Keith Fanjoy

On March 25th, the Maryland Theatre filled with community members from across sectors, including neighborhood residents, educators, social workers, healthcare providers, and advocates, each arriving with a shared purpose: to better understand how we create spaces where children and families can truly thrive. Bester Community of Hope’s 11th annual training, “Common Ground: Cultivating Spaces for Families,” welcomed close to 600 participants into a deeper conversation centered on people, relationships, and the conditions that make growth possible.

San Mar Family & Community Services CEO Keith Fanjoy opened the morning by inviting participants to zoom out and reflect on what is possible when a community commits to children and families in a deeper way. “Where do our beliefs align? Where do our interests align? And how do those lead to strategies we can accomplish together? The kids are watching.” he shared. Lifting up the work of the Bester Community of Hope initiative, ENOUGH subgrantees, and the collective momentum building across the South End of Hagerstown, he highlighted not just progress, but the power of shared vision in addressing the root causes of poverty. The opening also included the presentation of the Bruce Anderson Legacy Award, honoring former Bester Elementary School Principal Kristi Bachtell. Her recognition served as a reminder that this work is carried forward by individuals who lead with heart, invest deeply in relationships, and leave a lasting impact on generations of children and families. Fanjoy shared, “In times that took great courage, we saw your sacrifice, and we continue to celebrate what you accomplished.”

The morning then centered on a simple but powerful truth: meaningful change does not happen in isolation. It happens in the context of relationships. Through the lens of brain science and decades of experience, Dr. Bruce Perry challenged participants to think beyond traditional approaches to helping, emphasizing that connection, not compliance, is what drives healing. Joining virtually, Dr. Perry engaged the audience not only through his remarks but also through a live question and answer session, creating space for reflection and deeper understanding. His message reframed the work for many in the room, underscoring that the environments we create every day, at home, in schools, and within systems, either support or hinder a child’s ability to feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn.

That foundation of connection carried into a fireside chat facilitated by Bester Community of Hope Director Jen Younker with author Dr. Mona Hanna, whose work has become synonymous with courageous advocacy and public health leadership. She reflected on the importance of trusting communities and listening to the voices of those most impacted. Her story served as a reminder that change often begins with individuals willing to ask hard questions, challenge the status quo, and stand firm in the face of uncertainty. At its core, the discussion reinforced a central theme of the day: those closest to the challenges are also closest to the solutions, if we are willing to partner with them in meaningful ways. Dr. Mona also shared how this work led to the creation of Rx Kids, a now national program designed to universally support pregnant mothers and babies through their first year of life. Younker connected this approach to the newly implemented Family Scholarship Program, funded through the Maryland Governor’s Office for Children and facilitated by Bester Community of Hope, which supports families in the South End of Hagerstown navigating the benefits cliff.

As the morning continued, participants were invited to stretch even further in their thinking through the powerful perspective of Daryl Davis. Known for his decades-long commitment to building relationships across deep divides, Davis shared experiences that challenged assumptions about conflict, difference, and what it truly means to connect. His message was not about agreement, but about the willingness to sit across from someone, listen without defensiveness, and recognize shared humanity even in the most unlikely places. In a world often defined by polarization, his work offered a compelling example of what it looks like to lead with curiosity instead of judgment. Davis illustrated this approach through his personal engagement with members of the Ku Klux Klan and other hate groups, meeting them in their sacred spaces and in his own home, ultimately cultivating a brotherhood rooted in respect that led many to leave white supremacist groups. He then surprised the audience with a dynamic piano performance, recreating the energy and spirit of his collaborations with legendary musician Chuck Berry.

Throughout the event, a consistent thread emerged: the work of supporting children and families happens across disciplines and differing ideological perspectives, participants were reminded that cultivating “common ground” requires more than shared goals. It requires trust, humility, and a commitment to showing up differently for children and families. The conversations sparked throughout the morning served as both a reflection and a call forward, challenging each person in the room to consider how they will contribute to creating spaces for those which might have differences, to ultimately benefit children and families so they can feel seen, supported, and valued. Because ultimately, common ground is not something we find. It is something we create, together.

Bester Community of Hope is an initiative of San Mar Family & Community Services, and “Common Ground” was made possible by support from the Governor’s Office for Children ENOUGH Initiative, the Washington County Department of Human Services, and the Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Foundation.

