Nonprofit Spotlight
Nonprofit Spotlight
Deep Launching, Inc.
Going Where the Need Is
Deep Launching is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to provide immediate and sustainable relief to homeless and low-income families, children, men, women, and veterans as well as address health disparities in the community. Since 2012, Deep Launching has focused its effort in the Southern Maryland region. Its mission is achieved through its Compassionate Response programs including Community Resource Days and Hunger Relief, among others.
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Twice a year, Deep Launching organizes and hosts Compassionate Response: Community Resource Days. In partnership with Project Bridges, Deep Launching is able to successfully distribute thousands of toiletry items, household items, clothes, school supplies, and baby pampers/formula to hundreds of low-income households. Starting in 2022, the organization will make its Community Resource Days mobile. It is Deep Launching's desire to "go where the need is" in the community.
Due to COVID-19 and food insecurity in the region, Deep Launching started its Compassionate Response: Hunger Relief Program. This program provides one week of emergency groceries to children, families, and senior citizens. To date, Deep Launching has distributed over 32,000 pounds of fresh produce and over 21,000 pounds (about the weight of a school bus) of emergency groceries to more than 870 households, 85% of which are Hispanic and African American.
Assistance to the community continues through addressing health disparities. Vaping and e-cigarettes have infiltrated the region's youth and young adult communities. Through a partnership with the St. Mary’s County Health Department, Deep Launching successfully educated 3,670 middle and high schoolers on the risks and dangers of vaping. Staff is also certified as trainers for Botvin LifeSkills for high schoolers, for tobacco cessation, and for Safe Dates which educates students about domestic violence.
The homeless population is perhaps Deep Launching’s deepest concern. The organization strives to help those living in homeless situations by providing non-perishable food, blankets, tents, on-demand care bags, and life-skills training. Deep Launching can skillfully provide wrap-around services that will assist those in transitional and program housing. These services will help individuals obtain sustainable independent living skills for their day-to-day living or personal development.
Learn more on the Deep Launching website.
(Submitted by Masada Johnson, president of Deep Launching, Inc.)