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
