Columbia Community Care Inc
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Mission Statement
The mission of Columbia Community Care is to create authentic connections and community partnerships. We listen, and respond by providing resources and programs, while respecting the inherent dignity of every person.
About This Cause
On March 11th 2020 Erika Chavarria posted on FB “If they close HCPSS I volunteer to run meals to students and families who are in need, or help in locations where food will be offered. Who is with me?” Three days later on March 14th, she created the Columbia Community Care Facebook group. A small group of volunteers began gathering donations and determining which schools around the county had the most students coming to pick up lunches. They decided on five schools throughout Howard County, Maryland with the highest need, Swansfield Elementary School, Oakland Mills Middle School, Wilde Lake Middle School, Lake Elkhorn Middle School and Howard High School, as the initial food and essential supplies distribution sites. CCC continued putting out the call for donations and soon had a healthy steady stream of donations. CCC’s “homebase”, Swansfield Elementary School, was where volunteers would begin beginning donations early in the morning. Other volunteers would separate donations into categories and take car loads to the other distribution sites around the county. Residents in need of food and supplies arrived to the sites by the hundreds, even arriving as early as 4am, to hold their spot in line. From the beginning CCC was intentional about removing barriers to access. CCC never required identification or proof of need. The sites were located within walking distance for many families. Soon calls and messages started coming in from families who were quarantining, had no transportation, or otherwise could not get to the sites during the day. It was determined that a home delivery service was necessary in order to reach as many Howard County residents as possible. Originally, volunteers would pick up supplies from our homebase and deliver them to families. However it was obvious that the need was so great, that a pantry would be needed just for the delivery service. Fortunately, Two churches, Bethel Presbyterian Church and New Hope Adventist Church offered to house the delivery pantries at their churches while they were shut down during the pandemic. Their own church members along with hundreds of community members volunteered each day to stock the pantry, do inventory, and guide volunteer shoppers through the process of gathering items to supply delivery orders for the families in need. CCC also partnered early on with numerous locally owned restaurants in Howard County of diverse cuisine, including Foodfricana, Blowfish Poke, Koshary Corner, Tasty Empanadas, Anegada Delights Caribbean Cuisine, Bonheur Deli, and a local Soup chef. CCC was able to support local businesses during a very rough time in the midst of the pandemic, while also providing hot, healthy, and culturally diverse meals to CCC families waiting in line at the distribution sites. CCC also partnered with local farms to provide fresh produce for both sites and delivery pantries and connected with dozens of local organizations and businesses who did fundraisers to collect donations and funds for CCC. Many of our customers who benefited from CCC’s services, also dedicated their time to being volunteers. Many people donated items that they did not need in return for ones they did need, and some used donations they received to cook amazing dishes for others. CCC has had to adjust operations along the way, depending on pandemic guidelines, the reopening of schools, and other factors. Over the last four plus years CCC has grown to almost 10,000 social media followers, eight in-person site coordinators who oversee distribution of essential resources at CCC’s sites across the county, two delivery pantry coordinators who oversee and operate CCC’s home delivery service, hundreds of volunteers monthly including dozens of community organizations, dozens of community partners, and thousands of consistent donors. CCC has served hundreds of thousands of residents of Howard County and has completed tens of thousands of home deliveries of full grocery orders for those who lack transportation or otherwise cannot get to the in-person sites. Our data matches that of what United Way of Central Maryland describes as the ALICE threshold, which in Howard County is 23% of the 116,903 households. These are residents who are fully employed and still cannot make ends meet. These are folks who are just over the cliff of the federal poverty line, meaning that they just barely do not qualify for social services. The federal poverty level is approximately $27,000 for a family of four. It is nearly impossible to live anywhere in this country on $27,000 for a family of four, but especially not here in Howard County. Because Columbia Community Care does not ask for proof of need or identification, our existence has been critical in addressing the urgent needs of the 26,887 households who fall under that ALICE threshold. However, we know that we must address the systems and institutions that create the injustices and inequalities that exist for so many of our families across Howard County. As a non-profit, Columbia Community Care has expanded to respond to the holistic needs of Howard County families through partnering with organizations, community members, and businesses to provide programming and services. Addressing the root causes of poverty, hunger, equities, and injustice is essential in ensuring that we all don’t just survive, but thrive. The success of future generations is built on the paths forged by today’s young people. Yet, quality afterschool programs, sports, mentorship, and enrichment activities are out of reach for many families. We want to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to build the future they imagine for themselves, and has access to the learning and guidance to do so. This includes defining their purpose and passion, living a healthy and active life, learning foundational skills like financial literacy and career planning, and engaging in service within the community. Our youth engagement partners provide mentorship programs, sports, enrichment activities, and learning opportunities to help young people achieve their fullest potential and make a positive impact on the community and those around them. We believe in the power of connection to help communities heal, grow, and flourish. Since our beginnings, we have proven that when people come together with a purpose, we are able to deliver incredible outcomes despite challenging circumstances. With this in mind, we serve as a connector and catalyst for change in our communities. We bring together like minded individuals and organizations who want to solve root causes, not just treat symptoms. We act with intention and urgency to address the impact of generational problems that are affecting people right now. We know that connection with others is vital for survival. We offer programs to elevate the mind, body, and spirit in health and wellness. Throughout our time as a renowned organization, we have been honored with multiple community awards and are considered one of the most influential nonprofits of Howard County. We have won Best of Howard County Best Volunteer Organization for 2020, 2021, and 2022, and Best of Howard County Pandemic Hero in 2020. In 2022 we also received a Howard County Government Rise to the Challenge Award. Founder and Executive Director Erika Chavarria has received numerous honors and awards for her work with Columbia Community Care including, 2023 The Baltimore Banner’s Emerging Leaders Award, 2023 The Daily Record Maryland’s Top 100 Women, Maryland, 2022 Sunrise Distinction Education Hero Howard County Rise to the Challenge Awards, 2021 Women’s Giving Circle (S)heros Recognition, 2020 Casey and Pebble Willis Making a Difference Award to Girls on Fire Mentoring and Leadership Program of Maryland and the Leadership Council Award, 2020 Baltimore Sun’s Women to Watch Recipient, 2020 Howard County Human Rights Commission’s Human Rights Award Recipient, and Girls On The Run SHEro Series April 2020 Spotlight. These recognitions are a reflection of the impact that Columbia Community Care has had within Howard County and the state of Maryland. We have tremendous outreach, influence, and impact through our relationships with community partners including other nonprofits and businesses, politicians, and government officials. Since its founding Columbia Community Care has intentionally partnered with community based organizations, local businesses, professionals, and community members to meet the needs of our community. Alliances, coalitions, partnerships, and collaborations based on community connectedness and relationship as opposed to competition allow for the entire community to thrive and are part of the solution to inequalities and injustice.