Photography provided by Evermoore Artistry

San Mar Family & Community Services has again achieved national accreditation through the Council on Accreditation (COA), a worldwide leader in the field of human services. COA Accreditation provides independent and objective verification against standards of best practice, ensuring that services are well-coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, outcomes-oriented, and provided by a skilled and supported workforce.

The COA Accreditation process documents organizational competency for programs and services, as well as administration and management. Throughout the accreditation process, each organization’s unique mission, resources, and culture, as well as the goals of the people it serves, is evaluated for:

· Organizational excellence

· Improved service delivery

· Better outcomes for children, families, and communities

San Mar was evaluated on their three primary services lines, Treatment Foster Care, Outpatient Mental Health, and Community Change Initiatives. San Mar first became nationally accredited in 2001 and has maintained the status through each of the following 4-year accreditation cycles. The process to maintain that status is a daily effort across the organization in services, documentation, policies and practices. The commitment to achieve accreditation is above and beyond the expectations of state, licensing and regulatory requirements in Maryland.

To achieve COA accreditation, San Mar first provided written evidence of compliance with the COA standards. Thereafter, a group of specially trained volunteer Peer Reviewers confirmed adherence to these standards during a series of on-site interviews with trustees, staff, foster parents, clients and community partners.

Successful completion of the process is demanding, and a direct reflection of San Mar’s hard work and dedication. Upon completion, our reviewers shared this feedback with the San Mar team:

“The files we reviewed are really extensions of people’s lives, and you can see the care reflected there.”

“It’s really not about the paper we read, or the interviews we had, it’s the feel we had with staff and clients. It’s a very good feel here. People are cared for and respected. Honestly, we felt it before we arrived here.”

“Clients feel incredibly nurtured by your organization, they feel taken care of and are so thankful you exist. A client in the community said I wouldn’t be where I am without this organization. It made me a better parent, and it made me a better person”

San Mar CEO Keith Fanjoy commented, “This accreditation is a reflection of the efforts of everyone who is a part of our organization, and as always the leadership reflected by our Director of Continuous Quality Improvement, Gina Figel. Meeting standards and compliance requirements is just one of many key benchmarks we use to measure success, and we will continue to explore the ways we can identify opportunities to serve the community better by building on our strengths.”

San Mar’s next accreditation cycle will take place in 2030.

On the 141^st anniversary of it’s first day of operating in 1883, San Mar Family & Community Services is excited to share the next steps in our campus transformation with the selection of two architectural firms to support varied efforts across the organizations Boonsboro headquarters.

The north campus, with a former orphanage building known as the Anna K. Findlay center will be redesigned into fifteen well-appointed apartments for young women transitioning into adulthood by Frederick based firm Zavos Architecture + Design. Founded by Bruce Zavos in 2003, their stated mission is to create, “positive change in the communities in which we work, through thoughtful and emotive design ideas. We work collaboratively with our clients to enhance the social and built fabric of these communities by providing appropriate and sustainable design solutions.” After their recent contract award Bruce Zavos shared that, “Zavos Architecture + Design is excited to begin design work on this impactful project.  Working with San Mar and assisting in their mission is a keystone in our ability to use the power of design to facilitate positive change in the community.”

The south campus efforts to renovate former congregate care programs into professional offices for mental health at the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being, and care coordination and foster care case management at San Mar Treatment Foster Care, will be led by Goldsmith Consulting Design Associates based out of Walkersville, Maryland. President Michael Goldsmith has provided ongoing and invaluable consultation to the San Mar leadership over the past 18 months while exploring how to best align campus assets to proposed new programming. “GCD is proud to help San Mar’s endeavors to strengthen existing programming while also positioning them for their future growth needs.”

San Mar continues to build it’s capital campaign with a diverse blend of federal, state local and private philanthropy giving opportunities to support construction. To learn more how to get involved with Full-Service Housing for Transition Age Youth or other campus efforts, contact Director of Development Elisa Mabina at 301-733-9067 x250 or [email protected]

San Mar Family & Community Services Board President Mark Halsey announced the successful onboarding of the two newest members this year to the San Mar Family & Community Services Board of Managers, David Lehr and Mercede Robinson. In addition, member Helen Mency was elevated to the role of Vice President of the Board of Managers.

