Dr. Mariana Izraelson, Executive Director of Grassroots Crisis Intervention, Recognized as a WGC Featured (S)hero

By Adora Brown, WGC Student Intern
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The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is highlighting Howard County “(S)heroes Among Us” this year as part of our March 8, 2021 Virtual Annual Celebration. We believe that all women are (S)heroes in their own ways - women admired for their courage and outstanding achievements. 

This year, we are proud to feature five (S)heroes Among Us who have led critical efforts on behalf of organizations that we have funded this year through our Emergency Response Network, who are focusing on widespread community needs affecting women, their families, and the broader community:

• Jen Broderick - Bridges to Housing Stability
• Erika Strauss Chavarria - Columbia Community Care
• Bita Dayhoff - Community Action Council
• Dr. Mariana Izraelson - Grassroots Crisis Intervention
• Vanita Leatherwood - HopeWorks of Howard County

Recognized as a (S)hero this year is Dr. Mariana Izraelson, the Executive Director of Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center.  Grassroots is a 24-hour center for individuals and families in crisis. They help people with mental illness, give shelter to the homeless, and even provide community education. From their emergency family shelter to their multiple crisis hotlines, Grassroots has been serving citizens of Howard County in need since 1969.
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Dr. Izraelson has been working at Grassroots since October of 2020 following her time as Chief Executive Officer at La Comunidad Hispana in Pennsylvania.  The organization has undergone changes to keep essential workers safe and promote social distancing.

“Tremendous pressure was put upon dedicated and compassionate staff members to keep everyone safe while continuing to provide crisis services,” said Mariana. “Because we provide congregant housing for people who are homeless, our building underwent reconfiguration to divide common areas and double rooms into single rooms to maximize social isolation.”

Due to COVID-19 safety measures, a shift has been made from communal support to individual support. Dr. Izraelson hopes to return to their community-oriented culture in the near future. However, these changes have not stopped Grassroots from continuing to grow.  One of their primary focuses is on mental health support.

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Dr. Izraelson states, “Grassroots is on the cusp of change, as regional efforts are underway to provide a comprehensive response to crisis needs in our county and neighboring counties… Our expectation is that we will establish a certified Outpatient Mental Health Clinic in the future, and this will enable Grassroots to join with others in the state in this effort.”

Grassroots thrives on support from the Howard County community. Mariana mentions that Howard County’s reputation for affluence causes many citizens to neglect or ignore the problems of those in need.  Giving back to organizations such as Grassroots ensures that help is provided for vulnerable populations in the county.

Please join us in thanking Dr. Izraelson and all WGC’s (S)heroes for their efforts. And, we hope you will join us in highlighting every day (S)heroes Among Us, by uploading a photo of YOUR Howard County (S)heroes on our WGC (S)heroes Among Us Virtual Mosaic Wall. 
 
With your help, we are highlighting women across the county before, during and after our upcoming  Virtual Annual Celebration - "Celebrating (S)heroes Among Us" on Monday, March 8, 2021 - International Women's Day, with host, WGC Advisory Board Member Candace Dodson-Reed , and  Keynote Speakers:

• Valaida Fullwood: Author, “Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists", Creator, The Soul of Philanthropy, and Co-Architect, Black Philanthropy Month
• Sara Lomelin: Executive Director, Philanthropy Together, and Founder of the Latino Giving Circle Network™, the Largest Network of its Kind in the Country