MDGA25’s legislative wins
The Maryland General Assembly wrapped up its 2025 legislative session on April 7th. With the state facing a $3 billion budget deficit, the Horizon Foundation and our partners worked diligently to protect the important progress Maryland has made in recent years to improve health and to advocate for policies that fight disparities and advance equity. We helped restore critical funding for mental health services and advanced legislation to better enable local school systems to purchase locally grown produce, expand prescription drug affordability, preserve access to telehealth services and more. Read our full session summary for more details.
Fellow spotlight: Growing in advocacy with Marcus Alston
“I felt like it was my calling and my purpose in life to help the younger version of myself.” For Marcus Alston, improving awareness and access to mental health services for young people is personal as much as it is professional. Learn more about his journey with his nonprofit, Alston for Athletes, and his work with Horizon as one of our new Advancing Community Advocacy Fellows.
Elevating to Evolve
In case you missed it, the Horizon Foundation and the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County recently released a report examining Black women’s experiences, challenges and contributions in nonprofit leadership roles in Howard County. The report, “Elevating to Evolve: Stories of Wisdom, Excellence and a Call for Change from Black Women Nonprofit Leaders in Howard County” sheds light on the unique journeys of these leaders and calls for actionable steps toward greater equity and inclusion.
We will continue working with other local funders to coordinate a response to the findings and determine how the funder community can be better allies in supporting Black women who are nonprofit leaders in our community. Please join us in this continued work to build a more inclusive and equitable Howard County.
You can read and download the full report here.
Meet the newest members of our team!
Please join us in welcoming two new staff members to the Horizon Foundation: Katrina Givens and Caryn Kok! Katrina will serve as our new full-time Fiscal Officer, providing fiscal support to the Foundation that includes compiling budget reports, accounts payable and supporting our annual audit and tax filing. Caryn will serve as our new part-time Administrative Associate, supporting the Foundation’s mission and our team by ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and helping the organization run efficiently.
Thrilled to have you as part of the team, Katrina and Caryn!
First Thursday – May 1
Thank you to everyone who has been participating in our First Thursdays community conversations! Please join us on May 1 at 10 a.m. at the Horizon Foundation’s office for a guided conversation and connection with your fellow Howard County residents.
This month, we want to hear from you! Please bring your ideas for discussion about relevant issues in our community to share with us and your fellow community members.
If you would like to join this discussion, please RSVP to our Policy & Community Engagement Director, Jennifer Holland, by Monday, April 28.
Staff Picks & Resources
Check out what we’re reading, watching & learning
- Melinda French Gates On Giving Away Her ‘Absurd’ Wealth (NPR – Fresh Air)
- Why we keep going (Dr. Katelyn Jetelina – Your Local Epidemiologist)
- America’s Housing Market Is Failing Older Adults (Urban Institute)
