Community Ministries of Rockville Celebrating 50 years of Service (VIDEO)

Between the health clinics, emergency assistance program and the housing program offered at the Community Ministries of Rockville (CMR), Linda Rhoads said she’s happy to make a difference in her community.

“I was looking for an opportunity to give back after I retired and I wanted to be able to touch people more directly than the things I was doing,” said Linda Rhoads, volunteer, Community Ministries of Rockville.  “This was a great way to do that.”

Rhoads is one of many residents in Montgomery County who volunteers with CMR. To show appreciation for the volunteers’ time and dedication, dozens of residents and community leaders gathered at the Glenview Mansion on Tuesday evening for a special celebration to honor them.

“We couldn’t do what we do without them.” said Agnes Saenz, executive director, Community Ministries of Rockville.

The “Volunteer Appreciation Event” was an official kickoff to a series of events CMR is hosting to celebrate 50 years of service to the community.

CMR was founded in 1967 with a merger of a Presbyterian Church USA congregation and a United Church of Christ congregation that offered counseling services for both parents and youth.

“50 years is a big deal,” said Amy Soldavini, chair, Community Ministries of Rockville. “We’ve extended our services to Rockville and even expanded our services to the whole county.”

The Rockville Singers Benefit Concert is the next event CMR has planned to raise money for the Rockville Emergency Assistance Program (REAP) of CMR on Feb. 12.

CMR’s 50th Anniversary Gala will be held on April 29.

.@CMRockville is celebrating 50 years of service & tonight they are honoring volunteers at the Glenview Mansion in Rockville @mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/QVEKE71kH0

— Mitti Hicks (@MittiMegan) January 24, 2017

Preparing to honor volunteers tonight at CMR’s Volunteer Reception. First event of our 50th anniv., “Achieving the Extraordinary Together” pic.twitter.com/fOXzAypKdl

— Community Ministries (@CMRockville) January 24, 2017

About Mitti Hicks

Mitti Hicks is a multimedia journalist and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She is passionate about telling stories that impact our community and may be reached at MHicks@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter @mittimegan.

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