WALDORF, Md. — Food insecurity is not always visible.
It can look like a parent stretching groceries until payday. It can also mean a family qualifies for food assistance but does not know where to begin with the paperwork.
Ivy and Pearls of Southern Maryland Community Charities Inc. works to connect Southern Maryland families with resources addressing those kinds of everyday needs.
Now, an $11,100 fiscal 2027 grant from the Charles County Charitable Trust will support that work. The Waldorf-based nonprofit will use the funding for nutrition assistance programs addressing food insecurity among Waldorf residents.
The organization, commonly known as IPSMCC, serves communities in Charles and St. Mary’s counties. Its programs focus on educational, charitable, financial, cultural and health-related needs.
Helping Residents Navigate Food Benefits
One of the most practical services IPSMCC currently offers is free SNAP benefits assistance.
Through a partnership with LifeStyles Inc., the nonprofit helps residents complete SNAP applications and other benefit-related paperwork. The assistance also covers redeterminations, benefit reviews and change forms.
IPSMCC offers the service at its Waldorf headquarters.
Residents with questions about SNAP assistance can call 240-607-2844 or email snapassist@ipsmcc.org.
For someone already struggling to afford groceries, navigating the application process can create another hurdle. Having someone available to help with the paperwork can make the process easier.
A Wider Focus On Southern Maryland Families
However, food assistance is only one part of the organization’s broader community mission.
Ivy and Pearls supports residents of Charles and St. Mary’s counties through programs addressing education, finances, culture, health and other community needs.
The organization traces its beginnings to 2013. In 2015, it became a nonprofit charitable organization.
Since then, its work has included scholarships, workshops, community events and career-readiness programming. The nonprofit also provides direct assistance.
The new $11,100 grant will specifically support nutrition assistance for Waldorf residents.
How To Get Help Or Learn More
Residents can visit the Ivy and Pearls website to find current programs, resources and upcoming events.
IPSMCC provides SNAP assistance at its headquarters at 3825 Leonardtown Road, Suite 4, Waldorf, MD 20601.
In addition, residents can submit general inquiries through the organization’s contact page.
Its mailing address is:
P.O. Box 975
Waldorf, MD 20604
How The Community Can Help
IPSMCC relies on grants and donations to support its workshops, scholarships, community events and other resources.
Residents can donate through the Donate Today option on the Ivy and Pearls website.
Meanwhile, businesses and community organizations interested in collaborating can use the organization’s contact page. Those partnerships can include educational programs, community events and other initiatives serving Southern Maryland families.
The $11,100 award is part of $1.5 million in fiscal 2027 grants from the Charles County Charitable Trust. In total, 57 nonprofits serving Charles County residents received funding.
Because this award comes from the county’s Waldorf-focused grant resources, the funding is specifically designated to benefit Waldorf residents.
Learn More: Ivy And Pearls Of Southern Maryland Community Charities
SNAP Assistance: 240-607-2844 | snapassist@ipsmcc.org
Contact/Partner: Connect With IPSMCC
Donate: Support Ivy And Pearls
Learn More About The Charles County Charitable Trust
This grant is one of 57 awards totaling $1.5 million going to nonprofits that serve Charles County residents in fiscal 2027. The Charles County Charitable Trust administers the grants.
Founded in 2016, the trust supports the county’s nonprofit community through grant funding, training and other resources. It also creates opportunities for organizations to collaborate.
Additionally, the trust now operates from the Vivian Mills Center for Nonprofits in La Plata. The center provides affordable office and meeting space for local organizations. It also honors Vivian Mills, the trust’s first executive director.
Residents can learn more about the Charles County Charitable Trust or explore its fiscal 2027 grant program. They can also donate to support local nonprofit initiatives.
The BayNet is highlighting all 57 grant recipients throughout the series. The goal is to show how nonprofits are using the funding, who they serve and how residents can connect with organizations in their community.
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