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Cultivating Hope and Well-Being in Children, Families and Communities.

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San Mar announces Leadership, Staff and Board Updates

San Mar announces leadership, staff and board updates

October 15, 2026

San Mar Family & Community Services is pleased to share several team updates this fall, including changes in the Development Department, new leadership at the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being, and a new addition to the Board of Directors.

A New Chapter in Development

As San Mar’s Development Department continues to grow, it welcomes Toni Gue and Junie Tirado to the team. Their work will span fundraising and events, communications, and community outreach. They are looking forward to connecting with San Mar’s supporters, building relationships throughout the community, and sharing the stories and work that make San Mar so special. Both are excited to help bring San Mar’s mission to even more people.

After almost seven years of dedicated service to San Mar, Director of Development Elisa Mabina is beginning her transition into retirement. Her journey with San Mar isn’t ending just yet. Elisa will continue to support the organization as a philanthropy advisor, sharing her knowledge, experience, and passion for the mission with the team. San Mar is grateful to celebrate this next chapter with her and glad she will remain a valued part of the San Mar family.

Are you interested in finding ways to get more involved with San Mar? Contact us today at [email protected] or 301-733-9067 ext. 102.

Brangaccio named Director of the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being

San Mar has appointed Jessica Brangaccio, LCSW-C, as the new Director of the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being. Jessica has been part of the San Mar outpatient mental health center team since December 2022, when she joined as a therapist.

Brangaccio is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and earned her Master’s Degree at Shippensburg University. She brings over 20 years of combined experience across mobile crisis and crisis intervention, community-based case management, inpatient and emergency assessments, and outpatient treatment. Before joining San Mar, she held several clinical roles in the field, including psychiatric social worker for Emergency Psychiatric Services at Meritus Hospital.

Reflecting on her new role, Jessica shared, “Stepping into the role of Center Director is a meaningful opportunity to return to a campus that has always held a special place in my heart. Having previously served this community through San Mar in a different capacity, I have experienced firsthand the strength of its people and the importance of connection, compassion, and support. I am honored to return in this new role and look forward to working alongside our dedicated team and campus partners to foster a welcoming, supportive environment where individuals and families can access the mental health care they need to thrive.”

Jessica succeeds Jerica Washington, LCSW-C, who will remain with San Mar as Deputy Executive Director and now focus fully on that role after leading the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being alongside her executive duties.

To learn more about the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being, go to www.jebcenter.com.

Browning joins the Board of Directors

San Mar also welcomes Buck Browning as the newest member of its Board of Directors.

Buck is the Executive Director of the Fort Ritchie Community Center, a role he has held since 2014. He brings more than 30 years of experience in youth development and community-based nonprofit leadership. Before Fort Ritchie, Buck spent 17 years with the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County, first as Unit Director and then as Development Director for nearly 15 years. He began his career as a Community Development Specialist with East Ridge Health Systems. In that role he worked with schools and community leaders to promote positive life choices and supported youth and families through the crisis stabilization unit.

“I have been a fan of San Mar and the positive impact it has on our community for many years. As a living, breathing organization, San Mar continues to grow and adapt to meet changing needs and emerging opportunities. I am honored to be part of its mission and to serve alongside the remarkable individuals on its Board of Directors, its dedicated staff, and its generous donors.”

To learn more about the Board of Directors, visit www.sanmarhope.org/board-of-directors/ 

Current Solicitations- RFP No.4.2025 General Contractor Services for Renovation of  Northern Campus  

 

REVISED DUE DATE OF WEDNESDAY, MAY 28 at NOON

RFP No.04-2025 

General Contractor Services for Renovation of  Northern Campus  

INVITATION TO BID  

San Mar Children’s Home Inc., DBA San Mar Family and Community Services, Inc., (“San Mar”) seeks proposals from qualified, licensed, and insured
General Contracting Companies. The selected company  will be engaged for the renovation of an existing 4 story un-sprinklered masonry structure (including basement and attic) previously used as a children’s home and currently temporarily used as offices.  The proposed scope includes 15 single bed dwelling units with bathrooms and kitchenettes, resident staff support offices and amenity spaces.  The scope of work will include a four story addition to provide for an egress stair and elevator, life safety upgrades, new sprinkler system new mechanical, plumbing and electrical system as well as a diesel generator for emergency power.  Sitework will include improvement to an existing parking lot and new accessible  ramp. 

