Congratulations to Potomac Case Management Services, Inc. (PCMS) for their award of $137,700.00 for the provision of diversion services. Potomac Case Management Services, Inc. will provide case management and diversion services focusing on two core components: diverting eligible juvenile offenders from the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) and redirecting alleged Children In Need of Supervision (CINS) youth away from DJS to community-based services. The diversion component will be based on a Restorative Justice philosophy, by engaging the eligible offender, offender's parents and the victim in the diversion process to restore the harm done and make the offender accountable for their actions, while generally avoiding formal court proceedings. CINS Case Management services will provide family support, advocacy and linkage to community-based services. Services will require strong collaborations with other community organizations in order to assist youth and families in exploring and accessing community-based interventions as an alternative to entering the juvenile justice system. Contractor will provide two full-time Case Managers, supported by a part-time clerical position, to implement the case management services as defined in the RFP and the CP.

In addition, the program will provide parent and teen educational/support groups, led by a trained facilitator. Service goals for these groups include providing practical strategies to parents for preventing ongoing discipline problems, teaching pro-social behavior, promoting personal responsibility, reinforcing parenting skills, improving communication, etc.

For more information, please contact Paula Fisher, WCCP Project Coordinator, at 240-313-2098.

The Authentic Community Theatre, Inc. (ACT) was awarded $24,999.00 to help purchase sound and lighting equipment to:

• provide drama workshops for students at two After School sites (Hancock Junior/High and Cascade Elementary);
• assist the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition with a presentation/drama ; and
• develop a traveling drama group comprised of community students that will inspire their audiences through innovative performance topics.

The ACT exists to explore and encourage application of the performing arts as a catalyst towards responsible social change and enhanced community cohesion. ACT, Inc. will purchase quality, portable sound and lighting system equipment that will allow them to present and create excellent and innovative performing arts programs for diverse audiences and participants.

The Interfaith Service Coalition, Inc. was awarded $24,999.00 to be applied to the cost of replacing the roof, demolition of unusable and unstable additions to the property and exterior sheathing for the Good Samaritan House.

The Good Samaritan House consists of two housing units with a total usable living area of 2,000 square feet. The units will require new kitchens and bathrooms, new electric service and new heating/air conditioning systems. Upon completion of these major renovation components, new drywall, paint, cabinets, appliances and bathroom fixtures will be required.

One side of the Good Samaritan House will be rented at a below market rental rate to a low-income individual or couple who would also serve as the caretaker of the property. The remaining side would be used as the transitional housing unit and would be occupied by tenants from the target population described earlier. These tenants would be provided 30-45 day temporary housing while working with the ISC and other agencies to find suitable long-term housing. There would be no cost to tenants in the transitional side of the Good Samaritan House. The rental period could be extended with approval of the ISC Board of Directors. While residing in the Good Samaritan House, tenants will be introduced to the other services of the ISC and will be encouraged to take advantage of these and other county-wide services available to aid in their transition to permanent housing.