Harford County Office of Human Relations Hosts Summit for Clergy, Community Leaders

From Harford County Government:

(Bel Air, MD) – The Harford County Department of Community Services’ Office of Human Relations co-hosted the Pastors and Community Leaders Networking Summit 2 event on Thursday, October 23, 2014. Leaders discussed ways to work together to build, support, enhance and collaborate for sustainable community success. Clergy, government officials, non-profits and others gathered at the Edgewood Senior Activity Center for the event.

Participants discussed challenges faced by young people in the first summit, which was held at the inaugural meeting in May. A panel of experts discussed existing challenges, programs and provided a wish list of items.

The panelists for the Summit included: Sharon Lipford, deputy director, Harford County Department of Community Services, Captain Stephen Thomas, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Derek DeWitt, director of operations, Harford County Boys & Girls Clubs, Laurie Namey, supervisor of equity and cultural proficiency, Harford County Public Schools, and David Woods, manager, Epicenter at Edgewood.

They discussed the challenges of working with local youth. The panelists say they need volunteers to carry out programs currently in place and initiate new ones. They also mentioned a one-stop-shop for all things youth, including an easily accessible network available to youth, parents, educators, and others.

Dr. Russell Moy, Deputy Health Officer, also attended the event. He discussed concerns about Ebola, described health priorities for the County, and plans for a new initiative with assistance from local pastors.

The attendees offered positive feedback on the panel discussion. The group plans to continue the Summits quarterly. For more information or to be added to the mailing list, contact the Harford County Office of Human Relations, 410-638-4739 or humanrelations@harfordcountymd.gov.