Sixteen Howard County community organizations received program and project grant awards from the Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent (RCCP) at a breakfast meeting June 18. The awards, supported by fund-raising activities throughout the year, are part of Rotary’s focus on community service and commitment to giving back.

President Walter Mazzella (far right in group photo with recipients) said Grants Day is considered the highlight of the Rotary year by many club members. Grants for 2020-2021 went to: 

 Howard County Conservancy

  • The Howard County Conservancy promotes environmental education, preservation and stewardship. The RCCP grant supports nature preschool scholarship opportunities

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Community Ecology Institute 

  • The Community Ecology Institute cultivates connections between ecosystem health and human health. The RCCOP grant supports a community ecology center.

James’ Place

  • James’ Place educates, inspires and encourages hope for those experiencing addiction. The RCCP grant will support scholarships for recovery. 

Zaching Against Cancer  

  • Zaching Against Cancer aids patients, caregivers, family members and others affected by the disease. The RCCP grant supports Zack Packs filled with toiletries, snacks and creature comforts for medically fragile children. 

Gilchrist Hospice  

  • Gilchrist Hospice is a leader in serious illness and end-of-life care. The RCCP grant is going for a blanket warming machine for Gilchrist’s inpatient unit. 

Rebuilding Together

  • Rebuilding Together Howard County provides free home repairs to low-income families. The RCCP grant helps meet even greater needs in today’s difficult economic climate.

Howard County General Hospital  

  • Howard County General Hospital offers a full range of hospital and wellness services with more than 1,000 affiliated doctors in nearly 100 clinical specialties. The RCCP grant is earmarked for new units in the hospital’s campus construction project

Respite Retreats  

  • Respite Retreats programs give periods of rest or relief for cancer patients, their caregivers and family members. The RCCP grant will help refuel the body, mind and spirits of those affected by cancer. 

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Maryland State Dental Association Charitable Foundation  

  • The Maryland State Dental Association Foundation works to provides free dental services to people who do not have regular access to dental health care. The RCCP grant supports mobile dental clinics throughout the state. 

Grassroots Crisis Intervention  

  • Grassroots offers 24/7 intervention/counseling services for anyone experiencing a personal, behavioral health, housing or situational crisis. The RCCP grant is supporting shelter programs. 

Neighbor Ride  

  • Neighbor Ride improves health and quality of life for Howard County's seniors via affordable, passenger-focused and volunteer-based transportation. The RCCP grant is adding staff hours to expand services. 

Living In Recovery  

  • Living in Recovery helps individuals reclaim their lives and break the cycle of “addiction-rehab-relapse”. The RCCP grant contributes toward sober housing free of alcohol and drugs, with peer support and a climate of personal accountability. 

Howard County Autism Society  

  • The Howard County Autism Society seeks to improve the quality of life for people on the autism spectrum, their families and their communities. The RCCP grant supports the Patuxent Commons Housing Initiative, a mixed income inter-generational project to be located in Columbia’s Hickory Ridge Village. 

Oakland Mills High School PTSA  

  • Oakland Mills’ PTA advocates for students and their families so that every child’s potential for success can become a reality. The RCCP award contributes to scholarships for senior students and grants for teachers. 

Howard Community College

  • The college offers two-year degree and certificate programs preparing students for the workforce and built around careers that are in demand. The RCCP grant goes for entrepreneurial program scholarships plus a faculty speaker series open to local citizens. 

Community Action Council of Howard County  

  • The Community Action Council is the county’s designated antipoverty organization, active in early childhood education and assistance for food, housing, energy and weatherization. This was the RCCP’s “Darrell Nevin Memorial Award,” honoring a deceased longtime Rotarian who was a strong supporter of the Community Action Council and other Howard County non-profits.  

A club committee considers applications for RCCP grants based on merit. Applications must be sponsored by a club member in good standing. 

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