spice – The spice importer and custom manufacturer offering an extensive line of spices, seasonings and specialty food ingredients was honored for its practice of hiring youth and former offenders in a timely fashion at its Jessup facility.
  • Freshly – The freshly prepared meal delivery company, Freshly, was recognized for its hiring of young people, 18-24 years old, and paying them a living wage at their center in Savage.
  • Main Event – An entertainment destination, the Main Event at The Mall in Columbia, was recognized for its hiring of young people, aged 18-24 years old.
  • Metro Laundry Service –  Providing linen cleaning for hotels, Metro Laundry Service was honored for hiring former offenders to work in its Elkridge plant.
  • Deepage Drive Starbucks – The Starbucks store on Deepage Drive in Columbia was recognized for providing employees a flexible schedule to help balance their work and family life, as well as supporting youth employment. 
     

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