Service will Save US!

And Maryland is Showing Us Just How

“As Governor Wes Moore said, ‘Service will save us.’ I know this is true because it has certainly saved me.”

These were the powerful words of my 24-year-old son, Trey Taylor, as he delivered a heartfelt speech at the VIP reception for the inaugural Maryland Service Corps graduation. Trey had the honor of participating in this groundbreaking program. Through it, he discovered purpose, confidence, and a commitment to his community and himself.

While this may seem like a blog post from a proud parent, it’s more than that! I’m sharing Trey’s story here for three reasons: 1) I believe in the life-changing impact of this program and want more young adults to be aware of it; 2) I want parents raising children with unique challenges to know there is hope; and 3) this blog, GSD for Social Good, is all about uplifting those who are making a profound difference. This program—and the people behind it—are doing just that.

A Bit About Trey
Trey has always been different. He could read chapter books by age 5 with full comprehension, but his handwriting was illegible. He could easily converse with adults around complicated topics, but was socially awkward with kids. He loved to learn, but hated school.  And while he understood complex concepts instantly, he often struggled with routine tasks that were expected and necessary to succeed in school and life. 

Trey is what’s known as twice exceptional— he is gifted and has learning differences. This duality or unevenness has often been a source of frustration and challenge for Trey. Despite his strengths and the strong advocacy of both of his parents, by the time he reached adulthood, Trey felt “beaten down by life” (his words, not mine).

The pandemic was particularly difficult for Trey, and his first semester back on campus was even tougher. He was already burned out when his favorite college professor unexpectedly died. Trey’s academic performance suffered; even more concerning, he fell into a deep depression, the kind that scares a parent so much you fear for your child’s safety. 

Exhausted and depressed, Trey ultimately took a bold step: he paused his college journey to reassess his path. But with no clear direction, the uncertainty was overwhelming. Then, a friend shared an ad for the newly launched Maryland Service Corps program with me. The program offered paid placements at nonprofits and government agencies, along with training and mentorship—all while earning at least the minimum wage. It felt like the perfect opportunity, though we’d previously suggested similar programs to Trey to no avail.

To my surprise, Trey was enthusiastic. Later, he came downstairs to tell me he’d applied. “Mom, the questions made sense, and the process was easy. This could be good.” He said with the first smile I had seen on his face in months.  That initial spark led to an interview, then an acceptance letter, and with each step, his confidence grew. Slowly, Trey’s sense of purpose formed.

Finding His Purpose
The next step was securing a placement, and Trey, who had never worked or even interviewed for a job, was understandably nervous. As a shy, introverted young man, this was all new territory for him—and admittedly, I worried too. But the Maryland Service Corps had thought of everything. Each corps member was guaranteed a placement, and the team guided Trey through interviews until he landed an ideal position at A Wider Circle, a nonprofit focused on helping individuals lift themselves out of poverty. 

As an Essential Support Services Specialist, Trey connected with clients, listened to their stories, and coordinated access to essentials like furniture, baby items, and professional clothing. Initially, Trey pictured himself in a “behind-the-scenes” role, thinking it suited his introverted nature. However his coach encouraged him to consider a more direct, customer-facing position during the interview process. Hesitantly, he agreed, and with each client interaction, his confidence grew, and his outdated and inaccurate narrative that he was not good socially began to fade.

Beyond his role, Trey volunteered for additional opportunities, tabling at events, attending rallies, and even participating in a recruitment video with Governor Moore. And there he was, on the last day of the program, standing at the podium, sharing his journey with a VIP audience—a task that once seemed unimaginable.

As he said in his speech, “While I developed communication skills, strengthened my teamwork, and gained customer service experience, the most valuable part of the program is that I now have the confidence to do it all over again at any organization I choose to join or create.”

Continuing His Commitment to Service
Trey's commitment to service didn’t end with the Maryland Service Corps. He has since returned to UMBC to complete his degree and now volunteers weekly for Retriever Essentials, a partnership between UMBC faculty, staff, and students addressing food insecurity. Service has become central to his life’s purpose. The skills he’s gained through the Maryland Service Corps continue to drive positive change in his community.

The Maryland Department of Service & Civic Innovation: Getting Stuff Done for Social Good
The Maryland Service Corps is a remarkable program that changed my son’s life. It is a powerful example of what it means to Get Stuff Done for Social Good. Governor Moore and his team at the Maryland Department of Service and Innovation launched this vision in record time, making the program fully operational within nine months of his taking office. That’s no small feat. As someone who builds programs for a living, I know the level of commitment and effort it takes to create something of this magnitude and impact so quickly and effectively.  They deserve huge praise for a job well done. 

What was most impressive about this program was its thoughtfulness in ensuring it worked for young adults like Trey—individuals with so much to offer who sometimes fall through the cracks. Everything was designed carefully, from the non-intimidating application process to an interview approach focused on future opportunities rather than past rejections. They provided valuable online resources, day-long community gatherings, and a personal coach to help ensure participants' success.  The Maryland Service Corps exemplifies a dedicated team of people truly getting things done for social good. May this program grow and inspire countless others to serve their communities—and, as it did for Trey, help them discover their strengths and purpose along the way.

Become a Host Site
Equally important, the program benefits participating organizations, known as host site partners, by providing highly motivated, trained staff at a reduced cost. Organizations of all sizes can participate, with the state covering a larger share of employee costs for smaller organizations.

Learn More
Click here to learn more about the program, including how to become a corps member (applications open annually in the summer) or how to participate as an employer. Starting in September, the program is offered annually for anybody over 18, not just young adults! ​

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