In this edition, we spoke with Jamie Manning, LCSW-C who graduated from Salisbury University in 2004 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a minor in Psychology (2003). She received her clinical licensure and is a Maryland Board of Social Workers approved supervisor. Mrs. Manning has worked with vulnerable children, families, and adults for over 22 years. She has experience with Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and is certified to provide trauma work with clients. Mrs. Manning completed courses and is a certified nonprofit professional. Mrs. Manning is currently the Executive Director of the Life Crisis Center, Inc. and has worked here for 4 years.
1. What makes the Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester County communities you serve special?
The Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, encompassing Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset counties, holds a unique allure amidst its picturesque landscapes and resilient communities. Spanning over 1800 square miles of territory and including two inhabited islands, this rural expanse is a tapestry of diverse cultures and traditions. Despite its serene coastal scenery, the region grapples with pressing socioeconomic challenges and systemic issues. Yet, amidst these hardships, the Lower Shore stands resilient, bolstered by organizations like the Life Crisis Center, Inc., which provides vital victim services and support. With its blend of coastal beauty and community strength, the Lower Shore remains a testament to the indomitable spirit of its people.
2. Tell us about the Life Crisis Center’s current community prevention efforts.
The Life Crisis Center (LCC) stands out as a vital resource, offering specialized care for victims of various forms of abuse, including child abuse, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and child sex trafficking. By providing much-needed services not readily available elsewhere, LCC fills a critical gap in victim support on the Lower Eastern Shore. Life Crisis Center licensed and credentialed staff have learned that victim services, therapy, advocacy, and support programs play a crucial role in breaking the cycle of abuse and reducing the likelihood of future incidents.
In relation to sexual assault prevention, most recently LCC have been active in multiple area Chamber of Commerce, having done multiple prevention presentations. We have been active in SACC Young Professionals, offering training. We participated in “Take Back the Night” and the planning committee for this event held at Salisbury University. We have a staff member that participates in MCASA’s Prevention Advisory Board, attended a mental health fair at Wor Wic for students, is attending a resource fair for parents at Wor-Wic Community College and hosted a Bringing In The Bystander Training open to the public at Wor-Wic. We currently are in communication with a preventionist in LA in regard to be being a guest speaker in a webinar, have signed up to speak on a podcast regarding BRAVE (Bars and Restaurants Against Violence Everyday) and are in communication with BRAVE partners to get participation up with more establishments. We have additionally been in communication with a bunch of schools and are doing social media safety presentations.
3. Why are you a member of MCASA?
LCC partners with MCASA to provide evidence-based, trauma-focused services for our victims who have experienced sexual assault, designed to meet the unique needs of each individual with the aim to help them heal and become a survivor. MCASA is an amazing team partner that is readily available to LCC. We know we do not have all the answers, so to have a resource to collaborate with in the fight against sexual assault and advocate for victims’ rights is a blessing. MCASA also keeps us up to date on legislative happenings to keep things on our radar so we can educate our communities.
4. What called you to your work?
For two decades, I dedicated my career to the vital field of child welfare and adult services, drawn by an innate passion to protect and uplift the most vulnerable in our society. Witnessing the profound impact of trauma on individuals and families, I became increasingly committed to fostering healing and empowerment. Transitioning to the Life Crisis Center within the non-profit sector marked a pivotal juncture in my journey. Here, I found a deeper calling to directly support victims of heinous crimes—child abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, and domestic violence. It’s a realm where empathy isn’t just a sentiment but a lifeline, where every action holds the potential to rebuild shattered lives. In this role, I’m not just a bystander; I’m a beacon of hope, guiding survivors through the darkest of storms towards a future defined by resilience and renewal. It’s a privilege to stand alongside these courageous individuals, advocating for justice, healing, and the restoration of dignity.
5. As we emerge from the pandemic, what are Life Crisis Center’s biggest challenges?
Some of our biggest challenges as we emerge from the pandemic are funding. We never charge victims for our services at LCC. We never bill insurance. We rely solely on grants and fundraising efforts. As the grant process has become more competitive, we find ourselves in dire need of funding for imperative salary positions like our clinical therapist. These positions are critical to the work we do as the trauma from the pandemic seems to have become more complex and has its own unique challenges for survivors. As with the changes in our economy and inflation everywhere, fundraising seems more and more challenging as well. We utilize our fundraising not just to bring in funds for operations but also to spread awareness about our services for the community.
