LEONARDTOWN, Md. – February 14, 2020: On February 6, 2020, the Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) Class of 2020 participated in the sixth of nine educational sessions – Housing and Human Services.

The morning began with Cathy Meyers, LSM founding sponsor and executive director at Center for Children, Inc., presenting the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) assessment. Afterward, she gave context to the assessment, educating the class on how childhood experiences, poverty, mental health, and homelessness can be intertwined and how adverse childhood experiences can affect one’s ability to thrive. The class also received an overview of A.L.I.C.E, from Mike Bellis LSM’19, executive director of United Way of Charles County.  Bellis introduced the A.L.I.C.E. report which details financial struggles and hardships faced by Marylanders, many of whom are “one blown transmission away” from financial crisis.

Chris Longmore LSM’09, attorney and partner at Dugan, McKissick & Longmore, led the lunchtime activity and discussion on how the class, as leaders, can help with housing and human services issues in Southern Maryland and beyond. Next, the class heard from representatives of area nonprofits including the Three Oaks Center and LifeStyles of Maryland, Inc.  The discussion centered on a number of topics related to homelessness in Southern Maryland

The class then traveled to Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore facility in Lexington Park where they learned more about the organization’s mission and volunteered their time.  They wrapped up their day with a networking event at Elements Eatery and Mixology.  Class participants were able to meet and interact with LSM graduates, over 350 strong, and reflect on the day’s events.