Samantha Doar, Author at Maryland VOAD

The June edition of the Maryland VOAD Newsletter is now available. Find it here and sign up to receive additional newsletters each month to your inbox.

Do you have an update, event, or announcement to share with the rest of Maryland VOAD? Send your information and pictures to CommunicationsCoordinator@MarylandVOAD.org to be shared on our social media or by the 25th of each month to be included in the next newsletter issue.

Missed last month’s Newsletter? Find it here!

Please note, we will not distribute a monthly newsletter this summer (July nor August). Our next issue will be released on Monday, September 1, 2025. If you, or your organization, have a need, email communicationscoordinator@marylandvoad.org.

See you in the fall!

Check out the upcoming events below:

DATES	Conference or Training Event	Location and Registration
2025 Date varies by location	Central MD American Red Cross Training	Schedule and Registration
May 4-7, 2026	National VOAD Conference	The Peppermill Reno, NV

Event Calendar

May 15, 2025, Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency to strengthen the state’s coordinated response to historic flood damage in Western Maryland. The governor announced the State of Emergency declaration during his visit to Allegany County to survey the major damage incurred as the result of statewide storm activity.

“No one ever expects disaster to strike close to home, but when it does, the strength and resilience of our communities become clear,” said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland. “The people of Western Maryland faced unimaginable flooding with courage and saved lives through the quick action of local responders. Under Governor Moore’s emergency declaration, MDEM will continue to lead a coordinated, statewide response and recovery—working side-by-side with local officials, first responders, and our state and federal partners to support immediate needs, assess damage, and build a path toward long-term recovery. We will not leave until the work is done.”

Secretary Russ Strickland acknowledges Maryland VOAD and its members on Facebook.

Member Spotlight: Maryland VOAD member, Anne Arundel – Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT), places a high priority on community resident knowledge and training, to add resilience within their communities.

In addition to offering CERT Basic training, AAACERT’s Learn to Save Lives program provides certificated CPR/AED/First Aid training, supplemented with Stop the Bleed and Overdose Awareness training.

The Fire Safety training includes use of a digital Fire Extinguisher training simulator.

While focused in Anne Arundel County, the organization is happy to support neighbors in the adjacent counties.

For more information, please contact us at classes@learntosavelives.com.

The Maryland Emergency Management Association (MDEMA) is proud to host this year’s Silent Auction in support of the Doc Lumpkins Memorial Scholarship Fund! Monies collected support the next generation of emergency management professionals!

Consider donating items, themed baskets, or experiences for the auction.

Contact Cory Edwards at fundraising@marylandema.org if interested!

The Evangelical Lutheran Church is seeking a Disaster Response Administrator to lead and oversee disaster readiness and responses in AL, MS, GA and TN. The Disaster Response Administrator would serve on the synod staff and be accountable to the synod bishop. Read the job description here.

Visit the website to learn about other career opportunities domestic and around the globe.

Phase 3 of 2021 Tidal Flood Recovery

Home elevation project #3 construction progress update:

MDS volunteers started the necessary repairs from water damage to the underneath and interior (floors) of the home. As weather permits this group will finalize constructing the rear entry steps and rear porch, extending the rain gutter downspouts as well as the necessary roofs repairs needed that resulted from removing the old attached carport.

Home elevation projects #4, #5 and #6 were recently approved by the Eastern Shore Long Term Recovery Committee. The permit process has begun for two of the projects. When permits are complete, construction will begin weather permitting.

The Eastern Shore Long Term Recovery Committee, and its partners are seeking to elevate and repair 100 homes to eliminate the flood hazards for vulnerable families in low-lying areas on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Review the Project Status.

Consider making a DONATION!

Representatives from the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference and the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church partnered in January to lead guests from the Northeast Jurisdiction College of Bishops and Committee on Episcopacy in a service project to support hurricane survivors during their Annual Meeting.

(pictured R:Thea Becton, BWC & L:Ray Yarnall, Pen-Del)

These Maryland VOAD members continue to increase awareness of on-going relief efforts for hurricane, tornado, and flooding survivors while news of efforts to support survivors of the California wildfires ramps up.

The group was surprised to learn that 20% of Conferences in their Jurisdiction were actively engaged in some phase of disaster management.

Those outside of impacted areas were encouraged to pray, provide resources, and MAKE A PLAN.

Maryland VOAD welcomes new members–spread the word. Join the movement today!

To request an application, send an email to membership@marylandvoad.org.

Check out the full list of our Current Members, Partners, and Affiliates.

Maryland Office of Resilience Unveils Comprehensive Resilience Toolkit

Empowering Communities With Funding Information, Planning Resources, and Technical Support to Tackle Future Challenges

The Maryland Office of Resilience (MOR), which is part of the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), is proud to announce the launch of the Maryland Resilience Toolkit, available at ResilientMaryland.com. This new tool is designed to equip local governments, State agencies, community leaders, businesses, and nonprofits with access to the resources needed to strengthen hazard resilience across Maryland.

The Maryland Resilience Toolkit is a one-stop shop for resilience information and resources that can help communities across the State adapt to and overcome a wide range of evolving risks, from climate change and natural hazards to infrastructure challenges. By offering access to resilience grant opportunities and best practices, the Toolkit ensures that Maryland’s unique communities—from urban centers to rural towns—can build stronger infrastructure, protect their environments, and safeguard their people.

“The key to a resilient Maryland lies within our State’s ability to be prepared to adapt, withstand, and swiftly recover from disruptions to daily life,” said Secretary Russ Strickland of MDEM. “The Maryland Resilience Toolkit offers our communities the resources they need to shape a more resilient Maryland, where communities thrive.”

Who Is the Toolkit for?

State and Local Governments: Supporting operational planners and leadership teams to create robust resilience strategies.
Resilience Authorities: Assisting local entities with the tools to promote community resilience at every level.
Businesses and Nongovernmental Organizations: Empowering organizations to take proactive steps in risk mitigation.

The Toolkit’s development represents Maryland’s ongoing commitment to proactive resilience planning. It underscores the belief that resilience must be collaborative, inclusive, and far-reaching—touching not just coastal areas, but every community across the State.

June 2025 Newsletter Now Available