From the Chairman

When you think about it, The Horizon Foundation is really about partnerships with public and private nonprofit organizations working to improve the health and wellness of our community. This past year, we embarked on the most ambitious of our partnerships ever, the Connections Project. Connections is an effort to partner with every member of the community in weaving a stronger, more resilient social fabric for our youth.

While Connections has several components, its fundamental goal is to find new ways to bolster adults' relationships with children and teens, relationships vital to the health of our young people. To help with this and other exciting initiatives, The Horizon Foundation has added 10 new members to our board. The new trustees are Shirley D. Collier, Louis G. Hutt, Jr., Robert I. Jeffrey, Ann B. Mech, Rev. Billy Park, Rev. Walter Rodriguez, Steven W. Sachs, Robert N. Sheff, James Truby and Beverly White- Seals.

Like our other board members, all have deep roots in the community and an impressive history of civic and professional accomplishment. We welcome their energy and their talent as we take the next steps to building a healthy community.

One of The Horizon Foundation's most active partners has been Howard Community College. At our awards ceremony in June, we were pleased to present the Richard G. McCauley Leadership Award to HCC's president, Mary Ellen Duncan.

Since she became president of the college in 1998, Dr. Duncan has exemplified vision and leadership. Her impact has had a transformative effect on the College and her leadership has benefited the entire community.

The Leadership Award is named in honor of Richard McCauley, the first chair of The Horizon Foundation's board. His dedication to the community extends well beyond the Foundation. In over 30 years of volunteer service in Howard County, he has transformed the many groups he's served. He has solidified organizations, expanded their vision and strengthened their ability to serve.

We welcome our new board members, congratulate this year's award winners, and salute all of our partner organizations for their commitment and inspired work. With their help, The Horizon Foundation is ready to take the next steps in building a healthy community.