On Our Own of Frederick County Receives $192,578 Grant for Bilingual Recovery Support Initiative
On March 2, 2026, On Our Own of Frederick County announced a pivotal development for the local community through the approval of a $192,578.32 grant via the Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers (RAMP) program, facilitated by the Maryland Department of Labor. The initiative, aptly named ‘The Peer Empowerment Partnership Bilingual Pathways to Recovery and Employment,’ is specifically directed at enhancing bilingual peer support structures and better employment pathways within the Golden Mile economic corridor, particularly the area labeled 'ENOUGH'.
This project aims to address a critical gap in services for Spanish-speaking residents, ensuring that access to recovery resources is not only available but also culturally and linguistically tailored to meet the unique needs of this population.
Neil Donnelly, Executive Director of On Our Own of Frederick County, emphasized the significant impact of this funding, stating, ‘Peer support is built on hope, relationship, and lived experience. This RAMP grant helps us expand bilingual pathways to recovery and employment—so more people can access support that is welcoming, respectful, and grounded in dignity—particularly in communities where the need is high and access can be limited.’
Alongside this initiative, On Our Own is collaborating with the Spanish Speaking Community of Maryland (SSCM). Maria Herrera, Executive Director of SSCM, remarked, ‘This partnership is about truly meeting people where they are—in their language, their culture, and within the realities they navigate every day. By focusing on the ENOUGH area of the Golden Mile, we are intentionally reaching Spanish-speaking families where trust matters most, connecting them to peer support, vital resources, and meaningful pathways toward stability, wellness, and renewed opportunity.’
The aim of this program is multi-faceted:
‘This is a meaningful win for the peer recovery movement in Maryland,’ Donnelly added, expressing gratitude towards the Maryland Department of Labor and the various partners involved. ‘We look forward to sharing outcomes and lessons learned with On Our Own of Maryland’s affiliated peer network so this investment can strengthen the broader field.’
As the project unfolds, On Our Own and SSCM plan to keep their peer network updated with implementation progress, insights, and early results. Affiliates interested in exploring bilingual peer pathway models or collaborating are encouraged to reach out.
About On Our Own of Frederick County:
This is a peer-led Wellness and Recovery Center dedicated to assisting adults facing mental health and substance use challenges via peer support, community connection, and recovery-oriented services.
About the Spanish Speaking Community of Maryland (SSCM):
SSCM works tirelessly to empower Spanish-speaking individuals and families through culturally sensitive services and advocacy, helping bridge access to crucial resources.
Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers (RAMP):
This funding initiative is pivotal in supporting the growth of the rural peer recovery workforce while enhancing access to behavioral health services throughout Maryland.
This project aims to address a critical gap in services for Spanish-speaking residents, ensuring that access to recovery resources is not only available but also culturally and linguistically tailored to meet the unique needs of this population.
Neil Donnelly, Executive Director of On Our Own of Frederick County, emphasized the significant impact of this funding, stating, ‘Peer support is built on hope, relationship, and lived experience. This RAMP grant helps us expand bilingual pathways to recovery and employment—so more people can access support that is welcoming, respectful, and grounded in dignity—particularly in communities where the need is high and access can be limited.’
Alongside this initiative, On Our Own is collaborating with the Spanish Speaking Community of Maryland (SSCM). Maria Herrera, Executive Director of SSCM, remarked, ‘This partnership is about truly meeting people where they are—in their language, their culture, and within the realities they navigate every day. By focusing on the ENOUGH area of the Golden Mile, we are intentionally reaching Spanish-speaking families where trust matters most, connecting them to peer support, vital resources, and meaningful pathways toward stability, wellness, and renewed opportunity.’
The aim of this program is multi-faceted:
- - Expand Access to Recovery Services: The initiative will broaden the peer recovery workforce in underserved rural areas, allowing more individuals to tap into essential behavioral health and recovery resources.
- - Increase Bilingual Support: Through enhanced outreach efforts, the project aspires to ensure more Spanish-speaking individuals can easily access recovery support.
- - Concentrate on the ENOUGH Area: By focusing their implementation efforts in the Golden Mile area, On Our Own and SSCM intend to create a tangible impact on those who often have the least access to necessary services.
- - Share Knowledge: The project will also promote the exchange of best practices across Maryland's peer-led network, fortifying the field and amplifying successful strategies.
‘This is a meaningful win for the peer recovery movement in Maryland,’ Donnelly added, expressing gratitude towards the Maryland Department of Labor and the various partners involved. ‘We look forward to sharing outcomes and lessons learned with On Our Own of Maryland’s affiliated peer network so this investment can strengthen the broader field.’
As the project unfolds, On Our Own and SSCM plan to keep their peer network updated with implementation progress, insights, and early results. Affiliates interested in exploring bilingual peer pathway models or collaborating are encouraged to reach out.
About On Our Own of Frederick County:
This is a peer-led Wellness and Recovery Center dedicated to assisting adults facing mental health and substance use challenges via peer support, community connection, and recovery-oriented services.
About the Spanish Speaking Community of Maryland (SSCM):
SSCM works tirelessly to empower Spanish-speaking individuals and families through culturally sensitive services and advocacy, helping bridge access to crucial resources.
Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers (RAMP):
This funding initiative is pivotal in supporting the growth of the rural peer recovery workforce while enhancing access to behavioral health services throughout Maryland.
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