MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release

Contact: Grace Lee

410-230-0630

glee@mdnewdirections.org
October 22, 2009

Maryland New Directions Earns Prestigious Seal of Excellence Award

Baltimore, Maryland – Maryland New Directions (MND) has been awarded the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organization’s (MANO) Seal of Excellence award. The nonprofit agency has offered free employment services in Baltimore for 36 years.

The Standards for Excellence is only awarded to nonprofit organizations in the state who have achieved excellence in all areas of operation including direct program services, fundraising, and financial systems. In a time of government transparency, this award underscores MND’s honesty and integrity to all partners in the community. MND is among the 84 nonprofits in Maryland, 1 % of total non-profit MANO organization members, to be certified under the MANO program since 1998.
“The Seal of Excellence is a wonderful tribute to the hard work and dedication the staff and clients of Maryland New Directions engage in everyday,” said Grace Lee, Executive Director. “This recognition is an announcement to the public of the high standards that MND lives and operates by and a real boost to our clients, mentors, volunteers, and supporters.”
Board Chair Terri Whitley noted, “In a climate of high nonprofit service needs and lower giving at all levels. This award tells funders that they can trust MND to be worthy stewards of their money. It tells our clients that they can expect and will receive superior service.”
MND helped over 400 clients with job searches last year. To date, demand for free employment services such as resume writing, internet job search, and career counseling has risen over 300%. The agency is committed to assisting unemployed and underemployed individuals in Baltimore City, with various barriers to successful employment, find jobs leading to family-sustaining wages.

For more information, contact Maryland New Directions at 410-230-0630, or find MND on the internet at www.mdnewdirections.org.