Volunteers, supporters, community partners and local government officials joined the staff of CaringMatters on October 18, 2018, to officially launch the organization's new name and reflect on nearly thirty years of service to the residents of Montgomery County.
"Although our name is changing, our programs are remaining the same and free of charge. We will continue to keep our fingers on the pulse of this community, identify any unmet needs and add or expand services to meet them," said Allison Stearns, Executive Director, as she welcomed everyone.
Gerald K. Gimmel, Esq., the organization's longtime Parliamentarian/Historian, offered reflections on the early days of the organization, founded as Hospice Caring, Inc. in 1989. Penny Gladhill, one of the organization's founders and current Director of Volunteer Helping Hands, recognized all of the volunteers, past and present, who have contributed their time, talents and compassion supporting the organization, its clients and the entire community over the past three decades.
Jud Ashman, Mayor of Gaithersburg, remarked on the strong partnership between the City of Gaithersburg and the organization, as well as the importance of the crucial services it provides.
Nancy Richardson, Board President, closed the program saying, "Our mission and services have always focused on what matters most when facing life’s most difficult challenges – care, compassion and support. We believe our new name more accurately reflects those values and the full spectrum of social support services we provide to the community."
Ms. Richardson closed by saying that the organization looks "forward to many more productive years ahead serving the residents of Montgomery County and participating in its active and inspiring nonprofit community."