Save the Date

Membership Kickoff Breakfast 
Friday, September 8
7:30 am - 9:00 am - Sheraton Columbia

"Poverty in Howard County? Go Ask ALICE"
Franklyn Baker, President and CEO
United Way of Central Maryland
The annual kickoff breakfast will feature a discussion about the impact of the United Way's landmark ALICE report which
stands for  Asset  Limited,  Income  Constrained,  Employed. The ALICE Project presents a broad picture of financial insecurity at the state, county, and local level and reveals that one in three Maryland families are considered ALICE families - employed yet not making enough to meet a basic household budget. Organizations across the country are using this data to better understand the struggles and needs of their employees, customers, and communities and what can be done to help them reach financial stability.
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$30 active LHC members
LHC News
It's a New Year!
It's that time of year when a new class begins and members can look forward to an exciting year of events and speakers to keep them in the know. Renew your annual dues today and receive all the benefits of active membership.
 
Leadership Essentials: Recruiting for 2018
Do you have rising stars in your organization who could benefit from a proven leadership development program focused on their success as community leaders?
Loyola University Maryland, Sellinger School of Business and Management, is excited to announce the kickoff of Leadership Essentials 2018. This six-month program, managed in collaboration with Leadership Howard County, is for young professionals that includes three components: monthly workshops, individual coaching, and team-based projects to address the needs of local non-profit organizations.
The program runs December 2017 - June 2018. Applications are available online and are now being accepted until October 6, 2017.
Learn More
Loyola University MD
Informational Breakfast
August 22 at Loyola/Columbia campus from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Prospective participants and employers welcome.
Happy Hour
September 14 at the Ale House from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.
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The Leadership U class of 2017 kicked off its program last week with an intensive week that included teambuilding, learning about county government and nonprofits, exploring diversity and preparing for their student-led service projects. Thank you to the many volunteers who helped make the week possible! 
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Member Updates
The Howard County Council confirmed the appointments of these members:
Howard Community College President Kate Hetherington and Harkins CEO Richard Lombardo, both from the Premier Class of 2001, to the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Authority.
Kashonna Holland (LP 2017), president of Simply Kashonna, to the Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency.
Grace Morris (LP 2010), Executive Director of Heritage Housing Partners Corporation, to the Housing and Community Development Board.
 
Congratulations to our members at Howard Community College who earned the Great Colleges to Work For recognition for a record ninth year in a row! Howard Community College is the only Maryland community college to have achieved this year's recognition. With nine consecutive years of the award, HCC joins a prestigious group of three community colleges that have been recognized every year possible.
 
Paul Skalny (LP 1998) has been elected chair of Howard County General Hospital's board of trustees.  Paul is managing director and attorney with Davis, Agnor, Rapaport and Skalny, is a past chair of the LHC board and is currently the General Counsel.

Career Moves
Rafiu Ighile (L P 2012) has been named the Chief Business and Technology Officer for the Howard County Public School System. Rafiu was previously the deputy director of finance for Howard County.
 
Del Scruggs (LP 2003) has joined the Community Action Council of Howard County as their Grants Manager.
Nonprofit Spotlight: FIRN

Hector Garcia took over as CEO and Executive Director of FIRN in 2010. A member of the Premier Class of 2012, Hector credits the network he developed through LHC with his ability to raise awareness of FIRN's mission to assist the foreign born and bridge the cultural divide across Howard County.
Today, FIRN serves  immigrants from over 75 countries and is  the official welcome center in Howard County for foreign-born residents.  This meant doing more outreach in the community to provide information and referral assistance to residents for everything from health care to finding an apartment, to enrolling their children in school - whatever questions people needed help with.
FIRN also provides immigration counseling and citizenship classes, interpreting and
translation services, English tutoring, and a variety of workshops. Their annual American Success Awards, which recognize significant contributions of immigrants, also raise awareness of the need to bridge culture and build community. 
In addition, FIRN hosts Howard County's annual Naturalization Ceremony which takes place close to the Fourth of July. 
Q&A with Hector Garcia:  Learn more about FIRN's missions, goals and how you can get involved.
Summer Help Needed
Summer doesn't mean vacation for those who support our community's families in need. The links below provide lists of urgently needed items and details on how to donate.

Howard County Food Bank: Summer can be a difficult time for families whose children receive free and reduced meals. Updated list of food items needed
 
Hopeworks maintains a pantry for clients who need assistance with food, personal care and household items. Urgent pantry and safe house needs

Grassroots Crisis Center has an updated list of needs for their kitchen and in the shelter. Check here for a list of items and for additional ways to donate .

FIRN has an emergency food pantry for clients. Please deliver non-perishable food to the office any Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday between 9 am and 5 pm; 5999 Harpers Farm Road, Suite E-200, Columbia. You can also make online donations here.

LHC staff collected school supplies for 
Prepare for Success
Back to school shopping can be out of reach for many families in need.  Prepare for Success provides backpacks and school supplies to children from pre-school through high school.
Prepareforsuccess.org
What is Your Big Idea?


The Horizon Foundation and United Way of Central Maryland have launched an initiative  focused on sparking innovation and fresh thinking to address some of Howard County's most pressing social issues. 
No idea is too big or too small.They could impact local health, the environment, social justice, children, teens, older adults or a host of other issues. 
Individuals, teams and nonprofit organizations are invited to pitch a big idea and have a chance to potentially receive $10,000 in seed funding, and project consultation.
Application deadline is September 8.
Learn more and see official rules at www.changemakerchallengehc.org 
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