Moving Dorchester Forward

09/02/2026

“We want to see the younger generation get inspired.”

Meet Community Ambassador Wendy Appollos.

For 20 years, Wendy has called Cambridge home. And she’s found ways to make it stronger.

She has served the community through Cambridge International, Dorchester County Public Schools, and now, with Moving Dorchester Forward.

Her guiding belief: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” (Luke 12:48)

Wendy puts that belief into action every day right here in Dorchester County by using her skills and experience to support and strengthen our community.

08/28/2026

Sharing a post and video from last December about our Community Ambassadors.

This amazing group is the local roots of Community of Hope Cambridge. Ranging in age from 25 to 55, the ambassadors bring diverse backgrounds, experiences, and connections.

Since December, they have been out in the community—meeting residents where they are, organizing events, connecting families to resources, and leading community conversations.

“Meaningful transformation doesn't happen through organizations in isolation,” said Veronica Taylor, ENOUGH Coordinator. As leader of Community of Hope Cambridge—a neighborhood-driven initiative—she works alongside residents to pinpoint needs and design local solutions. “For change to last, it must be rooted in the participation and support of the people who live here.”

Our five Community Ambassadors are helping keep residents at the center of this work. They listen, gather input, make sure residents have a voice in the decisions that affect their neighborhoods, and then drive decision-making.

Over the next several months, we'll introduce you to each of these remarkable community leaders and the passion they bring to strengthening Dorchester County, one story at a time.

08/27/2026

It’s back-to-school week in Dorchester County. Getting students through the school doors every day isn’t always as simple as it sounds.

That’s why our partner, All4Love, is working in five Dorchester County schools to identify and address the real-life barriers that can keep students from attending regularly.

Transportation. Clothing. Getting up on time. Even having what they need to feel comfortable and confident walking into school.

Helping children thrive means looking at what they need both inside and outside the classroom.

Watch the 47 ABC - WMDT story!

(HURLOCK, Md) – Helping kids stay in school can be a difficult task for a number of reasons. Youth-focused non-profit, All4Love is creating a presence in five Dorchester County schools with one goal: To figure out the roadblocks keeping kids from regularly being in class. “Why can’t a kid get ...

08/20/2026

Together, we're building a roadmap for lasting change. One shaped with the community, not just for it.

Young people told us what they need in Dorchester County: safe spaces, trusted adults, outdoor community activities, and more stable housing.

Their voices helped shape the Neighborhood Action Plan (see link in comments to shortened version), including priorities to work with our partners to:
* Expand after-school and summer programs, including mentoring
* Support youth leadership development
* Expand vocational training
*Deepen investment in community safety improvements

Students also want to be part of the solution.

We listened. Now, students, residents and partners are turning those priorities into action. Together, we are Moving Dorchester Forward.

08/14/2026

Last week, Moving Dorchester Forward’s Guiding Coalition came together to continue collaborating to improve outcomes for children, youth and families across Dorchester County.

The coalition includes more than 40 local partners including community members, Dorchester County Public Schools, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and City and County government, including Mayor Lajan Cephas Bey.

We were also joined by a representative of Safer, Stronger Together, a partnership of Maryland Department of Human Services, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and Maryland Department of Juvenile Services.

The heart of the meeting was hearing directly from our Community Ambassadors. After canvassing Cambridge neighborhoods and speaking with residents, the Ambassadors shared what they heard about our community's needs, priorities, and hopes. Their feedback helped guide the coalition as members reviewed and refined the Neighborhood Action Plan for the Community of Hope Cambridge MD, our local initiative to address childhood poverty and advance economic opportunities.

This feedback ensures that our plans and actions continue to reflect what matters most to local residents. That’s how we move Dorchester County forward: by listening to residents, bringing partners together, and turning community priorities into community-led action.

08/11/2026

Tonight at Mace's Lane Middle School!

08/07/2026

A stronger Cambridge starts with the people who call it home.

The finalized Community of Hope Cambridge Neighborhood Action Plan reflects the voices of local residents and partners committed to a thriving Dorchester County.

Our Community Ambassadors went door to door across five Cambridge neighborhoods, hosted community conversations and Facebook Live discussions, and gathered survey responses from almost 100 young people as well as adults to inform it.

“What we heard was clear—folks are tired of just getting by. They want real opportunities, financial knowledge, and a seat at the table,” said Veronica Taylor, ENOUGH Coordinator.

Their voices shaped the plan. They will continue shaping what comes next.

Read a shortened version of the plan - see link in comments!

08/06/2026

Hard to believe we are almost back to school already! Check out the Dorchester County Public Schools latest newsletter!

Our August 2026 edition of the DCPS newsletter is here! 📬

Stay up to date with the latest district news, student highlights, upcoming events, and valuable resources — all in one place. We’re committed to keeping our community connected and informed every month, !

🔗Check out the August District Newsletter here: https://app.smore.com/n/d19y3

07/30/2026

If you've been involved in a community initiative in Dorchester County, chances are you've met Nancy Shockley.

As Local Management Board Director and ENOUGH Manager for Moving Dorchester Forward, Nancy brings people together to tackle the challenges no one organization can solve alone.

"Show up. Listen. Be honest. And then repeat. Trust is built through consistently showing up."

Whether she's helping remove barriers for families or building partnerships that create lasting change, Nancy is passionate about creating opportunities that will make a difference for generations to come.

Get to know Nancy and what inspires her work: https://www.mdforward.org/2026/06/24/meet-nancy/

07/30/2026

Paid, full-time opportunity for Marylanders ages 18+ to gain valuable experience in education while making a difference for local students

‼️DCPS is hiring K-5 tutors ON-SITE through the Maryland Corps Service Year Option program for the 2026-2027 school year! This opportunity offers paid, full-time positions for Marylanders ages 18+ to gain valuable work experience in the field of education while making a positive impact in their community. Tutors will be placed at the following schools: Choptank Elementary School, Hurlock Elementary School, Mace’s Lane Middle School, Maple Elementary School, and Sandy Hill Elementary School.

On-site Hiring Event Details:
📅Date: Wednesday, August 5th
⏰Time: 8:30AM - 11:30AM
📍Location: 700 Glasgow Street, Cambridge, Maryland 21613

🔗Register for an on-site interview at bit.ly/aug5tutor