Grassroots Renamed in Honor of Andrea Ingram

Grassroots Renamed in Honor of Andrea Ingram

Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman has announced the Grassroots Crisis Intervention center has been renamed The Andrea Ingram Building to honor its retired executive director.

Speaking at a reception to celebrate Ingram’s contributions to Howard County, Kittleman unveiled a plaque that will hang in the Grassroots building on Freetown Road in Columbia. The plaque includes a photo of Ingram and a dedication “in recognition of her compassionate service and passionate advocacy on behalf of individuals and families experiencing crisis.”

Hosted by the Grassroots Board of Directors, the reception included remarks by Board President Mary Lasky, Board Secretary Rochelle Michaux Conway, and Howard County Council member Mary Kay Sigaty, as well as Kittleman. County Council Vice Chair Calvin Ball and Council member Greg Fox joined Sigaty to make an official proclamation in Ingram’s honor.

Conway cited Ingram’s accomplishments during her 28-year tenure at Grassroots, noting the organization “has expanded services to more people in need, raised community awareness of poverty and homelessness, and engaged an increasing number of congregations, businesses, civic groups and individuals in helping people in crisis.”

Grassroots operates Howard County’s only emergency shelter for homeless men, women and families and the Grassroots Day Resource Center. In addition, the nonprofit operates a 24-hour crisis intervention service, staffed by professional crisis counselors who field calls to its 24-hour hotline and see walk-in clients in need of immediate counseling. As part of its crisis intervention services, Grassroots operates the county’s Mobile Crisis Team, which responds to family emergencies.

For information or to make a donation in Ingram’s honor, visit www.grassroots.hocomojo.org.

Leave a reply