Community Corner
Grassroots Executive Director Announces Retirement Plans
Andrea Ingram has increased understanding and support of people who are in crisis
After more than a quarter century leading Howard County’s only 24-hour crisis intervention center and shelter for the homeless, Executive Director Andrea Ingram has announced that she will retire once a replacement has been found.
“We know we will never truly replace Andrea Ingram. She is an amazing Executive Director,” said Grassroots Board President Mary Lasky. “Her legacy, however, includes leaving behind an efficient and effective organization, a well-trained staff and hundreds of volunteers and donors. That will make the transition easier for her successor.”
Recruitment efforts are underway, Lasky said, and a Selection Committee has been formed. “We are looking for a special person,” Lasky noted, “and we don’t intend to rush the process. Andrea has agreed to stay until a successful transition has taken place.”
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Ingram has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognition for her leadership and service to the community. She was presented the Leadership Howard County Distinguished Alumni Award in 2006, recognized with the Audrey Robbins Humanitarian Award in 2003 and was inducted in the Howard County Women’s Hall of Fame in 2004.
Ingram is a member of the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board. She has served as President of the Association of Community Services, Co-Chaired the Local Board on Homelessness and served on the United Way Community Partnerships Board, among other activities.
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Ingram, a licensed social worker, is an honors graduate of the University of Maryland, with both a B.S. in Special Education and Psychology and a M.S.W in Social Work.
Grassroots provides the county’s only emergency shelter and 24-hour crisis intervention services. Professional crisis counselors staff Grassroots’ 24-hour hotline; see walk-in clients in need of immediate counseling; operate the Mobile Crisis Team, which responds to community emergencies, and manage the county's emergency shelter for men, women and families who are homeless. In addition, Grassroots operates the Day Resource Center and manages the Cold Weather Shelter in partnership with the faith community during the winter months.
