November 2023

Congratulations to October's Live United Urgent Needs Grant recipients:

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and Ladders to Leaders !

For 25 years, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church has ministered to our neighbors in need. With the ever-increasing cost of food and the reduction of SNAP benefits to individuals and families, Trinity has experienced an unanticipated surge in requests for supplemental food assistance. Combined with a reduction in funding, Trinity was unsure of their ability to provide food through the holiday season for those in need. With the United Way's assistance of $2000.00, Trinity will be able to purchase food resources to continue their operations. 

Ladders to Leaders is dedicated to helping individuals in recovery transition from their addiction. When the basement door of one of their sober living homes broke, United Way was able to assist with $372.16 for the repairs to ensure that the residents remained safe in their home.  

Live United

Urgent Needs Grant Awards

Each month the United Way of Washington County is pleased to partner with various organizations that provide critical services to our community.

Our Urgent Needs Grant is a low-barrier grant designed to assist nonprofits experiencing unplanned expenses due to unanticipated program needs, emergencies, or underlying situations while our United Against Hunger Grant addresses needs specific to food insecurity within our community.

Both of these applications are due on the 27th of the month and

applications can be found for each by visiting https://www.unitedwaywashcounty.org/community-impact-grants-investments

For additional information contact Kelli Tencer at 301-739-8200 ext.104

United Way of Washington County MD

Our donors, partners and volunteers make it possible for us

to have such a major impact on our community!

Thank you so very much for your continued support!

A special thank you to long-time United Way advocates, Columbia Gas - Hagerstown, for their continued support of our annual workplace giving campaign. The team kicked off their employee campaign with an all-company, six-course breakfast! YUM!

They are a fun group that cares deeply about our community while serving so, so many.

THANK YOU for leading by example, Columbia Gas!  

United Way is thrilled to announce that we are a recipient of the PepsiCo Foundation's Community Impact Grant. PepsiCo Foundation is the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP), one of the world's leading food and beverage companies. The program is a part of the company's efforts to support local communities by providing resources for valuable programming, such as United Way's United Against Hunger program, our Books United program, and hygiene pantries, to name a few.  

United Way is one of 100 public charities and organizations across the United States and Canada awarded the $10,000 Community Impact Grant. Through strategic partnerships, the PepsiCo Foundation aspires to provide lasting change by tackling the challenges of inequality through access to economic opportunity, clean water, and food security. 

Underneath: (From L to R) United Way President and CEO, Heather Guessford; Senior Manager at PepsiCo, Tsala Harrison; United Way Director of Community Impact & Investments, Kelli Tencer. 

Spotlight~ Success Story

Health Collaborations

Breast Cancer Awareness, Inc.

Patient Care Coordination 

This summer we hosted our breast cancer support group meetups at Doubs Woods Park. The outdoor experience, hosted by our Patient Care Coordinator (PCC) allows our breast cancer fighters and survivors a space to network and share in a laid-back environment. We recently had a newly diagnosed patient, “Carrie” visit our office and discovered that she had recently been widowed and didn’t have much of a support team. She had a lot of questions and anxiety regarding her diagnosis, surgery, and treatment plan. She met with our newly hired PCC (who we were able to bring on board through our United Way grant) to talk through her concerns and received a care package with the necessary items she would need for after surgery. Our PCC invited her to attend support group and explained the benefits of connecting with other women who have experienced a breast cancer diagnosis. We were so happy when Carrie arrived the next week at the support group. She was able to connect with another widow that had recently undergone surgery and treatment. They sat at the same table and exchanged phone numbers. Carrie reached out to our PCC the next week and said what a difference she and the support group had made in her outlook. Carrie said, “I don’t feel so alone, and I know I’m going to make it through this. Thank you for listening to me and encouraging me to come to support group.” 

Individuals are being diagnosed with breast cancer every day and through the funding of this grant, we can ensure there will be a kind, compassionate member of our team to meet with them. Thank you for supporting our organization and helping us to ensure, “No one fights alone.”

~ Submitted by Stacy Horst, Breast Cancer Awareness, Inc., Executive Director

Spotlight~ Success Story

Financial Stability

Ladders to Leaders

Jane Doe is a prime example of a success story. While in our program, she was able to repair a bond with her daughter and grandchildren. She could spend time with them, and her daughter trusted her enough to allow her to start babysitting her grandchildren. She was able to talk her boyfriend into going into the same treatment program that she completed before coming to our house. While in our program, she got her state benefits back and her disability benefits. While in the program, she had no positive urinalysis, went to required meetings, had no infractions, and was the prime example of someone serious about their recovery. Once her boyfriend completed treatment, they worked together to find housing where they could live together. She still calls and keeps in contact with me and is still working on a program of recovery.

~ Submitted by Eva Guillard, Executive Director

Spotlight~ Success Story

Health Collaborations

Medical Advocacy - CASA, Inc.

