by Staff Writer
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Carroll County is expanding its mental health and wellness efforts thanks to a major new grant. The organization has been awarded $400,000 to grow its Positive Action program, which supports social-emotional development for young people.
The funding will provide year-round programming to 630 students at five Club locations. The grant comes from the Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports and the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC), funded by the Maryland General Assembly through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future (Ch. 36 of 2021).
The Positive Action program will be offered in close partnership with Carroll County Public Schools, serving students in Westminster, Hampstead, Taneytown, and Sykesville. In total, youth from 17 schools—many identified as Title I or facing high behavioral health needs—will benefit from the expansion.
“We are incredibly thankful for this investment in our youth,” said Erin Bishop, Director of Community Impact at Boys & Girls Clubs of Carroll County. “Positive Action gives kids the tools to build confidence, manage emotions, and make healthy choices. This program truly helps them grow into their best selves.”
The Positive Action curriculum is an evidence-based initiative that supports student success both inside and outside the classroom. Its core focus is on teaching life skills such as self-control, empathy, and positive decision making. Studies have shown the program can help reduce poor behaviors and aggressive responses to difficult situations.
“The Consortium is thrilled to extend its partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs to support the mental health and well-being of Maryland students,” said Consortium Chair David D. Rudolph. “We look forward to working with the Clubs as they implement this grant.”
This funding strengthens the Club’s long-standing mission to promote the overall well-being of young people across Carroll County. With a focus on year-round social-emotional wellness, this initiative aims to create a positive and lasting impact on students’ lives at a time when behavioral health support is more crucial than ever.
For more on the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission, visit CHRC Website.
For information on the Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports, visit Consortium Website.
