Denise Smith didn’t set out to join a nonprofit board. She just wanted to do community service with her kids during the pandemic.
But when she discovered Columbia Community Care and witnessed the long lines of families waiting for food, something shifted. Now, as a newly appointed CCC board member, Smith is bringing energy and willingness to roll up her sleeves to help the organization grow.
Smith has lived in Howard County since 2013, in a neighborhood where her children are surrounded by affluence, “It fits the stereotype that Howard County has higher income, more expensive houses.”
That’s why discovering the depth of food insecurity in the county came as such a shock. “I honestly did not realize how much need exists in Howard County,” she admits. “It was eye-opening for me because I always knew that there was hunger in Howard County. But I didn’t know how many people were falling through those cracks.”
Perspective and Understanding
Smith’s two children—her 19-year-old daughter, now a student at Howard Community College, and her 16-year-old son, a junior at Reservoir High School—also volunteer with CCC. And while they might not wake up early and jump in the car to volunteer, Smith says the experience has been valuable for them.
Exposing her children to community service is about more than charity; it’s about understanding their community. “My kids don’t see the need from where they are. It’s not until we really get into the community that they understand that hunger and food insecurity exist in Howard County.”
Recently, the issue of food insecurity hit closer to home for Smith. “I do have friends right now who were furloughed or have lost their positions with the government,” she shares. “They are looking right now to figure out ways to put food on the table, and they have degrees, and they have worked hard—it’s not their fault.”
These experiences reinforce why she’s committed to CCC’s mission. “If I can just do something to make a difference for one person or one family, then I feel like there’s so much more for me to do.”
Inspiration from Youth
While hunger relief is CCC’s primary mission, the partnership with the STAND youth mentorship program has been particularly inspiring for Smith.
She recently attended a celebration event recognizing young men in the program. “Seeing those young African-American boys, who literally were saying they don’t know where they would be right now if it weren’t for this program…it was emotional and powerful,” Smith recalls. “The confidence that they built from that program and the love that you see that they have for the mentors has stayed with me.”
A Greater Impact
“I’m so excited about the growth of CCC and the eventual move into the new space, The Source. Having a space where people can go for resources and for food will make such an impact,” Smith says. “I’m honored to be on the board to help grow it to the next level.”
For this first-time board member, it’s not about prestige or résumé-building. It’s about making a tangible difference in her community. “Everyone says it takes one person, and that is why, for me, Erika is an inspiration,” Smith says. “She is one person and has grown this organization to where it is. I can do my part.”
