HUGHESVILLE, Md. — Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative employees raised $63,000 through their Annual Charity Golf Outing in September and donated the full amount to three homeless service providers that serve Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties.
The beneficiaries are Lifestyles of Maryland, Inc.—Robert J. Fuller Transitional House in Charles County, Project Echo, Inc. in Calvert County, and Three Oaks Center in St. Mary’s County. Each organization received $21,000.
Credit: SMECO
Sonja M. Cox, SMECO president and CEO, said the donation reflects the cooperative’s commitment to community stability.
“A home is more than shelter from the elements. It’s a foundation for security, stability, and health,” Cox said. “Our local organizations understand this and provide the services and resources essential in helping individuals move from crisis to independence. The continued growth of our annual charitable event, driven by the hard work of our employees and the generosity of our vendors, enables SMECO to support these three local shelters as they carry out their critical work in our community.”
The golf outing, held each fall, relies on sponsorships from vendors and participation by SMECO board members, executives, and staff volunteers. Nokia and Wesco served as presenting sponsors this year. More than 30 companies contributed at diamond, platinum, and other levels.
Natalie Cotton, SMECO government and public affairs director, noted that employee-led fundraisers have now given more than $665,000 to Southern Maryland nonprofits over the past 13 years.
Project Echo, which has operated Calvert County’s only emergency homeless shelter for more than 30 years, provides 24-hour shelter, meals, and case management year-round.
Dave Whitaker, program director for Project Echo, said the gift arrives at a critical time.
“Project ECHO is deeply grateful to SMECO and its employees for their incredible generosity and community spirit,” Whitaker said. “Their support helps us provide safe shelter, warm meals, and vital resources to individuals and families in crisis—keeping our doors open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This gift directly strengthens our mission to serve Calvert County residents experiencing homelessness and reminds us that when our community comes together, hope truly shines.”
In Charles County, the Robert J. Fuller Transitional House, operated by Lifestyles of Maryland Foundation, offers temporary housing and structured support for men working toward independence.
Sandy Washington, chief executive officer of Lifestyles of Maryland, said the funds will cover daily operational needs.
“LifeStyles is so grateful for the generous donation from SMECO,” Washington said. “These funds will help with the operational needs of the Robert J. Fuller Transitional House for men by providing for supplies and materials needed to assist these gentlemen in achieving independence and self-sustainability.”
Three Oaks Center in St. Mary’s County is using its portion to complete renovations on a home that housed four highly disabled residents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The building will reopen in the coming weeks as the Andre Rice Emergency Men’s Shelter, named for the organization’s late board president.
Sasha Seenath, executive director of Three Oaks Center, said the donation arrives as federal funding for homelessness programs faces potential cuts.
“SMECO’s generous donation of $21,000 is making a profound and immediate impact on Three Oaks Center’s ability to serve our community,” Seenath said. “These funds are allowing us to fully renovate a home that deteriorated after sheltering four highly disabled individuals throughout the pandemic. In just a few weeks, this restored space will reopen as the Andre Rice Emergency Men’s Shelter—named in honor of our late Board President—and will once again provide safety, stability, and hope for those who need it most.”
Established in 1992, Three Oaks Center provides emergency housing, stabilization services, assessments, and referrals for unhoused residents of St. Mary’s County with the goal of returning individuals to self-sufficient living.
The Robert J. Fuller Transitional House maintains 24-hour staffing and aims to help residents re-enter society within one year through comprehensive case management and life-skills support.
Project Echo offers clean sleeping areas, daily meals, hygiene facilities, job readiness training, and connections to medical and behavioral health services.
SMECO rotates beneficiary organizations each year and directs contributions through the tax-deductible SMECO Charitable Foundation.