Halsey shared, “I continue to be impressed with caliber of quality of individuals that are drawn to the work of San Mar. I know that David and Mercede will join our efforts to continue to move San Mar forward in its mission to serve children, families and communities. Helen’s elevation to Vice President will also support our continued focus to build our plans for the future, her credibility in our community and experience with San Mar will continue to be a great asset to all of us.”

The organization also recognized the departure of outgoing board member Angela Ford who completed her consecutive terms of service as of June 30^th.

San Mar Chief Executive Officer Keith Fanjoy offered, “First, I want to thank Angela Ford for her tremendous service to our organization. She along with other long time board members helped guide us through a period of great transition with firm resolve and deep care for those we serve. I’m really excited about the opportunity for Mercede to reconnect to our work and to bring a leader in David that has shown a passion for the families we serve. We have entered a transformational period of growth in the history of this organization and their time, and efforts will make all the difference.”

David Lehr

David is the Chief Strategy Officer for Meritus Health, with operational oversight over all ambulatory practices, home health, population health, IT and all physician services. Recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the industry’s Top 25 Emerging Leaders, he currently is leading a transformational project for Washington County in the creation of the first new osteopathic medical school in the state of Maryland in over 100 years.  David obtained his BA in Physics from Penn State University, and his MBA in Healthcare Management from Western Governor’s University.

“It is an honor to join the San Mar board. I am inspired by the mission and dedicated to contributing to the organization’s ongoing efforts to support children, families, and communities. I look forward to supporting these talented and passionate individuals to make a positive impact.”

Mercede Robinson

Mercede brings to the board a unique blend of organizational insights as the immediate past Director of Treatment Foster Care at San Mar, and a wealth of clinical experiences in various roles over her career, currently as a Supervisory Therapist for Montgomery County Government. She graduated with her BSW and MSW from SUNY Brockport, and has her LCSW-C license is Maryland, Virgina and New York state.

“Joining the San Mar board is more than a commitment; it’s a calling. I have a deep connection to the agency’s mission, and believe that the work done at San Mar, helps to create brighter futures for the children who need it most.”

 Are you interested in finding ways to get more involved with San Mar? Contact us today at [email protected] or 301-733-9067x 250.

San Mar Family and Community Services held the 37th edition of its largest annual fundraiser, The Great Bicycle Tour (TGBT) of the C&O Canal July 13-16, 2024. The 184.5-mile tour begins in Cumberland, Maryland, and follows the C&O Canal Tow Path for four days, ending at mile marker 0 in Washington, D.C.  This year 134 riders braved sizzling temperatures, the hottest in memory with several days in triple digits, and so far have raised more than $175,000. This amount bests the previous single event record by tens of thousands, with resource development to support children, families, and communities in the region served through San Mar’s key programs including Treatment Foster Care, the Bester Community of Hope initiative, and the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being outpatient mental health center. In addition, corporate and local sponsorship underwriting reached over $46,000, to catalyze rider donations and ensure they went directly to programming.

San Mar’s Director of Development and TGBT event manager, Elisa Mabina, shared, “There is something so special about this annual event, not only for the amount of money raised to support kids and families, which is significant! But also for the sense of purpose, community, and true friendships formed over the four days between riders, staff, and volunteers. It’s just amazing!” This year, fourteen cyclists raised $3,000 or more for San Mar, including current San Mar Board member Timothy Hott, raising over $9,000. However, one rider stood out and raised a record amount – Cindy Holzapfel, who reached an astonishing $38,942! This event was Cindy’s eighth time riding, but her first time asking others to contribute. She shared, “My goal this year was to raise $20,000 for this incredible organization that helps so many in our community, but it wasn’t long before we realized that we should increase the goal. I cannot begin to tell you how overwhelmed I was by our response for San Mar.”

Underwriting was received from presenting sponsor The Nora Roberts Foundation, lead sponsors Dot Foods, Coca-Cola Consolidated, The Loats Foundation, Fulton Bank, Middletown Valley Bank, and partnering sponsors SEK CPAs & Advisors, Blue Ridge Risk Partners, Younger Toyota, Lamb Insurance Services, AC&T, Staples Mid-Atlantic Distribution Center, and Patriot Federal Credit Union. Additional support was received from First United Bank & Trust, Hagerstown Ford, Penske Truck Rental, and a variety of local organizations including Willow Brook Church, Boonsboro Lions Club, and the Interfaith Service Coalition.

