St. Stephens AME Church Continues to Make a Difference in Essex

 So often, the news is full of negativity. But the Dream Makers youth forum, proudly sponsored by St. Stephen’s AME Church, is something positive the community should know about.  Its Office of Management and Technology put together an agenda of speakers and workshops for youth within the community who came together on their day off from school last month.

These teens gathered to participate in a program that not only
honored Dr. Martin Luther King, but also gave them information about finance, public health, technology and careers.

The program was held at the Stembridge Community Center. Teens arrived at 8:45 a.m. for registration and the program began shortly thereafter.

More than 30 teenagers eagerly participated in discussions about finances, covering topics such as money in their pockets to factors affecting their ability to earn a good paycheck. More than one participant said, “I never knew that.”

The next part of the program was a presentation and discussion about using technology. Especially highlighted was the impact of social networking, both positive and negative. It was pointed out that once the information is on the Internet, it never completely goes away.

The teens were reminded that college admissions offices and employers are able research candidates online before accepting college or employment applications. Again, participants could be heard saying, “Did you know that? I didn’t know that.”

Time, effort and thought were also put toward the careers workbook provided to each participant.

Cassandra Umoh and her committee of dedicated volunteers should be commended for putting this program together. Additionally, all the teenagers who got out of bed early on their day off and made the effort to attend the free program should be commended for their willingness to participate and learn about issues that impact them today and will continue to impact their futures.

St. Stephens’ Office of Management and Technology was awarded a grant from the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. This grant is the Minority Outreach and Technical Assistance (MOTA) grant, established about 10 years ago with the launch of the Cigarette Restitution Program (CRF).

The program works closely with the Tobacco Control and the Cancer Prevention programs to reduce smoking and increase cancer screening among minorities throughout the state.

The 2011 centerpiece for redirection of the Maryland Minority Outreach and Technical Assistance Program is the formation of Local Health Disparities Committees (LHDC) in each of the MOTA jurisdictions funded in fiscal year 2011. St. Stephens is coordinating the LHDC for Baltimore County.

The committee’s purpose is to “provide a platform for individuals and groups to combine their efforts, share their resources, overcome challenges, and develop strength in numbers that could increase success in reducing health disparities among all population groups.”

St. Stephens will host a meeting with religous leaders from the area on Feb. 26 at the White Marsh Library to discuss ways of reducing health disparities among minorities.