Our Live United Awards & Campaign Celebration!
Recently, we were thrilled to celebrate our community partners, volunteers, and campaign results. Our army of supporters is the heartbeat of our organization and keeps our community moving in the right direction.
We are proud to serve united with such incredible people every day. We can't wait to see what next year brings!
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President & CEO, Heather Guessford |
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Outgoing Board Chair Karen Boyer (right) passes the gavel to
incoming Board Chair Julie Pippel.
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Congratulations!
Congratulations to our award winners
who have selflessly given their time and talent
to improve our community.
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The Nonprofit Impact Partner Award is presented to a community impact partner that embodies the spirit of collaboration, demonstrates unwavering support for their community while Living United.
This year’s recipient is Deidre Norris (It’s a Blessing to Be a Blessing)
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The FIRE Award represents Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate and is presented to an institute that has demonstrated campaign excellence, supports collaboration, and volunteers while Living United. This year's winner is Carson Wealth Management.
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The Robert T. Barnhart TEAM Day of Caring Award is presented to a volunteer group that went far above and beyond the expectations of their projects. This year's team winner is Middletown Valley Bank!
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The Robert T. Barnhart INDIVIDUAL Day of Caring Award is presented to an individual who represents the spirit of the day while leading with a servant heart. This year's individual winner is
Mr. Noel Williams!
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The Michael G. Callas Campaign Excellence Award is presented to a company that exhibits outstanding community involvement, sustained campaign excellence, and promotes volunteerism with its organization. This year's winner is Jamison Door Company.
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The Jesse L. Kagle, Jr. Distinguished Volunteer Service Award is the United Way’s highest honor.
The winner for this year’s prestigious award is Chris Howlett!
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Congratulations to this year's Youth United scholarship recipient, Lindsey Blumenauer! We have no doubt she will accomplish great things!
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Our Summer Literacy Kickoff Concert was such a blast!
We loved rocking with Cab Ellis Band, Kidbrass, and Brouillet! All incredibly talented and entertaining acts. We're so thankful they traveled out to play for us, and for a great cause!
Guests dropped off over 100 new and gently-used books to support our new Books United program promoting literacy, the love of reading, and giving free books to underserved communities.
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Congratulations to the fabulous Kelli Tencer,
our Director of Community Impact & Investments,
on her acceptance into class 36 of
It might be up for debate, but we're pretty sure this will be the best class ever. We're thrilled for Kelli and all of the local leaders embarking on this transformative experience!
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United Way Day of Action
We've been busy lately!
Together with our friends at Washington County Commission on Aging, Inc., we were able to identify over 50 seniors that needed air circulation, A/C repair and installation. For our recent Day of Action, we distributed box and tower fans to residents across the county to ensure they are sitting comfortably as temperatures rise.
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United Way of Washington County
Community Impact Programs 2023
Your United Way fights for the health, education, financial stability, and basic needs of our most vulnerable county residents. One way that we accomplish this is to provide resources and funding to established community impact programs doing the difficult yet gratifying task of providing boots on the ground services. Join us in celebrating the FY23 Community Impact Programs focusing on of our county residents who benefit from the hand up and out of their current situations.
The STEAM Works Imagine Learning Program Expansion – A program that provides evidence-based Language/Literacy and Mathematic curricula and one-on-one student support during out of school program hours to students K-8. BEACON House has partnered with Potomac Case Management to provide these supports to over 50 Washington County students.
The Super Readers Program – This program assists struggling readers in eleven Washington County elementary schools through a proven, structured literacy curriculum with the help of volunteers.
Community Based Mentoring Program – Big Brothers Big Sisters pairs caring adult mentors (Bigs) to support kids (Littles) in furthering their academic progress, making healthier choices, and strengthening their relationships. In addition to the professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring provided, trainings will be provided for Bigs, Littles and families on health & wellness and resilience-building.
The Medical Advocacy Program – CASA, Inc’s advocacy program provides support to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking who present at a local medical facility. This program will provide education and networking with local physicians, urgent care centers and healthcare facilities to increase awareness and early identification of victims and how to treat them in a non-judgmental way.
Financial Education Partnership-Washington County – Provides financial literacy, services, and supports to Washington County residents through the partnership of REACH of Washington County and Lasting Change Recovery Solutions.
The Community Redistribution Program – Girls Inc. and The Wells House will receive and redistribute inventory to local non-profits to stretch their dollars and broaden ability for these partners to help the populations they serve.