San Mar CEO Keith Fanjoy shared, “This event has so many moving parts, and this year’s edition had its unique challenges with extreme heat. Our staff, volunteers, and all of the riders approached the ride and adversity with such a positive attitude and team approach; it was so encouraging to see the selfless collaboration day in and day out. This really is more than just a charity bike ride, it is a group of people who continue to come together and find a way towards a shared vision to support others in need, and in the process create lifelong memories during a one-of-a-kind adventure.”

In the 37 years of hosting this bicycle tour, San Mar has now raised well over two million dollars in support of its programs serving children and families. Donations are still gratefully accepted at www.sanmartgbt.org through August 31st. Registration for next summer’s bicycle tour will open November 1, 2024, and TGBT XXXVIII will take place July 12-15, 2025.

San Mar Family and Community Services, whose mission is “Cultivating Hope and Well-Being in Children, Families and Communities” has been serving the Washington County, Maryland area since 1883. Services are provided through San Mar Treatment Foster Care, the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being outpatient mental health services, and Bester Community of Hope prevention programs.

Media inquiries and event questions – Contact Elisa Mabina at [email protected] or by phone at 301-733-9067 x 250.

San Mar Family & Community Services recently released it’s annual report for FY23, focusing on balanced efforts to meet the needs of families and communities through the Bester Community of Hope initiative, Treatment Foster Care and the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being, along with efforts in Development, Finance and beyond.

Look inside to learn more about San Mar’s core programs and the essential work happening everyday! Click here: San Mar FY23 Annual Report

Board President Mark Halsey announced the successful onboarding of the two newest members to the San Mar Family & Community Services Board of Managers, Ashley Tauler and Kalyani Loganathan. Halsey shared, “We couldn’t be more pleased with the talent and quality of our newest members Ashley and Kalyani. They both bring important perspectives to the board, and I look forward to seeing them deepen their involvement in this critical work.” Both members will participate in their first official board meeting this Friday, December 8^th.

The organization also recognized the significant and lengthy contributions of outgoing board members David Lidz, founder of both Streetwell and Ladders to Leaders, as well as senior executive recruiter and past foster parent Teri Cholewicki.

San Mar Chief Executive Officer Keith Fanjoy offered, “The difficult work we pursue takes a community to accomplish, and it is so important to have diverse and complimentary expertise. We need passionate individuals to make us stronger, and these two new powerful leaders are going to make an impact in the work we do!”

Ashley Tauler

Ashley is employed with the Maryland Coalition of Families as a Policy and Advocacy Associate and Family Peer Support Specialist.  Her experience as a youth in the foster care system helps drive her passion to help families and individuals experiencing similar challenges. She has an associate degree in human services from Hagerstown Community College and is a Certified Advocate through NACP. She is currently a BASW student at Salisbury University and is working towards becoming a licensed social worker.

“As someone who has cared for loved ones with mental health and substance use disorder, I know on a personal level some of the struggles families face day to day. Also, my experience as a youth in the foster care system and survivor of domestic violence helps drive my passion to help and support families experiencing similar challenges. I know firsthand the positive impact of support.”

Kalyani Loganathan

Kalyani has extensive experience in the Information Technology field including over a decade of implementing modern software technology and supporting senior executives and business stakeholders in using data and technology to improve outcomes for various organizations including P&G, Honeywell, Fidelis Cybersecurity, Department of Veteran Affairs, National Investment Center for Senior Housing, Save the Children and SHRM.

“I’m passionate for causes that reduce poverty, hunger, shelter and education for children, young adults, and the most vulnerable people. Through my husband’s work at Cardinality.ai,  we got introduced to the work of San Mar. I’m very grateful for this heartfelt opportunity to join hands with San Mar in their incredible work and support the lives of children and families to overcome trauma and early challenges in life.”

 Are you interested in finding ways to get more involved with San Mar? Contact us today at [email protected] or 301-733-9067x 250.

