Beyond the Public Sector: County Government Helps Employers Help Employees

By Susan Rosenbaum



Howard County is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. In July 2006, Money magazine recognized Howard County for its outstanding quality of life. First-rate recreational, educational, public safety and human services and programs are major contributing factors to the excellent quality of life enjoyed by its residents.

County government takes pride in the level and quality of services provided to our residents and continues to identify and develop new programs to meet the needs of our growing and changing population.

Employers know that good employee morale and well-being equates to increased productivity, improved employee attendance and an overall pleasant work environment. With heavy work demands, it is easy to forget that employees have family responsibilities outside of work that can be distracters during the workday. In Howard County, employers can help lessen some of the stress and ease some of the hurdles that some employees face by providing information on resources that address many of these family issues.

The Howard County Department of Citizen Services, the human service arm of county government, has much to offer county businesses and residents. Our highly trained staff can help young parents find child care; provide resources for a troubled adolescent; provide employment, access, transportation and housing information and referral resources to people with disabilities; provide resources to caregivers providing care for their older parents; and even help baby boomers plan for their retirement.

The Department of Citizen Services' web site, www.howardcountymd.gov/CitizenServices/CS_HomePage.htm, provides a complete listing of all programs, services and contacts that can help businesses help their employees; here's a sample of what you will find.

¥ LOCATE: Child Care is a free, personalized resource and referral service designed to help parents choose a child care program.

Phone: 410-313-1930

¥ CARE (Child and Adolescent Resource Center) provides a single point of access for families needing information and resources for children and youth in the community. Trained behavior specialists are available to provide intervention to help children remain in their child care setting.

Phone: 410-313-2273 (CARE), Maryland Relay 711

¥ Maryland Access Point (MAP) is a Disability and Aging Resource Center that provides information and assistance for people over the age of 50, persons over the age of 18 with a disability, and family and caregivers who are looking for resources to help loved ones remain independent.

Phone: 410-313-5980, 1-800-506-5806, TTY 410-313-5927

¥ Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) assists older persons with health insurance concerns. Staff members provide information and counseling to persons on Medicare and help clients research possible prescription drug plan options for the Medicare Part D, prescription drug benefit.

Phone: 410-313-5980, 1-800-506-5806, TTY 410-313-5927

¥ Senior Centers sites conveniently located around the county provide recreational, educational, physical and social activities that help to keep seniors active and connected to the community.

Phone: 410-313-5980, 1-800-506-5806, TTY 410-313-5927

¥ Senior Plus sites provide a state certified social model day care program to serve the needs of the limited functioning senior age 55-plus.

Phone: 410-313-5980, 1-800-506-5806, TTY 410-313-5927

¥ Disabilities Services is the contact point within county government for all disability related issues. Some services provided include information and referral, disability awareness training and ongoing support for full participation for all residents, technical assistance for compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and technical assistance for curb cuts and ramps.

Phone: 410-313-6402, TTY 410-313-6401

¥ Consumer Affairs, the county's "watchdog," investigate and mediates complaints between businesses and consumers when a dispute arises. Businesses may refer consumers to Consumer Affairs when they are unable to resolve a dispute with a customer. The office also investigates marketplace practices that may be illegal and deceptive or unfair trade practices. Speakers are available to businesses and community groups upon request.

Phone: 410-313-6420, TTY 410-313-6401

Look us up and let us help. We are here to serve you.



Susan Rosenbaum is director of the Howard County Department of Citizen Services on Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia. She can be reached at 410-313-6400 (voice), 410-313-6401 (TTY) or e-mail citizen@howardcountymd.gov.