April 9th, 2018 by WCBC Radio
The Maryland Salem Children’s Trust has recently chosen Kathy Friend to fill the position of Executive Director. Friend has been employed by Salem for 10 years filling the rolls of Overnight Awake Staff, Residential Specialist, Personnel Clerk, and Personnel Director before accepting the call to be Executive Director.
When asked about her decision to take on the role of Executive Director she said, “This truly was something that God placed in my heart, that I could not steer away from, and yet still see myself as a faithful servant. My education, work experience, and life experience, have all prepared me for this new role.”
Regarding the new Executive Director, Maryland Salem Board President, Matthew Eichhorn stated, “As a board of directors, we are extremely excited to witness how God has led Kathy’s heart to fill the position of Executive Director. We appreciate her sensitivity and obedience to the Lord’s leading and know that God will use her to lead this amazing organization. As an experienced employee of Salem, Kathy will not only build on our successes, but will take the organization to a new level, expanding our impact on the lives of children.”
Mrs. Friend is a native of Garrett County. She and her husband, Brian, have three children and attend Salem Church of the Brethren. She is a 1995 graduate of Frostburg State University where she earned a bachelors degree in Social Work.
As the new director, Kathy says she is proud to represent Salem Children’s Trust and the exceptional team of talented professionals who minister to youth who are overcoming emotional and behavioral challenges. She further states, “We have a quality faith-based residential program that serves youth from across the state of Maryland, and an exceptional education program at Salem School that was established to not only meet the needs of our Salem youth, but to serve as a resource for other students in Garrett County as well. Students that qualify for Special Education services are special and that's not something for parents or youth to be ashamed of. Our staff is not only equipped to manage Special Education, mental challenges, behavioral challenges, and emotional issues, but they want to make a difference in the lives of these children. I want the people of this community to realize the unique needs of the youth that we serve and to understand the challenges that these youth had to face before they came to Salem. I hope people realize that behind every behavior is a hurting youth that deserves the opportunity to have their lives completely changed here at Salem. Its takes a village, and the local community can support us with their prayers, their talents as volunteers, by attending our special events, and supporting our fundraisers. The state funds our program but not to the extent that we personally deem as sufficient for youth to change their lives and be productive citizens. Our fundraisers are an essential part of supporting our program to make a difference in their lives…one child at a time.”
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