The information for bidders, bid form, specifications, bid bond, payment bond, and other contract documents may be examined at:  https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/1iltw30r88zzpjjji8eyj/AMxOlOKKUXaEeWLT-e3nM1I?rlkey=v48ukj5nf17zej2g75280aqeo&st=uqr1zl9q&dl=0

Questions shall be directed to Carole Sepe at [email protected]

 

Six DOCUMENTS ADDED 4/15/25 (Exhibits N2, N3, P, Q, R, S)
Exhibit N 2 Bowman MEP Preliminary Scope of work
Exhibit N 3 Adtek Preliminary Scope of Work
Exhibit P Triad Draft Alta Survey
Exhibit Q Triad Soil Borings
Exhibit R Water FH Flow test
Exhibit S Triad Phase I Environmental

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS ADDED 04/25/25

  • Draft Triad Site Plan
  • Updated 65% Zavos set added
    • Architectural,
    • Structural,
    • MEP
    • Specifications
  • Revised dates

 

Current Solicitations- RFP No.01-08-2024 Architectural Engineering Design Services

San Mar Children’s Home Inc., DBA San Mar Family and Community Services, Inc., (“San Mar”) seeks proposals from qualified, licensed, and insured
Architectural/Engineering (A/E) firms. The selected firm  will be engaged for design consultation, preparation of construction documents
(including architectural plans and specifications), and construction administration services. These services concern the renovation of our Findlay Building into an apartment building for transition age women.

San Mar RFP No. 01-08-2024 – Architectural-Engineering Services (1)

Cardinality dinner raises 30k for San Mar Family & Community Services

Cardinality.ai leader Thiag Loganathan and his wife Kalyani welcomed friends, partners and colleagues to their home in Potomac, Maryland for a celebration and fundraiser for San Mar Family & Community Services. The evening offered the opportunity to share the work occurring every day with children in treatment foster care, outpatient mental health, as well as community based family services through the Bester Community of Hope initiative. Over sixty donors and many corporate partners joined together to raise $30,000 as a result of the dinner.

Special thanks to corporate sponsors Cardinality.ai, DMI and Macy’s for supporting the effort with both significant financial and in-kind gifts. Thanks to all the individuals and businesses who were able to use the occasion to invest in children and families. If you’d like to learn more about partnership opportunities with San Mar, please contact Elisa Mabina at 301-733-9067 x250.

San Mar Alumni Charles Burkett appointed County Commissioner

With the recent vacancy on the five seat elected Board of Washington County Commissioners, Governor Larry Hogan recently confirmed that San Mar alumni Charles Burkett was the best choice to fill the position. This success story is less to do with the future, and much more a reflection of the journey to now.

“I came to San Mar Children’s Home in 1972 with my 3 siblings.  I left San Mar in 1984 to return home with my father.  Although circumstances dictate a person’s view of their past, my experience at San Mar was one of exceptional care during a period that my parents were unable to care for me.”

Although the service model of San Mar has changed significantly since Charlie’s childhood, the new strategies of family and community based services are still consistent with the continuing focus of unconditional care for children and families. Former long-time San Mar staff member Sallie Dorsey fondly remembers Charlie and explained, “He never gave up when things got tough, and his faith got him through those times. His appointment as Commissioner is so well deserving and I’m so proud of him.” Charlie’s experience with the work of San Mar had an impact, so much so that he decided he wanted to find a way to give back.

“People like Mr. & Mrs Giffin, Mr. & Mrs. Black, Ms. Sallie Dorsey, Ms. Darlene Pryor, Mr. Share, and many others, played an important role in making me into who I am today.  With that said, I knew one day that I wanted to give back to San Mar, and so from 2005 to 2011, my wife Wendy and our four children stepped up to become foster parents and foster siblings,” Charlie explained.

San Mar Treatment Foster Care relies on the exceptional contributions of foster parents who commit their entire family to local children who are referred in need. The Burkett’s opened their home to make a difference in the lives of many children in Treatment Foster Care.

Current San Mar Chief Executive Officer Keith Fanjoy LCSW-C, remembers his time as a Case Manager for San Mar TFC and working with the Burkett family. “Like any parent, to be a foster parent is to give love to a child by making ongoing sacrifices in their best interest. There are many challenging times in doing this heroic work, and what I most remember most about the Burkett family is the shared commitment of Charlie & Wendy to every child who came into their home, as well as going the extra mile connecting with families from where kids were referred. Charlie’s personal experience helped inform his approach and make a big impact in the lives of not only children in need, but often their parents as well. The recent recognition he’s received is really just a validation of the man of integrity he has always been.”

Charlie explained, “Each child that came into our home had their own challenges especially under the circumstances, but our faith in God and our desire to give back, made the tough times a little easier.  We are still in contact with and have continuing relationships with some of these children who called our house home and how we helped shape them.”

After completing his time with San Mar TFC, Charlie was the successful owner and operator of several businesses including ServTec and Burkett’s Deli, before selling them and focusing his efforts on local ministry.

Fanjoy shared, “For every child or family that has ever been a part of San Mar like Charlie, we think of you often, we continue to hope & dream for your future, and most importantly, we want you to know that you’re always part of the San Mar family. Victories of past clients like the story of Charlie is the fuel that keep us moving forward”

To learn more about the important work happening every day at San Mar Family & Community Services, through efforts such as Treatment Foster Care, outpatient mental health services at the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being or the Bester Community of Hope initiative, find us online at www.sanmarhope.org.

