Community Action Council of Howard County Announces 2016 Humanitarian Service Award Recipient

COLUMBIA, Md. - Aug. 22, 2016 - PRLog -- The Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) is pleased to announce that it has selected "Howard 7" to receive CAC's 2016 Humanitarian Service Award. The "Howard 7" Rotary Clubs' collective commitment to the Head Start Program, in assuring that the children enrolled continue to have access to a summer program in Howard County, has distinguished these organizations as the recipient of this prestigious award.

"Howard 7" Rotary organizations will be publicly recognized at the 21^th Annual Holland Award Dinner, which will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2016, at the Turf Valley Conference Center. A social reception will begin at 6:00 p.m., with the program beginning at 6:30 p.m.

For the first time in the history of the Rotary Clubs in Howard County, the seven clubs came together to collectively support a program as their signature program. This collaboration allowed for support of a shared vision, creation of a team that advocated for that vision, and building trust through relationships that worked hard to deliver on that vision.

The significance of the Rotary Clubs' commitment has been a cornerstone in CAC's ability to extend and expand the program for hundreds of low income children ages 3 to 5.

"The support of our community organizations, specifically the 'Howard 7', has been the bedrock of bringing together partners such as the Maryland State Department of Education, the US Department of Education, and the Health and Human Services to agree to blending of funds and bundling of program guidelines that paved the way to creating a full-day, full year Pre-K program in Howard County," said Bita Dayhoff, President of CAC. "By tapping into its diverse and enthusiastic membership, 'Howard 7' has consistently found new ways to make Howard County a better place to live. We are very fortunate to have such strong community organizations and leadership in Howard County."

Charlie McCabe, Rotary's Area Governor for Howard County, in receiving this recognition on behalf of the seven Rotary Clubs underscored the importance of Howard 7's partnership with the Community Action Council. "It's truly rewarding to see the positive quality of life difference we're making by working together. By partnering with CAC and others, we as Rotarians are able to better fulfill our mission of keeping 'Humanity in Motion' by giving back to both our community locally and around the world."

The Humanitarian Award is named in recognition of Rev. Holland, an influential member of our community whose tireless service was an inspiration for many. Rev. Holland, who served 10 years as president of the local branch of the NAACP, passed away in 1987.

CAC is a private nonprofit organization serving more than 35,000 low-income individuals and families in Howard County. Its large umbrella of services includes the Food Bank, Head Start, Housing, energy and weatherization assistance. CAC provides services to children and senior citizens, single parents and working families who, often despite holding down one or more jobs, struggle to make ends meet.

Sponsorships are available for the Holland Awards Dinner. To purchase tickets, go to the CAC website, www.cac-hc.org or contact Brad Dwin, CAC's Director of Development, at bdwin@cac-hc.org or 410-313-3714.

Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) was created in 1965 as Howard County, Maryland's designated anti-poverty agency. Our mission is to diminish poverty, enable self-sufficiency and advocate for low-income families and individuals. CAC provides services for more than 35,000 residents by running the Howard County Food Bank, administering a Head Start program for more than 300 pre-K children, offering energy/weatherization assistance and providing homelessness prevention programs. For more information about CAC, please visit www.cac-hc.org.