(8/2020) County Announces Expand Mobile Crisis Services

Frederick County announced the county would be introducing a supplemental budget to fund the expansion of mobile crisis services in an effort to better serve people in the community who are facing crises. The program would provide round-the-clock integrated services through a collaboration with Sheppard Pratt and Frederick Health. Social workers, behavioral health staff, or other specialists would be available to respond to the scene to help a person in crisis, such as addiction, suicidal thoughts, or homelessness. The Mobile Crisis Unit could respond to support law enforcement, emergency medical services, or in some instances on its own.

"We are re-thinking and re-imagining how we should respond to certain crisis situations," Executive Gardner said. "This partnership will allow us to serve people better using an integrated approach, so people get the care and support they need when they need it most."

The Mobile Crisis Services team would be operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by Sheppard Pratt through its local program Way Station, under an agreement with the Frederick County Health Department’s Behavioral Health division. Currently, those services are available only on a limited basis.

"Now more than ever, individuals in our community need access to life-saving resources that support their mental health," said Scott Rose, Chief of Rehabilitation and Recovery Services at Sheppard Pratt. "By expanding mobile crisis services in Frederick, we can quickly get to those in need, partner with first responders, provide an emergency mental health response, and connect individuals with the right next level of care."

Funding will come from multiple sources within county government and from potential grant funds. For more information about addiction treatment and recovery services available through the Frederick County Health Department, visit Health.FrederickCountyMD.gov or call 301-600-1755

County’s Director of Governmental Affairs Earns State Honor

Frederick County’s Director of Governmental Affairs, Joy Schaefer, has been selected as the Distinguished School Board Service Award Recipient, the Maryland Association of Boards of Education announced. The prestigious award is presented to a board member who made outstanding contributions to public education as a school board member in Maryland.

Ms. Schaefer was elected to the Frederick County Board of Education in 2012 and served until 2019, when she stepped down to take on her role in the Office of the County Executive. She was elected as vice president and president of the Board of Education. Ms. Schaefer represented the Maryland Association of Boards of Education on the statewide Kirwan Commission, where she chaired a policy workgroup. She served as MABE Board of Directors President in 2016-17.

"This award was not something I was expecting," Ms. Schaefer said today. "I'm not only honored to receive it, but honored to have worked with some of the most dedicated staff and Board members in Frederick County and across the state. Our deeply held commitment to students is what enabled me to do my best work."

"I want to congratulate Joy on this well-deserved recognition," Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner said Thursday. "Her dedication to making sure every child received the opportunity for an outstanding education is unparalleled. Her contributions to the Kirwan Commission and the implementation of its recommendations will create transformational change in education and lift all students."

County Partners with City, Religious Coalition to Offer Emergency Rental Assistance

Frederick County residents who are behind in their rent because of the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for an emergency rental assistance program, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner announced. The new program is a partnership between Frederick County, the City of Frederick, and the nonprofit Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs, with more than $3 million being set aside to help renters.

Executive Gardner said, "With state eviction protections expiring in a few weeks, we know many people are at risk of losing their housing. This partnership is a fast, effective way to assist those who suddenly found themselves in need."

"We know that our community feels the impacts of COVID-19 daily, and many tenants are struggling to pay their rent. This collaborative rental assistance program makes it easy and quick for our residents to apply for and receive funding," shared City of Frederick Mayor Michael O'Connor. "Our work must continue to ensure housing stability and to prevent avoidable homelessness."

"The Religious Coalition is happy to provide any amount of calm inside the chaos," Executive Director Nick Brown said. "Through these unusual times, we’ve appreciated the community’s support, and we now work to keep this community whole and housed."

The emergency aid can be applied to rent due for up to three months, dating back to April 2020. Eligibility is based on current income and family size. For example, an individual who earns no more $55,750 a year may qualify, while the annual income limit for a family of four is $79,600. A copy of a lease or rental agreement is required, as well as proof of COVID-related financial hardship. Tenants of public housing or other government rental assistance are not eligible.

County Executive Appoints Steichen as TransIT Director

Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner announced the promotion and appointment of Roman Steichen as the Transportation Services Division Director. The County Council unanimously confirmed Mr. Steichen’s appointment today.

Mr. Steichen has served as Acting Director since February when former Director Nancy Norris retired. He came to Frederick County TransIT in 2018 as Deputy Director. In that role, he oversaw contract management, grant and budget administration, and professional staff. He also served as the chief safety officer, ensuring the division met all federal safety standards.

"Roman has done an amazing job as acting director," County Executive Jan Gardner said. "From hosting U.S. Congressmen on his first day, to quickly adjusting to major changes in transit service during the health pandemic, he has shown real leadership. I am confident he will continue to bring new ideas to keep the buses running."

Prior to joining Frederick County Government, Mr. Steichen was transportation manager for Johns Hopkins University. He began his transportation career as a bus driver and dispatcher with the University of Maryland’s Department of Transportation Services, where he went on to become Senior Transit Operations Supervisor. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland, University College.

County to Create Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer Position

Frederick County announced an initiative to move forward her vision of advancing fairness and equity in the community. She is creating a Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer position to lead the work effort for equity and inclusion within Frederick County Government and beyond.

"I envision a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and can share in our community’s prosperity," Executive Gardner said. "Frederick County Government must lead by example and demonstrate our commitment to promote and provide equitable programs, policies, resources, and services and by embracing diversity and inclusion in all we do."

The Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer will help to develop an overall strategic plan to deliver on Frederick County Government’s vision of a community where everyone has the opportunity and ability to succeed and prosper. The CEI Officer will identify any practices or policies needed to ensure equity; implement training and competency-building strategies for the FCG workforce; recommend ways to improve minority business opportunities for procurement and contracts with the County; and develop strategic community partnerships. The position, which will be widely advertised, will serve at-will within the Office of the County Executive.

Workforce, Affordable Senior Housing Opportunities Announced

Frederick County announced an initiative to help meet the need for housing that is affordable to seniors and Frederick County’s workforce. A Request for Proposals has been issued to affordable housing developers seeking proposals for two County-owned properties. The effort supports the Executive’s vision of advancing fairness and equity in the community, and creating affordable housing.

"Advancing affordable housing options by leveraging county-owned surplus land implements the Livable Frederick master plan goal to ensure that housing options are available and accessible for people of varying income levels who want to live, work, raise a family, and retire in Frederick County," Executive Gardner said during her public information briefing. "And it aligns with our efforts for fairness and equity to ensure that all people have access and the opportunity for housing."

A similar process was used when the former County office building and school at 520 N. Market St. in Frederick became available. As a result of the winning RFP, the County partnered with a local nonprofit and developer to create 59 apartments at that location, with many of the units offered at below-market rates.

Proposals will be accepted through Aug. 30. The full Request for Proposals is available online at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Bids.