Melwood Receives Community Recognition

UPPER MARLBORO, MD – May 20, 2015 – Melwood, one of the leading nonprofit organizations serving people with differing abilities in Maryland, was recently awarded the 2015 William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award.  The award, named after the former Governor of Maryland, was established in 2012 to honor his 50-year legacy of public service.  It is presented in each of Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore to individuals and organizations with an unwavering commitment to helping people.

Melwood was selected as the recipient for Prince George’s County in recognition of the organization’s longstanding commitment to improving the lives of people with differing abilities.  Maryland Comptroller, Peter Franchot, presented the award to Melwood’s President and CEO, Cari DeSantis, at its headquarters located in Upper Marlboro, Md. During the presentation Comptroller Franchot also delivered a special award to Chester Gillespie a program participant who has enjoyed Melwood’s services for more than 3 decades. 

“We are truly honored to receive this award,” said Cari DeSantis, President and CEO of Melwood. “We owe a debt of gratitude to our founders for establishing our principles which are grounded in helping people.”

Also on hand for the award presentation were Melwood’s Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, George Watkins, Earl Copus, Melwood’s founding CEO, Prince George’s County Sheriff Melvin High and Register of Wills for Prince George’s, Cereta Lee.

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