First Wave Families Expands to SOMERSET COUNTY

NEW Maryland Patty Center- Family Support Program Opening in Crisfield in October 2026

First Wave Families will open a new Maryland Patty Center–Family Support Program at 4384 Crisfield Highway in October 2026, expanding access to family support services for residents of Somerset County and surrounding communities. Families interested in participating are encouraged to visit firstwavefamilies.org and contact staff now to begin connecting with programs, resources, and upcoming opportunities before the center officially opens. 

Patty Center–Family Support Programs offer free services designed to support families with children ages four and younger and expectant parents, including parenting education, developmental screenings, early intervention referrals, playgroups, child socialization opportunities, parent peer support, family engagement activities, and connections to mental health and community resources. The goal is simple: to help infants, toddlers, and preschoolers thrive by ensuring parents and caregivers have access to the information, support, and services they need. The expansion is part of Maryland’s implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which calls for increased access to comprehensive family support services alongside high-quality early childhood education. 

The Crisfield location builds on the success of the First Wave Families center in Berlin, which serves Worcester county families through partnerships with schools, healthcare

providers, social service agencies, and community organizations. First Wave Families works closely with Worcester County Public Schools, Somerset County Public Schools, municipal government, and local Judy Centers to connect families with coordinated, wraparound support that strengthens both children and caregivers. 

First Wave Families operates in partnership with Maple Shade Youth and Family Services and is part of Maryland's statewide network of Patty Center–Family Support Programs, funded by Maryland Family Network and the Maryland State Department of Education. The result of this collaboration is a trusted, high-quality system of support that combines local expertise with statewide resources, oversight, accountability, and best practices in family engagement and early childhood development. First Wave Families Somerset is one of six new Patty Center–Family Support Programs being planned by Maryland Family Network.

“This planning process is an important investment in long-term success,” said Mike Hershenfeld, Chief Impact Officer at Maryland Family Network. “By working closely with each partner before opening, we’re helping ensure families are welcomed into spaces that are responsive to their communities and equipped to provide the support they need from day one. We're excited to see existing partners seek to expand their operations with new centers.” To learn more about Maryland Family Network’s Patty Center–Family Support Programs please visit https://marylandfamilynetwork.org/our-work/patty-center-family-support-programs/ 

By bringing this model to Somerset County, First Wave Families and Maple Shade Youth and Family Services are expanding access to services while strengthening connections between families, schools, state agencies, healthcare providers, and community resources throughout the Lower Eastern Shore. 

Families interested in learning more or becoming involved before the center opens can visit firstwavefamilies.org, email info@firstwavefamilies.org, or call 443.577.0810. 

About First Wave Families 

The mission of First Wave Families is to support families on Maryland's 

Lower Eastern Shore who are expecting or have children ages birth through four years old by focusing on setting children up for success in school, as well as empowering parents to gain the skills and knowledge to help their families thrive. First Wave Families’ vision is to support families in their 

pursuit of personal goals and successful parenting practices. They will 

provide children with a high quality early care and education environment as well as a nurturing, safe space for parents to grow and learn. 

MSDE Disclaimer This material was supported through funding from the 

Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Early Childhood (DEC), under the Maryland Family Network and In-Home Intervention Programs Grant. The content and opinions expressed in this material are those of First Wave Families and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Maryland State Department of Education.

Take the Next Step for Your Family

Although the Crisfield center officially opens in September, families interested in support can contact First Wave Families staff now. If you are an expectant parent or have a child 4 or younger, now is a great time to connect with First Wave Families. Reach out today by calling 443.577.0810 or emailing info@firstwavefamilies.org to learn how the new Crisfield center can support your family’s journey through pregnancy and early childhood. Early involvement means access to valuable resources and a supportive community ready to help you thrive.