Micah’s Backpack Program – Hagerstown Area Religious Council in collaboration with area churches provide food for Washington County elementary school students and homeless middle & high school student who are most in need.
The Crisis Program – REACH of Washington County aids those facing eviction or needing help with first month’s rent, utility deposits or housing related needs. REACH also helps those with little or no income secure birth certificates and identification cards when necessary for employment and/or services from other local agencies.
The Shelter Program – REACH’s cold weather shelter provides temporary shelter to Washington County residents ages 18 & over from late October to the first weekend of April working in partnership with volunteers from churches or organizations throughout the county. St. John’s Family Shelter provides the opportunity for a family to be together under one roof while living rent-free for 60 – 90 days while saving their money for a security deposit and first month’s rent. Both offer case management services to clients.
Meals on Wheels Program - A community-based service through the Washington County Commission on Aging that provides fresh, nutritious meals and shelf-stable foods delivered directly to the homes of seniors and individuals with disabilities throughout Washington County.
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They are June’s Live United Urgent Needs Grant recipients.
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Congratulations to these community rockstars!
Both organizations do an amazing job taking care of those in need!
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LIVE UNITED URGENT NEEDS GRANTS
Applications are available each month for nonprofits who experience unplanned expenses due to unanticipated program needs, emergencies, or underlying situations.
Applications are always due on the 27th of each month. For more information and to apply, visit:
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Spotlight ~ Success Story
Healthy Futures Collaborative - Health
Big Healthy Futures Collaborative
Our overall wellbeing is composed of both our physical and mental health. The trainings we’re providing for our Littles
emphasize this integral relationship. It has been alarming in recent years to witness the increase in the number of Littles experiencing mental health issues, sometimes significant and requiring emergency intervention. During the last quarter, we encountered one of our Littles, who was expressing thoughts of suicide and exhibiting dangerous, impulsive behaviors, end up in the emergency room at Meritus Medical Center for a mental health evaluation. We also
experienced another Little who was having frequent outbursts of anger at home, which left her mom feeling hopeless,
alone and ill-equipped to address her needs. In both cases, our Bigs were actively in communication with the mothers of their Littles and offered support and encouragement. Our match support specialist worked closely with the families and offered information and referral services. In both cases, these Littles were successfully linked with additional supportive services that will aid them in regaining their health and functioning.
Most people’s perception of our Bigs and Littles is of them forming lasting friendships and participating in fun activities
together. This is certainly true, but both of the situations previously described reveal another layer of the important
support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County provides. Our agency is another safety net for children and
families in our community and will always be an active member of “the village.”
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Spotlight ~ Success Story
Horizon Goodwill - Financial Stability
In late 2021 prior to the former Financial Literacy Program Manager departing their position HGI worked with
them to film the first 5 sessions of the Maryland Cash Campaign to be housed in our learning management
system. In addition to the videos, we created a learning module that included pre/post knowledge check and
spending plan. The purpose of this was to provide virtual access to this education for employees whose work
schedule may pose a barrier to attending other offerings. In this quarter HGI Resource Coordination staff
(internal case management team) identified 3 employees that were struggling financially who expressed
interest in the class. The module was assigned to all three during this period and all 3 completed 100% of the
program modules including spending plan. In this quarter HGI supported 35 individuals in gaining community employment in Washington County at an average starting wage of $13.67/hr. and 34 hours per week.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters – With the renewed inspiration and energy ushered in by the New Year, there is almost no better time to consider making the commitment to share your time and talents with others. The special friendships formed between Bigs and Littles positively change the trajectory of the lives of all involved. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County has a waiting list of kids and needs your help! There are various volunteer opportunities that will fit almost anyone’s availability. For more information, please contact their enrollment & matching coordinator, Alicia Taluskie, at 301.375.0939 or a.taluskie@bbbswcmd.org. Let the New Beginnings of this time of year be your call to Be the Change. Visit volunteer need here: https://volunteer.unitedwayfcwc.org/need/detail/?need_id=654044
Girls Inc. – Qualified and willing volunteers are always welcome to join and assist with projects. The girls love meeting new people and will act as a positive role model to them. To express interest, visit: https://www.girlsinc-md.org/volunteer
Boys and Girls Club – Volunteer in many different ways like on-site engagement, advocacy, and more. Fill out an application here: https://www.bgcwc.org/volunteer
BEACON House – Volunteer opportunities exist in various categories like curriculum and professional development, outreach and community events, teaching workshops, and more! To express interest: https://bit.ly/VolBEACON
Discovery Station – Volunteers help in every area of the museum in positions like exhibit docents, admission's office clerks, gift shop salespersons, creative development members, program leaders, and more. Visit volunteer need here: https://bit.ly/VolDiscovery
Horizon Goodwill Industries – Volunteers help in many diverse ways ad can include mission support, community outreach, job connection services, administration, court ordered community service, to name a few. To learn more, visit: https://horizongoodwill.org/volunteer-opportunities/
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Literacy Council of Washington County – You don’t need experience to be a tutor with LCWC. Training is provided and FREE. You do need to be fluent in English, have enthusiasm, and patience. To learn more, visit: http://www.literacyofwcmd.org/become-a-tutor/
English & More, Inc. - Stay safe while serving your community from the comfort of your home. English tutors for ESL populations are needed. Shadowing opportunities are available for both new and seasoned volunteers. To express interest or learn more, email: virginia.wilson1277@gmail.com.
