LEONARDTOWN, Md. – SMECO recently received a $12,000 contribution from CoBank through its matching funds program to benefit local organizations serving our community. Each of the following organizations received $3,000: The Jude House, Wrapping Arms ‘Round Many (WARM), Friends of Calvert County Seniors and the Clements Cuties Foundation.
The Jude House is a dedicated nonprofit Recovery Community Organization committed to providing long-term support for individuals seeking healing and transformation. Its mission is to break the generational cycle of substance use disorder, empowering and arming individuals with the necessary tools to navigate their recovery process, freeing them from the shackles of addiction.
“We are incredibly grateful to SMECO and CoBank for this generous gift,” said Susie Thompson, The Jude House executive director. “Recovery isn’t just about treatment; it’s about rebuilding a life. This funding helps us remove the practical barriers our residents face, from career training and driver’s education to obtaining birth certificates and identification documents needed to get hired. It also supports the experiential programs, fishing, hiking, Outward Bound, family reintegration and alumni events, where people discover that connection and joy are part of a life in recovery.”
WARM is an ecumenical partnership among faith-based communities in St. Mary’s County. The partnership provides temporary overnight shelter and meals for homeless adults in the county during the cold winter months, November through March.
“Last winter, when overnight temperatures dipped as low as 14 degrees, WARM provided critical protection from the cold for 36 adults, totaling 1,545 guest nights and more than 3,200 meals,” said William Hill, WARM board treasurer. “The SMECO donation will support WARM’s partner host sites in continuing to provide warm, comfortable facilities in which to host our unhoused guests.”
Friends of Calvert County Seniors was founded in January 1993 to provide financial assistance to eligible Calvert County residents age 60 and older. The group’s assistance helps seniors remain independent and self-supporting.
“Our intention is to use the SMECO donation to provide dental services and assistance for emergency needs such as electricity, unpaid medical bills and transportation. Our current practice is to provide a maximum of $2,500 for dental services and $500 for other needs. We work very closely with the Calvert County Office on Aging staff, who provide case management and refer people to us,” said Harriet Yaffe, Friends board chairperson. “SMECO’s donation will pay for much-needed dental care for two people and at least two grants for people with other needs. The money also comes at a particularly important time, in that we currently have a waiting list of 13 people seeking help with dental bills.”
The Clements Cuties Foundation raises awareness for childhood cancer and supports children facing severe illnesses. Founded in the 1970s, the Cuties continue their tradition of hosting softball games. Donations can be made online at clementscuties.org/donate. Contributions help pay for medical expenses, fulfill youngsters’ individual wishes and fund memorial scholarships.
“Concern for community is at the heart of everything we do as a cooperative,” said Natalie Cotton, SMECO government and public affairs director. “SMECO is proud to stand with organizations that deliver essential support to Southern Maryland families. Their work reflects the same commitment to service that guides our mission, and we’re honored to help extend their reach through this partnership.”
CoBank’s Sharing Success program is a $6 million fund designed to benefit cooperatives and the charitable groups they support. As a CoBank customer, SMECO qualified for matching funds to share with local groups it sponsors. CoBank and its customers have partnered to contribute more than $97 million in combined donations since 2012.