Fuel Change. Expand Opportunity.

Too many children and families in Dorchester County struggle to get by. Poverty and unemployment are high. Housing and childcare are hard to afford. We have gaps in early learning opportunities and constrained access to essential resources.

• Dorchester leads the Mid-Shore in high school dropouts and trails in early reading and math. Chronic absenteeism is high, only 1 in 3 DCPS kindergarteners are school-ready, and 100+ students are experiencing homelessness.
• Our county also has the lowest median household income in the region and the highest adult and child poverty rates.
• Unemployment is tied for the highest in the region and there are significant obstacles to work: limited training and placement options, criminal-record barriers, limited and unaffordable childcare, and weak school-to-work transition.

Imagine a Dorchester County where communities and partners are working together so that:

• Every child walks into kindergarten ready and prepared.
• Every student has the support to be successful in school and life.
• Every family has a safe, stable place to call home.
• Every adult can fully participate in the workforce, contributing to a stronger, more resilient local economy.

Your support helps Dorchester County families build a brighter future: Every contribution strengthens partnerships and solutions that connect children to early education, expand job training, enhance economic stability, and grow community leadership.

Together, we are building a thriving Dorchester County for all.

To donate please email info@mdforward.org or call 410-844-6845.