JEDI Committee

The mission of the Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) Committee is to promote intercultural understanding and acceptance among DSC Staff, volunteers, and community members by educating, empowering, and creating self-awareness in the context of a global society. DSC will foster an environment of inclusion and equality with fairness, appreciation for individual differences, and respect for all.

The JEDI Committee is dedicated to uncovering and honoring the stories of Sykesville’s Black history and the individuals who shaped it. We are embarking on a journey to connect with community members who can share these important narratives and will collaborate with partners to ensure that the rich history of Sykesville is preserved and celebrated where it truly belongs.

Trans Lifeline is a peer support hotline dedicated to transgender and questioning individuals, operated entirely by trans people. In the United States, you can reach them at (877) 565-8860. For Spanish-speaking support, press 2 after calling. Their operating hours are Monday through Friday, 1 PM to 9 PM Eastern Time. Trans Lifeline

Another resource is The Trevor Project, which offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth. You can call them at (866) 488-7386 or text "START" to 678-678 to connect with a counselor. National Association of Social Workers

Please note that while Trans Lifeline does not engage in non-consensual active rescue (meaning they won't call emergency services without your consent), other hotlines like The Trevor Project may have different policies regarding emergency interventions.

– Kahlert Foundation grant of $1,000.

– OAG-MIP grant of $16,000 towards a small business relief mini-grant program.

– OAG-MIP grant of $5,000 for diversity programs in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

– OAG-TAG grant of $4,000 for a branding and marketing study with Platinum PR.

– Walmart Community grant of $3,000 in 2020 and $1,000 in 2024.

- Impaq International Inc. grant of $1,500 for the 2020 Happy-thon.

- Nori grant of $25,000 for operations support.

- MD-SERI grant of $146,000, granted $73,294.2.

- SHARP grant of $10,000 for operations support in 2021.

- SHINE grant of $10,000 for operations support in 2022 and 2025.

At DSC, we celebrate diversity and honor the unique qualities that each community member brings. We believe that it's through embracing our differences that we truly thrive and create a vibrant, inclusive environment for all.

– Creation of a sponsorship program to cast a wider net for volunteer recruitment.

-  Hosted a variety of DEI events.

- Hosted a complimentary DEI video camp in 2023.

– Hosted a volunteer appreciation event with the Town of Sykesville and long-time Sykesville volunteer Fred Gossage.

– Coordinated a board training with BS Corbett in 2022.

– Coordinated a DEI- board training with the World Woman LLC in 2023.

– Coordinated the yearly downtown Sykesville Pink Fling window painting.

– Participation in the Patapsco Greenway project.

– Dedicated a bench for Donna Box.

– Growth of the Board of Directors to 13 members.

– Created a quarterly e-Newsletter (see website home page).

– Partnered with FDCA, Senator Fry Hester, and Commissioner Rothstein to co-found the Community Organization Active in Disaster (COAD).

– Created Emergency Food pantries in 2020.

– Completed Main Street and grants’ quarterly and final reports.

– Created new partnerships with volunteer groups (e.g. Project Linus).

– Hosted the yearly Happy-thon.

– Recruit event and committee volunteers

– Purchase and add content to the Maestro software.