History of SPAN

We love because God first loved us...
We give because God has given to us.  

   
On April 2, 1990, the Severna Park Assistance Network (SPAN) opened its doors to local area families in crisis.  SPAN was formed because of the concern on the part of the ministers in the Severna Park area with regard to the growing demand for emergency help, the need to identify the people seeking help, and a process to help those people in a dignified and expeditious manner.  Before that, those needing assistance would be forced to go from church to church.  SPAN enabled them to find that same resource in one place.

The newly formed SPAN, an ecumenical Christian ministry, was supported by six churches.  The charter members were:  American Baptist Church of the Redeemer, Our Shepherd Lutheran, St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic, St. Martin's in the Field Episcopal, Severna Park United Methodist, and Woods Memorial Presbyterian.  Since that time, five of the original six churches have remained active members and another eight have joined SPAN's ranks.  Our 13 partner churches are located in Severna Park as well as in the surrounding communities of Millersville, Arnold and the Broadneck Peninsula.  In addition to its member churches, SPAN has been blessed with the generous support of local businesses, organizations, and individuals.

During that first month in operation, SPAN assisted 53 families with food and/or financial needs, such as prevention of eviction, utility disruption, or prescriptions.  Last year, a total of 1,353 families (4,308 adults and children) were helped--an average of 112 families per month were provided assistance with the same needs.  It is a tribute to all who support SPAN that we have been able to keep pace with the growing needs in our community.

SPAN is governed by a board of 13 directors comprised of a representative from each church.  Being a non-profit organization, SPAN also has been blessed with the support of local businesses, civic organizations, schools, and individuals. SPAN is staffed by an executive director, an associate director and trained volunteers who work in its pantry and meet with the clients who apply for assistance.

 

SPAN - 410-647-0889 - SPANhelps@yahoo.com