Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot presented Walden Sierra’s Hope House with a “Better with Less” Award in a ceremony Monday at the Lexington Park center. The award is being presented to a business or organization in each county “which have achieved economic success while using fewer resources, identified new market opportunities in the current economic climate, used innovation to operate more efficiently or strengthened local communities by providing vital services or opportunities for success.”
Walden-Sierra is a local community based non-profit organization serving Southern Maryland since 1973 with a comprehensive continuum of substance abuse and trauma counseling services. They operate a 24-hour hotline (301-863-6661) which is one of the oldest in the country.
Franchot told the Hope House staff and community members in attendance, “We are going to have to reinvent the ways we deliver service.” He added, “You have developed a way with less resources; you are able to give people what they need.”
Franchot looked at Commissioner President Jack Russell and Commissioner Todd Morgan and said, “I know all the budget stuff you are facing. You have to finds a better way to increase resources.”
Franchot noted that his department has moved to electronic tax filing to save money, improve efficiency and deliver faster service. Most refunds were returned this year in 72 hours.
Walden’s Executive Director Kathleen O’Brien credited a number of factors in allowing them to continue to succeed in the tough economy. The consolidation of operations into a building in Millison Plaza that was formerly a K-Mart has allowed the agency to bring services closer to the community they serve. And the closing of other locations has allowed monies to be saved. But at the same time Walden is expanding to a Waldorf location to bring service where it has been requested.
O’Brien also credited the partnerships with other agencies for allowing them to operate more efficiently and effectively. Agencies they partner with include Social Services, schools and Health Department. “By coming here (Lexington Park) it has maximized community integration,” O’Brien said.
O’Brien said Walden over the years has also become more “business-like.” She cited a written agreement between her agency and the health department regarding the providing of services as an example.
Lexington Park Elementary School Principal Susie Fowler thanked Walden for the services provided within the school. And, Department of Social Services Director Ella Mae Russell said, “By getting it all together we are starting to make an impact.” Russell’s agency opened a Lexington park office ten years ago.
Walden-Sierra Board Chairman Dan Ichniowski praised O’Brien and her staff. “We are very pleased with the staff and Kathy for all that they do.” And O’Brien in turn praised her staff for working hard in t
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