About

• Mission: To strengthen and transform social systems through high quality research, training, implementation support, and policy development in partnership with public agencies, practitioners, and families.
• Vision: A future where communities shape policies and practices that impact their lives, ensuring children and families experience opportunity, justice, and belonging.

The Social Impact Institute was founded in 2005 through a partnership between the University of Maryland, Baltimore and the Maryland Governor’s Office for Children, with a clear purpose: to strengthen the public systems that serve children, youth, and families. For nearly two decades, The Social Impact Institute has worked at the intersection of research, practice, and policy—partnering with public agencies, practitioners, and families to improve how systems function in real life. This work has contributed to major state and national initiatives and helped establish The Social Impact Institute as a trusted partner in advancing evidence-informed, equity-centered approaches to system improvement.  

The Social Impact Institute entered a new chapter of leadership in 2025 with the appointment of Executive Director, Amy Greensfelder. Today, The Social Impact Institute’s work is grounded in deep partnerships across Maryland, where a team of more than 50 staff collaborate across child welfare, behavioral health, juvenile justice, early childhood, and education systems. The Social Impact Institute works across these systems, supporting shared approaches that connect efforts and strengthen practice. This cross-system perspective enables the team to identify and elevate common challenges while helping to bridge historically siloed work. Through integrated research, training, implementation support, and policy development, The Social Impact Institute helps partners make informed decisions and build more responsive, effective systems.  

The Social Impact Institute is building with intention through strengthening its role as a trusted state partner while expanding contributions to systems change. The Social Impact Institute is committed to supporting systems that are more connected, more responsive to community voice, and better able to ensure that children and families experience opportunity, justice, and belonging. 

The Ruth Young Social Impact Institute is named in honor of Dr. Ruth H. Young, who served as Dean of the University of Maryland School of Social Work from 1977-1988 and was a pioneering leader in child welfare and social work education. Dr. Young dedicated her career to advancing the well-being and rights of children and families, shaping public systems through her commitment to public service, academic excellence, and social change. As Dean, she strengthened the School’s academic foundation, expanded its reach, and championed its integration with other disciplines across the University of Maryland. Known for her clear vision, strong leadership, and deep care for students and communities, Dr. Young’s legacy continues to influence the field. The Social Impact Institute carries her name in honor of her legacy and to continue her enduring impact on systems that serve children and families.