San Mar Family and Community Services held the 36th edition of its largest annual fundraiser, The Great Bicycle Tour (TGBT) of the C&O Canal July 8-11, 2023. The 184.5-mile tour begins in Cumberland, Maryland and follows the C&O Canal Tow Path for four days, ending at mile marker 0 in Washington, D.C. Nearly 140 riders joined this event and so far have raised over $132,000, the most ever, to support children, families and communities in the region served through San Mar’s key programs including Treatment Foster Care, the Bester Community of Hope initiative, and the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being outpatient mental health center. In addition, corporate and local sponsorship underwriting has reached close to $40,000 which helped catalyze rider donations and ensure they went directly to programming.

San Mar’s Director of Development and TGBT event manager, Elisa Mabina, shared, “This event is an amazing fundraiser for San Mar, and so much more! Hosting 130-150 riders for four days, who usually range in age from 5-80+, is such a special, bonding experience. I think we all leave with a sense of accomplishment and commitment to advancing San Mar’s powerful mission. We make friends for life and together we support families in need of hope. To me, it’s always the best four days of the summer!” This year’s top fundraiser David Brinkley has raised close to $16,000 in memory of his late son Ross and mental health needs in our local communities. He shared, “This was my first TGBT! I gained financial support by saying it would be a GREAT ADVENTURE, and it certainly was! The camaraderie, support of the San Mar team, the beauty of the canal, and the ride through history is extraordinary! It’s great to have fun AND financially support the great work in the community San Mar has provided for 140 years!”

Underwriting was received from presenting sponsor The Nora Roberts Foundation, lead sponsors Coca-Cola Consolidated, The Loats Foundation, Middletown Valley Bank, Staples Mid-Atlantic Distribution Center, and partnering sponsors SEK CPAs & Advisors, Blue Ridge Risk Partners, Fulton Bank, Younger Toyota, Meritus Health, AC&T, Lamb Insurance Services, M&T Bank, Baltimore Life Companies and Patriot Federal Credit Union. Additional support was received from Hagerstown Ford, Penske Truck Rental and a variety of local organizations including Willow Brook Church, Hancock Rotary, Boonsboro Ruritan Club and Boonsboro and Hagerstown Lions Clubs.

San Mar CEO Keith Fanjoy shared, “This event is about collective impact; so many riders, partners and volunteers step up and come together with a shared vision for kids, families and communities. I think of our bicycle mechanics from Wheel Base Bikes, and so many of our volunteers this year like Joseph Woodburn, Gary Serrao, Jason Cole, Alan Siefert and Robin Boucher to name a select few. We have so many pure volunteers that tirelessly give during the event, but I think of those who get their hands dirty and donate their time because they believe in what we do. Those are just a few examples of unsung heroes that are essential to the success of the event. It really takes a team, and we’re so fortunate for each member of the community who joins our dedicated staff in making this happen.”

In the 36 years of hosting this bicycle tour, San Mar is approaching close to two million dollars in support of its programs serving children and families. Donations are still gratefully accepted at www.sanmartgbt.org through August 31st . Registration for next summer’s bicycle tour will open November 1, 2023 and TGBT XXXVII will take place July 13-16, 2024.

This past Friday, the leadership of the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being outpatient mental health clinic hosted a dialogue regarding mental health services and systems with Congressman David Trone and President of the Washington County Commissioners, John Barr. Also in attendance were other organizational staff and Nan Sheridan-Mann, Western Maryland Regional Director for Senator Chris Van Hollen.

As a part of the visit staff reviewed key mental health needs and community stressors heard from clients, as well as provider challenges on the front lines experienced by clinicians and administration interacting within a fragmented system of care.

Jerica Washington LCSW-C, Director of the Center for Well-Being, shared, “The state of mental health is always at the forefront with our ever-changing world. The Center is fortunate to be backed by a non-profit umbrella to decrease barriers to care such as denials and parity issues with insurance companies, and to be able to provide a wraparound model to provide unreimbursed services to support our aim to provide quality services. Collaboration with systems, businesses and others throughout our area and state is key to continuing our work.”   

San Mar Family & Community Services CEO Keith Fanjoy LCSW-C, explored how to best respond to a variety of community needs, with a focus on sustainability and service integrity   “After an extended period of relative stability as an agency we are entering a season of growth to consider providing additional services, and as we explore how to meet community needs within our mission and expertise, we look forward to collaborating with community members, partners and elected officials such as Congressman Trone and Commissioner Barr.”  Late next month, San Mar will convene key stakeholders and begin the journey to consider how to best position two legacy facilities on the Boonsboro campus.