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Harford County DSS advisory board focuses on outreach expansion, fundraising and bills to watch
Summary
At its Jan. 15 virtual meeting, the Harford County Department of Social Services Citizen Advisory Board approved minutes, welcomed new members, reviewed expanded outreach sites and strong SNAP audit results, discussed fundraising to support youth transitioning from foster care, and identified several state bills to monitor during the legislative session.
The Harford County Department of Social Services Citizen Advisory Board met virtually on Jan. 15, 2026, and approved the Dec. 18, 2025 minutes on a motion by Dan Rusin with a second from Cynthia Phillips.
Board Chair Andrée Mountain opened the meeting, welcomed new members Dr. Michele Campagna and Paul Beaulieu and reminded members of the MASSB Foundation legislative day set for March 7, 2026. Director Cora Grishkot reported that the department is expanding its outreach presence to Magnolia Elementary, the Joppa and Whiteford libraries and the Fortify Center in Edgewood to better connect residents with services.
Grishkot told the board that Harford County received a visit from the Assistant Secretary for Programs to review local audit findings and that the county had one of the lowest SNAP error rates in the state. She said staff will hold monthly meetings to track implementation related to House Bill 1 and noted a significant increase in in-person Family Investment Administration (FIA) applications and lobby traffic.
Fundraising and supports for youth leaving foster care were a key focus. Dan Rusin, presenting for the events and fundraising committee, said Ripken Stadium's rental costs were high but that the committee would pursue monetary donations and an updated prioritization matrix. Members emphasized using personal stories and impact testimonials to strengthen fundraising appeals. Paul Beaulieu noted that Harford Family House administers the Ready by 21 program, and Director Grishkot proposed establishing a dedicated fund for toiletries and hygiene items to help Family Investment clients prepare for employment.
On old business, Christine Gerhardt reported completing revisions to the board handbook to improve flow and readability and asked members to review the draft ahead of a planned final discussion at the next meeting. A previously planned mini-golf fundraiser was tabled.
Committee reports included a CQI update on staff engagement activities and plans for a 'Souper Bowl' fundraiser, a finance report showing a current balance of $7,213.74, and a public relations note that committee roles and duties need clearer definitions. Kourtney Cluster listed legislative items to watch this session, including House Bill 142 (Child Support ' Earnings Withholdings Limits), Senate Bill 18 (State Board of Social Work Examiners ' conditional licensing revisions), Senate Bill 113 (Human Services ' Department of Aging and Commission on Aging / Longevity Ready Maryland Act), and House Bill 282 (Adult Protective Services modifications).
The board recorded action items including committee assignments, a proposed $1,000 allocation for the food pantry, decorating a children's playroom and planning a backpack giveaway for August 2026. The board set its next virtual meeting for Feb. 19, 2026, with plans to hold one spring or summer meeting at the Family Investment Administration office in Swan Creek. The meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.; minutes were submitted by Kristy Louvado.
