LSM Studies Human Services, Housing Challenges

Amy Lorenzini, associate judge of the Circuit Court of St. Mary’s County, informs Leadership Southern Maryland Executive Program participants about special initiatives of the court to provide legal assistance to county residents with economic or mental and behavioral health challenges.

The Leadership Southern Maryland Executive Program Class of 2025 convened this month to study the tri-county area’s critical housing and human services challenges.

The class heard from industry leaders about the needs and concerns of children, low-income families, residents dealing with mental and behavioral health issues and domestic violence, and the limited stock of affordable and workforce housing in Southern Maryland.

Center for Children Executive Director and LSM founding sponsor Cathy Meyers introduced the executives to the Adverse Childhood Experiences Assessment. ACE assessments raise awareness of how children’s experiences of domestic violence, parental behavioral health issues, and economic insecurity can affect their ability to thrive in adulthood.

Participants spoke with human services, behavioral health, and housing specialists about challenges Southern Marylanders face in accessing the many community resources available to support them, securing affordable housing, and having reliable transportation.

Amy Lorenzini, associate judge of the Circuit Court of St. Mary’s County, provided a judicial education brief and described special initiatives of the court, such as the Family Law Court Help Clinic, which provides free legal assistance with family law matters and the Family Recovery Court Program that offers assistance to parents with substance abuse or mental health issues.

Learn more about Leadership Southern Maryland here.