Administration
Karen Lehman Cieplak
Director
The Department of Community Services is just that: community services. The most direct link between County Government and the public, the Department provides programs and services that affect every part of the population. The Department of Community Services consists of four divisions, each with its own focus, all with the same goal: to provide quality programs and services to Charles County residents.
The overall direction and goals for the Department of Community Services are established within the administrative division. Working closely with the County Commissioners and the Division Chiefs, the Director creates the framework for addressing community needs and ensures efficiency in the delivery of services.
Child Care Programs - In an effort to provide affordable, quality child care to the citizens of Charles County, the County Commissioners established a cooperative partnership between county government and edSolutions, Inc. (“ESI”). This partnership offers two child care opportunities to Charles County citizens—the Port Tobacco Onsite Child Care Program and the Before and After School Child Care Program (BASCC). Both programs are administered and monitored by the Charles County Department of Community Services. The child care programs offer structured, supervised, child care complete with recreational enrichment and academic activities, all of which allows students choices during this constructive time. With academic and enrichment activities, homework time, arts and crafts, recreational activities, and nutritious snacks, your children are in a safe, creative, and stimulating setting. By combining academic enrichment activities and homework assistance with gross motor skills and creative arts activities; well-rounded, child-centered programs in safe, creative, and structured environments are provided.
Aging & Community Centers Programs - The Aging and Community Centers Division serves as the designated Area Agency on Aging for Charles County and advocates on behalf of older persons within the county. Additionally, the Division provides recreational activities through the nine Community Centers and the four Senior Centers in your area.
Housing & Community Development Programs - The Charles County Housing & Community Development Division administers a variety of housing programs directed at assisting low- and moderate-income families, including elderly and handicapped persons. The programs provide assistance in various areas, including: Subsidized rental payments for families in need of rental assistance and Low-interest rehabilitation loans for home owners, as well as assistance for first time home buyers.
Recreation Programs - The Recreation Division provides for countywide leisure activities and indoor sports for residents of Charles County in order to promote health, wellness, and quality of life. The Recreation Division administers Elite Gymnastics & Recreation Center, the county's state-of-the art recreational facility. All of the County’s indoor aquatics, therapuetic programs, discount amusement park tickets, trips, and indoor sports are administered by the Recreation Division. The Indoor Community Pool at Lackey High School is also managed by the Recreation Division.
Transportation Service - The Transportation Division of the Charles County Department of Community Services operates VanGO, which provides general public transit as well as limited specialized services. The general public transit serves: employment locations in La Plata and Waldorf, shopping centers, medical facilities, the College of Southern Maryland, recreation and senior centers. The public transit system also provides a connection to STS, the St. Mary’s County Transit System.