Maryland Community Fellows

Program History 

The Maryland Community Fellows Program is a partnership between the CASH Campaign of Maryland, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, and various Community Action Agencies (CAAs) statewide. The Maryland Community Fellows Program began in 2009 as a way to increase the capacity of CAAs to offer free tax preparation and financial education as well as other asset building and human services to the communities they serve. The first few iterations of the Program only included students from the University of Maryland School of Social Work, but has since expanded to students from a variety of academic backgrounds and universities. 

Traditional emergency service programs often struggle to move families to self- sufficiency. Financial capability programs work to address the root causes of the financial challenges faced by families and their communities and help move families towards financial security. In 2008, CAAs realized a need for more staff capacity to incorporate financial capability work and anti-poverty strategies into their existing systems. There were limited funding sources dedicated to financial capability and many agencies did not have the bandwidth to provide new services. In addition, training and technical assistance on these topics was not widely available for practitioners and students. 

The Maryland Community Fellows Program began in 2009 as a way to increase the capacity of CAAs to offer financial capability services in connection with free tax preparation as well as increase the capacity of students to deliver these services. CASHconcurs with the Center for Financial Inclusion in our definition of Financial Capability, which is the combination of knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors a person needs to make sound financial decisions that support well-being. Financial Capability, or “Fin Cap” focuses on behavior change as well as the client’s end state: financial health and well-being. This school of thought contrasts with traditional financial education, which has generally been more focused on the transfer of knowledge, skills, and information. This may include education, outreach, product delivery, referrals, research, and advocacy or policy work to remove systemic barriers. The Maryland Community Fellows program is a partnership between the CASH Campaign of Maryland, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and CAAs statewide. Fellows primarily focus their activities in community outreach and marketing about the Earned Income Tax Credit and free tax preparation through the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. In addition, some Fellows engage in providing financial education and other financial capability services. 

 

Program Staff & Partner Agencies 

Allegany Co. Human Resources Development Commission  

HRDC, Human Resources Development Commission of Allegany County is a private, non profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of the people it serves. It is HRDC’s mission to eliminate social and economic barriers to promote individual and community stability through services, advocacy and collaboration. HRDC, under the direction of its Board of Directors, designs, staffs, operates and assembles funding for a wide range of programs. These programs improve the lives of the young, the low-income, the elderly and those with disabilities in Allegany County, Maryland. When a need is identified, HRDC creates effective public-private partnerships to help people to help themselves. 

More about Allegany HRDC: https://alleganyhrdc.org/ 

 

Human Services Program of Carroll County 

Human Services Programs of Carroll County, Inc. is a non-profit Community Action Agency that was originally founded in 1987. Hope, change, and opportunity are the driving forces behind everything at Human Services Programs of Carroll County, Inc. HSP believes that with the right support, everyone can embrace hope, make meaningful changes, and take advantage of opportunities that will lead to a fulfilling and self-sufficient life. 

More about HSP: https://hspinc.org/ 

Lifestyles of Maryland, Inc. 

Lifestyles’ mission is to provide compassionate programs and services that meet the needs of those who are underserved in our community, resulting in Help, Hope and Transformation in Southern Maryland. 

About Lifestyles: https://www.lifestylesofmd.org/ 

Montgomery County Community Action Agency 

The mission of the Montgomery County Community Action Agency is to advance social and economic mobility among communities and neighbors through services, partnerships, and advocacy using an equity lens. 

More about Montgomery County Community Action Agency: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/OCA/CommunityAction/CommunityActionIndex.html 

Shore Up! 

SHORE UP! Inc., a private, non-profit Community Action Partnership on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, is dedicated to building communities, changing lives, and empowering individuals and families to maintain long-term independence and achieve economic security through a comprehensive system of services and resources. 

More about Shore Up: https://shoreup.org/ 

 

United Way of Frederick County  

United Way of Frederick County drives community impact by enhancing financial security through matched savings and free tax preparation; fostering healthy communities via accessible healthcare services; building community resiliency through programs like the Ride United Network; and creating youth opportunities by supporting educational initiatives, empowering ALICE families toward lasting stability. 

More about United Way of Frederick: https://www.unitedwayfrederick.org