Washington County Commission on Aging - Volunteers welcome as Meals on Wheels delivery drivers. All those interested must be fully vaccinated. More information here: https://www.wccoaging.org/volunteer
It’s a Blessing to Be a Blessing – Evening outreach opportunities now available on MWF 5-7 p.m. This is perfect for SSL hours! For more information, please call 240-452-9786.
Easterseals - Virtual volunteer opportunities are available for anyone with a special talent to share virtually on Zoom. It could be singing, sharing a craft (we can get the supplies), magician, dancing, reading a story etc. If anyone is interested, they can contact Debbie Lauricella, Assistance Center Director, to coordinate.
Deborah Lauricella, Assistant Director
Easterseals Adult Day Services, 701 East First Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740
P 301.745.3828
Habitat for Humanity - Join a team of invaluable volunteers at the ReStore! Multiple positions to fit any skill/interest level. Volunteer Benefits: Flexible schedule / 20% store discount / Rewarding work / Plus, for a limited time receive $20 a month in ReStore cash for up to 6 months. Flyer.
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Help Rotary Help a Ukrainian Family
The war in Ukraine has reminded us about how WE too have fought for our Independence. Olha’s family survived the horrors of war in Ukraine, making it out with only what they could carry. Rotary District 7360 is helping her family make their new house in Washington County, Maryland a home! Think about how value OUR freedom. Rotary's partners, America’s Hauling for Hope, has set up an online donation portal. Click the link here to make a contribution. For more info, contact Clint at hauling4hope@gmail.com
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BCT Launches Second Annual "Pack the 'Pack"
Donations Program
BCT-Bank of Charles Town, also known as The Community’s Bank, announced the second annual funding campaign through its BCTCares For The Hungry initiative in support of local backpack food programs for food-insecure children. This BCTCares campaign is called “Pack the ‘Pack” in reference to raising funds to purchase enough food to fill 5,000 take-home backpacks, and it will benefit our Washington County Micah's Backpack program, along with three other area programs. Fundraising will be from July 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022. Monetary donations will be accepted at all BCT branch locations and online. For a list of branches, visit www.mybct.bank/locations/. Online donations can be made by visiting www.mybct.bank/about/bctcares/. Press Release.
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Go for Bold Community Partner Challenge
Join your community in the quest to lose 1 million pounds! Getting started is easy and it is free. Just visit the Healthy Washington County website and get signed up on the weight tracker. Each pound you lose and log in on the tracker gets us that much closer to our goal of losing: One Million Pounds! For questions or additional information contact Maria Rubeling. Flyer.
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Free Outdoor Movie Night - July 15
Friday, July 15, 8:30 pm
16829 Lappans Road, Williamsport, MD
A FREE Outdoor Movie Night is being hosted by Rehoboth United Methodist Church. They'll be showing a classic - "E.T. the Extra Terrestrial"! Concessions will be available. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets and a flashlight. Make it a family date night and join them for a fun evening. Flyer
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An Evening of Musical Worship with National Christian Choir - July 24
Sunday, July 24 - 6:00 pm
Saint Ann Catholic Church and The National Christian Choir presents an evening of musical worship! Admission is free. Seating will be available beginning at 5:00 pm. The Choir is an auditioned choir of 100+ members whose mission is “to glorify God through a unique ministry of music which draws people into a new and deeper relationship with Him.” Singers come from over 100 different churches within a 5-state region surrounding and including Washington DC. Flyer.
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Food Drop - July 26
Tuesday, July 26, 9:00 am
108 East Franklin Street, Hagerstown
Otterbein MCC will have a Parking Lot Food Drop on Tuesday, July 26 at 9:00 am. More information call 301-739-9386.
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