One Mission Cambridge Café Delivering Record Number of Resources

The Dorchester Shore Community Outreach Team is one of several community partners offering services at One Mission Cambridge each week. Pictured left to right are members of the Dorchester Shore Community Outreach Team (SCOT): Jessica Wise (Social Worker), Courtney Thomas (Community Health Advocate), Shelly Houlihan, Manager of One Mission Cambridge; Rochalla Jones (Nurse Coordinator), Amanda McDermott (Community Advocate).

Since the new year, One Mission Cambridge has doubled the number of clients it serves on a daily basis, growing to helping approximately 75 and 100 people each day. In particular, the organization is seeing an increase in usage of its Café, which, in addition to providing resources, serves snacks on Mondays and Tuesdays and a hot meal on Thursdays. Clients range in ages from age 18 to age 85 and are from all walks of life, including families and children.

“We have seen a dramatic increase in those people who are unhoused and dependent on community resources to survive. As the cost of living has increased, we have seen a greater need for resources,” shares Shelly Houlihan, Manager of One Mission Cambridge.

One Mission Cambridge expanded its space last May opening a Café next door for clients to gather and to receive case management services in a more private way. The space also provides for community programs.

“People are stressed right now, and many are going through hard times. It is comforting for them to have someone to have that one-on-one connection to navigate the resources they need,” she adds.

“Case management services are vital to enable individuals to connect to resources that can impact their situation. The plan is to offer more case management services as per the One Mission Cambridge Strategic Plan,” comments Krista Pettit, Director of One Mission Cambridge.

Another important part of One Mission Cambridge is the work it does with local community partners. The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services in Cambridge help clients at One Mission Cambridge find medical assistance, housing, outpatient mental health, addiction treatment and financial management.

“Shelly and her team at One Mission are wonderful resources and advocates in our community. One mission provides a safe place for our clients who are homeless and those who need positive socialization, resources, and a place for clients to gather to feel a part of the community. Shelly is a great advocate for clients' well-being. We collaborate and coordinate often to ensure clients needing mental health services are connected to the ACT team and or appropriate services for optimal positive outcomes,” comments Elizabeth Ruffo, Director of ACT services at HealthPort.

The University of Maryland Shore Regional Health’s Dorchester Shore Community Outreach Team (SCOT) is another community partner helping clients at One Mission Cambridge. The SCOT program began October 2024 and provides community case management services, at no cost to participants in Dorchester County, through a specialized team of a nurse, social worker, and community health advocates. This team connects individuals to resources and information to help them gain the skills, services, and support they need for their healthcare goals.

“SCOT also provides outreach screening and educational events for Dorchester County entities. The team has been offering blood pressure screenings and program information at One Mission Cambridge since February 2025. Through our continued presence at One Mission, we are gaining the community’s trust and assisting more individuals through our program,” comments Rochalla Jones, BSN, RN, RN Coordinator at UM Shore Regional Health, Dorchester Shore Community Outreach Team (SCOT).

Other major community partners working in tandem with One Mission Cambridge are the Dorchester County Department of Social Services and the Dorchester County Health Department. The organization welcomes collaboration with all community resources and often promotes them through its resource list which is offered to every client. A complete list of resources can be found at https://onemissioncambridge.org/resource-list.

To continue to deliver services to clients, One Mission Cambridge continues to need at least four volunteers each day. Food pantry shifts are available Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., 1:00 to 4 p.m., or 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. One Mission Cambridge’s food pantry volunteers help clients 'shop' the shelves, providing one-on-one assistance by guiding them through the process and helping them choose items they need. Other tasks include helping with simple paperwork, restocking shelves, and tidying the lounge area. These simple, short shifts are perfect for people of all ages.

“We encourage all community members to come build valuable connections with your neighbors and make a direct impact in your community,” adds Houlihan.

The nonprofit, formed in 2022, provides quality programs, including a food pantry, community navigation, community dinners, and counseling services. The organization continues to need non-perishable food items, diapers, and formula. For further information or to volunteer, visit onemissioncambridge.org.

One Mission Cambridge is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 1 to 5 p.m. for services. For additional information visit onemissioncambridge.org, Facebook, or Instagram. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 1495, Cambridge, MD 21613.