BCOH opens new home on Mill Street

Full Herald Mail Media story by Alexis Fitzpatrick can be viewed here: BCOH opens new home on Mill Street

Bester Community of Hope celebrates new home on Mill Street

Scott Nicewarner and his wife consider themselves proud parents of Bester Elementary School alumni, even with fully grown children.

After years of running the PTA and being involved in community, the Hagerstown city administrator said he still has a soft spot for school and the families who go there.

“Bester was our heart and soul for that time. We loved the kids, we loved the parents,” he said. “There was a special feeling about Bester that we are so thrilled. … We are so proud.”

Nicewarner joined representatives from the city, county, state and other organizations Thursday for the official ribbon cutting of Bester Community of Hope’s new location at 356 Mill St. in Hagerstown.

An initiative of San Mar Family and Community Services, the group focuses on helping children and families in the Bester Elementary community. During the last fiscal year, the organization served 115 families, totaling about 200 people.

San Mar CEO Keith Fanjoy spoke of the initiative’s beginning in early 2014, when San Mar began shifting away from its traditional child-welfare model, moving from treatment to prevention to improve the safety of children and their families. He called the transition a “labor of love,” which led to the creation of Bester Community of Hope in 2016.

“That little idea, we planted a seed in other people and they started to join into a process,” Fanjoy said.

He thanked the original investors in the project, some of whom were present at the ribbon cutting, for their support throughout the years, even when others called it a “crazy idea” or questioned how results would be measured.

Bester Elementary’s attendance has improved, according to Washington County Public Schools. The Maryland Center for Character Education named it one of the 2017-2018 Schools of the Year.

“We know it’s working because of where we are today and where we were,” Fanjoy said. “I’m more excited to do this again in five or 10 years when you’re in the south end community center and we’re at the next level.”

Jen Younker, the managing director of Bester Community of Hope, said Thursday’s event marked a new era. She said in the past year and a half, the operation has grown enough that it had to operate out of two offices across the city from one another.

“This is great symbolism for us. It’s our team coming back together right in the heart of where we want to be,” she said.

Proclamations from the city, county, the Chamber of Commerce and the offices of U.S. Rep. David Trone, U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Del. Paul Corderman and Sen. Andrew Serafini were read during the celebration.

Maryland Senate recognizes BCOH as a “model” for communities

Herald Mail story by Tamela Baker available here: San Mar receives Senate recognition

Md. Senate recognizes Bester program as ‘model’ for communities

ANNAPOLIS — In January, the Bester Community of Hope — a cooperative initiative to strengthen families in the neighborhood of Bester Elementary School — won national recognition from Casey Family Programs.

It was recognized for bringing together public, business, nonprofit, philanthropic and community partners to improve the safety and success of children and their families.

On Thursday, the Maryland Senate recognized San Mar Family and Community Services, the organizing agency for the Community of Hope, for “being awarded the national Jim Casey Building Communities of Hope Award for the Bester Community Hope Initiative and making a difference in the lives of Maryland children, families, and communities.”

Sen. Andrew Serafini, R-Washington, called the Bester program a model for other communities.

San Mar CEO Keith Fanjoy, Washington County Social Services Director Mike Piercy and family support worker Teri Conrad were on hand for the citation.

Bester Community of Hope is a San Mar initiative that had its beginning in 2014, as the longtime residential facility sought to provide services to families earlier — before there is any need to place children in foster care.

Partnering with Bester Elementary, Social Services, Meritus Health, Hagerstown police and several other community agencies, San Mar has endeavored to connect families with available services including health care, after-school activities and other school-based programs.

“We’re really excited today to receive this resolution,” Fanjoy told Herald-Mail Media. “It’s a validation of a lot of hard work from a lot of different people. And really, when we come down to Annapolis and Sen. Serafini’s taken the time to really share our story with the community, ultimately that’s going to help us to continue on in the future.”

The initiative has had “critical funding” from Social Services, the Fletcher Foundation and Casey Family Programs, Fanjoy added. “Essentially, it’s a place-based strategy to help children and families be stronger, with the idea that we can reduce the amount of children entering into the foster care system.”

“The results we’re seeing is a greater investment in the families in our community,” Piercy said.

Whenever a child can be safely kept at home and parents are provided resources to help, he added, “we’re not only preventing a child from coming (into foster care) now, but we’re also reducing the trauma that child might experience in separation. So there’s an economic return on investment, but there’s also a social return on investment, which is families — their capacity being deepened and improved.”

Conrad said there’s a referral process in place for bringing families into the program, but “we are there to reach out to the community. … We try to connect with everyone in the family and let them identify what their concerns are, and help them … reach the goals that they have as a family.”

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