The Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) Executive Program Class of 2026 recently convened to study the region’s critical housing and human services challenges. The class heard from industry leaders about the needs and concerns of children, low-income families, homeless residents, residents dealing with mental and behavioral health issues and domestic violence, and the limited stock of affordable and workforce housing in Southern Maryland.

Pure Play Every Day Executive Director and LSM Board of Director Patty Stine introduced the executives to the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Assessment. ACE Assessments raise awareness of how children’s experiences of domestic violence, parental behavioral health issues, and economic insecurity can impact 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.

Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of St. Mary’s County, the Hon. Amy Lorenzini, 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.

Leadership Southern Maryland’s flagship Executive Program is an interactive and life-enriching nine-month, tuition-based “behind-the-scenes” experience designed to enhance the collaborative abilities of our region’s top senior professionals. LSM is now accepting applications for the Executive Program Class of 2027. We welcome mid- to senior-level executives representing diverse geographic locations, industries, professions, and other backgrounds who are committed to addressing the community needs of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. For more information, visit www.leadershipsomd.org.