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Neighborhood Service Center’s Akima Copper Honored by Maryland Community Action Partnership
The Neighborhood Service Center of Talbot County has announced that Emergency Services/Outreach Director Akima Copper has been recognized by the Maryland Community Action Partnership during the organization’s recent Community Action Celebration and Awards Luncheon at the Gaylord National Resort in Oxon Hill.
Copper joins a select group of honorees from across Maryland being recognized during this year’s summit, “Built for this Moment: Honoring Essential Work. Inspiring What’s Next.” The annual event celebrated individuals and organizations whose leadership and service strengthen communities and expand opportunities for families facing economic hardship.
The recognition highlights Copper’s dedication to serving Talbot County residents with compassion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to helping neighbors achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
“Akima represents the very best of community action,” said Andy Hollis, executive director of the Neighborhood Service Center. “Every day, she demonstrates what it means to serve with empathy, dignity, and determination.
“Her work directly impacts families who are navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” he says. “We are incredibly proud to see her recognized at the state level for the difference she makes in our community.”
The Maryland Community Action Partnership serves as a statewide network supporting Community Action Agencies across Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C., working to address poverty and strengthen economic mobility.
“Akima exemplifies the heart of Community Action,” said Angela Martin, executive director of the Maryland Community Action Partnership. “This year’s theme recognizes individuals who continue showing up for their communities with resilience, innovation, and compassion. Her commitment to serving Talbot County residents reflects the essential work happening every day across our Community Action network.”
Hollis said the recognition also shines a light on the broader mission of the Neighborhood Service Center and the growing need for community support throughout the Mid-Shore region.
“At a time when more working families, seniors, and individuals are struggling with housing costs, food insecurity, transportation challenges, and access to basic needs, dedicated employees like Akima are often the first point of hope,” Hollis said. “This award is a reminder that investing in organizations like the Neighborhood Service Center means investing directly in the strength and resilience of our community.”
The Community Action Celebration and Awards Luncheon is part of the Maryland Community Action Partnership’s annual summit, which convenes nonprofit leaders, advocates, policymakers, and service organizations committed to advancing economic opportunity and community well-being across the region.
The Neighborhood Service Center, Inc. has served Talbot County residents for more than 50 years with a mission to eliminate poverty by empowering individuals and families to become self-sufficient. As Talbot County’s designated Community Action Agency, NSC provides food assistance, housing support, energy assistance, homeless prevention services, and other critical programs for residents in need. More is at www.nsctalbotmd.org.
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