HSP gives HOPE, inspires CHANGE, and provides OPPORTUNITY by mobilizing our community 
in the fight against poverty.

From the Executive Director
As we enter in to the holiday season, this is a time to reflect on the past year, give thanks for all of the goodness that surrounded you this year, and to look forward to the next year. This is something that we have been doing here at H SP.
 
Over the past year, we have been able to achieve so much for our community, and none of it could have happened without our community partners. From things as simple as a warm coat and gloves for a person in need to a warm home for a family. From an awesome job for a new mom to the passing of a GED Exam. At HSP, we see miracles happen every day, small and large, and we find ways to celebrate them all. 

This has been an amazing year filled with great stories of successes and overcoming barriers, and as it all comes to a close, we are very proud of our accomplishments in 2016 and extremely excited for 2017.  We are thinking outside of the box about ways that we can further help individuals and families to have more sustainable lives throughout the entire county.

To sum it up, we continue to "give HOPE, inspire CHANGE, and provide OPPORTUNITY by mobilizing our community in the fight against poverty!"
 
I hope that you join us in thinking about all of the great things to be thankful for this holiday season, and to prepare for an even better 2017.
 
Happy Holidays from the HSP Family!

Angela
Gingerbread Village Festival Wrap Up

We want to say THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this a successful event to raise money for our Shelter & Housing Programs. Together we raised over $5,000 in just one week! More importantly, we talked to hundreds of Carroll County citizens about homelessness in our area and what resources are available through HSP.

A complete list of winners and photos can be found HERE.
People's Choice
Eiffel Tower by Abby Brecker & Kayla Clingan

Judge's Favorite
Mistletow Me Away by Sara Nash 

Most Creative
West End Place Carousel

Best Holiday Spirit
Christmas Camper - Theresa Scarborough

Train Raffle Winner
David Wine of Westminster 
Workforce Development: 'Tis the Season for TAXES!

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) provides FREE tax preparations to those who made less than $54,000 in the previous year. Tax preaparation officially begins on January 17, 2017. 

If you would like to have your taxes prepared by our IRS certified tax preparers,
please call 410-857-2999 x6653 for an appointment. 

We are also in need of a few more volunteers to make this program successful. Please consider how you can help. See information below.

Family Support Program Update

November was a busy month in the Center, with several students taking their GED Ready (practice) tests. They are getting close to achieving their goal of attaining their high school diplomas!  The GED class also took on a big project this month.  After hearing about the Gingerbread Festival, they decided that they wanted to submit an entry!  The class brainstormed ideas, and came up with a plan to recreate the Distillery Building, which houses our center.  Not only did they recreate the building, but they also built the children's play yard and "Sherwood Smokestack" too.  Everyone was thrilled to learn that the group earned a trophy for "First Place for a Group over 18."
 
November also marked Nikki Jessee's last month working with the parents and children in the Family Center.  Nikki has been the Child Development Specialist in the center since July of 2011.  Under her guidance, the children's program has soared to new heights, and many parents successfully completed the Nurturing Program.  We wish Nikki all the best as she moves on to new adventures, providing expert guidance to child care workers in Montgomery County.  Thank you for everything, Nikki!
Help us Spread the GLOVE!

On #GivingTuesday, Facebook announced that any organization who set up a fundraiser would have their donations MATCHED, up to $1,000, by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

We decided to try to raise $1,000 for new, quality gloves for homeless men and women using our Cold Weather Shelter. Temperatures are dipping into the 20's this week. Help us Spread the GLOVE by donating and sharing. Thank you!

 
Need a speaker for your next event? Email us
From Matt Peregoy, Director of Marketing & Outreach
Human Services Programs of Carroll County, Inc.
[email protected]