Nonprofit Profile: Caring Carroll

Caring Carroll is an organization that matches volunteers with older and/or disabled adults in Carroll County who need a little help to remain living independently.  

Volunteers help up to 1-2 hours a week with task such as driving people to appointments, running errands, doing light housekeeping, helping with yard work, and/or just visiting.

Caring Carroll began as a Faith in Action grant from the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation in 2005.  It was founded by the Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County.  In 2007, the organization became an independent 501c3.

Maggie Kunz, MPH has been Program Coordinator of Caring Carroll since 2009.  She holds a Master's Degree in Public Health, in Health Behavior and Health Education and likes to do work that benefits the community. 

Kunz explained that there are many who offer their time and efforts to help the organization.

“I am the only employee, but the Caring Carroll board is very involved and hard-working.  We work with over 100 volunteers, some who volunteer every week, and some who help once or twice a year with yard work.  We also work with many local churches that offer support with donations, volunteers, and groups to do yard work and home repairs,” Kunz says.

Patch:  What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles the organization faces?

Kunz:  Just like many other organizations, we run on grants and donations from individuals and churches, and can always use more financial contributions to help us continue to provide services.  Funding is a challenge in these tough times.  Also, we can't do what we do without our volunteers.  We can always use more volunteers to help us help more people.

Patch: What are the most rewarding things about being involved with this organization?

It's great when a match works out so well that the volunteer and client develop a relationship and become close friends.  

One client who loves kids got matched with four families who rotate helping her clean, and they've become so close they all had a Christmas party and helped her put up decorations and make cookies!

Patch: What are your future goals/plans for the organization?  How do you plan or hope for it to build/grow?

Kunz:  I would love to see Caring Carroll be able to expand our services and reach more people in need, to help them live independently as long as possible.  I would also like to provide more education for my clients about home safety and fall prevention.  We are always working on grants to help us grow.

“Volunteering for Caring Carroll is flexible and rewarding. We try to match our volunteers with someone who lives close to them and needs the kind of help they can provide.  A little help can make a big difference for a neighbor in need,” said Kunz.

Upcoming trainings for volunteers will be held:

• Tues., Oct. 18, 10-11 a.m. OR 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Westminster Public Library, 50 E.Main
• Monday, Oct. 24, 10-11 a.m. at the Taneytown Library, 10 Grand Street

For more information visit www.caringcarroll.org.  You may email caringcarrollinc@gmail.com or call at 410-775-5596.  Also be sure to check out their facebook page here.