CASA completed medical accompaniment for an elder male that was physically abused by their wife. The partner pushed this male client and he fell, leading to injuries. These injuries also led to the client needing long-term nursing home care. Though the client was housed safely in a nursing home, our staff attorney continued to work closely with them to assist with ongoing financial abuse and to file a protective order. When the question arose regarding whether the client could file virtually from the nursing home, our staff attorney took the time to reach out to the state network to determine the best course of action. The connection made during the hospital call allowed this client to continue receiving CASA services without reaching out on their own during a difficult time. 

~ Submitted by Lisa Dougherty, Executive Director

We extend our sincerest appreciation to the The City of Hagerstown - Municipal for selecting your United Way as the beneficiary of proceeds raised during their annual Chili Cook-off. We LOVE this event and were so thrilled to participate again this year.

All proceeds benefit our community impact programs, serving over 80 organizations and nearly 65,000 residents annually.



THANK YOU!

United Way takes Halloween!

A few scenes from the

Downtown Hagerstown Halloween Block Party on October 27th.

United Way sponsored the trick-or-treat bags (candy included!) and

gave away hundreds of books from our Books United program.

Reverse Trick or Treat

The United Way Team loves to visit downtown businesses to spread a bit of Halloween cheer!

40 Youth United members at Smithsburg High School welcomed 150 guests to their Halloween celebration last evening. Guests enjoyed trick or treating, games, crafts, and a mini haunted house. Teachers participated in a door decorating contest as well. All had a good time. Thank you to #YouthUnited and Ms. Angela Stouffer for their efforts.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

United Way of Washington County MD is currently seeking additional members of the community to serve on both the Revenue and GIVE (Give. Invest. Volunteer. Educate) Committees. We ask interested parties to commit to at least once-a-month hybrid committee meetings in return for having a voice in how UWWC can maximize our reach within our community. 

For more information, please reach out to Heather Guessford at hguessford@unitedwaywashcounty.org or 301-739-8200 ext.102.

United Way was pleased to participate in Human Services Day for Leadership Washington County's Class #37

Promoting literacy across Washington County!

The month of October was a busy one for Books United!

Over 750 books were distributed to: Family Healthcare of Hagerstown, Zion Church, Discovery Station, Lasting Change, Valley Grace Brethren Church, Coffman Nursing Home, and Hagerstown Day Nursery. The program continues to promote literacy across Washington County. 

A group from Lasting Change enjoyed reading and distributing books this month to Hagerstown Day Nursery. It was so wonderful to see the ladies reading and interacting with our little friends!

As Always...

Special Thanks to Julie Rohm and the Valley Mall for loaning us storage space for our "thousands of books"!

United Way's Hygiene Pantries have been

piloted in October in 3 new locations.

Western Heights Middle, Hagerstown Community College, Cascade Elementary and Clear Spring Elementary are the new locations for these pantries, which supply hygiene items to underserved communities. Not only can students access food, but they can now feel comfortable getting much-needed hygiene items.

Our four hygiene pantries are made possible with funding from The Women's Giving Circle, The Kershner Sisters Foundation, The Albert E. & Naomi B. Sinnisen Foundation, and private donors. The United Way also received a generous product donation from Ladders to Leaders.

Please contact Stacey Abeles our Community Education Advocate at stacey@uwwcmd.org for more information on this program or to volunteer.

2-1-1 Maryland

Find the help you need with one phone call!

Non-Profit and Human Service Programs

The 2-1-1 database has information on

more than 7000 agencies and programs across the state.

Each week 2-1-1 handles thousands of calls from

people in need, providing referrals to services and helping people

problem-solve when services they need are not available.

Volunteers Needed

The Hagerstown Housing Authority needs volunteer groups to help provide lunches to low-income seniors and disabled residents of Potomac Towers in Hagerstown. 

The Potomac Towers Lunch Program operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Volunteer groups assist by providing either grab-and-go bagged lunches, serving a hot meal onsite, or providing donations of items for the lunches. The volunteers typically provide meals or drop them off at the Towers around 11:30 AM. 

The Lunch Program currently has several days each month without volunteer groups. Open days of the month are the 1st Tuesday, 2nd Thursday, 3rd Thursday, and the 4th Thursday. If interested in assisting, please contact Deena Holder via email at dholder@hagerstownha.com or 301-733-6911 x163. 

Use JustServe for your volunteer needs

and opportunities!

Looking for volunteers to serve in your ministry? Or are you looking for volunteer opportunities for yourself and/or your group? JustServe is a website where volunteer needs meet volunteers. All nonprofits, houses of worship and faith-based organizations are welcome to use this service to post your volunteer needs - just contact Ashlee Harris to get started at jon2ash@gmail.com or text 801-860-1301. Those searching for volunteer opportunities can simply search the database by city, state or zip code or even look for ways to volunteer by remote.

Free Breakfasts

2^nd Saturday of each month

9:00 - 10:30 AM

Hagerstown Church of the Brethren

Corner of E. Washington St. and South Mulberry St.

Hagerstown, MD 21740

See flyer for dates of our upcoming events. See our most recent Food, Clothing & Personal Care Resources List

Washington County Family Center

221 McRand Court, Suite 300, Hagerstown, MD 21740

The Family Center provides GED and ESL (English as a Second Language) classes for expectant parents and parents with children ages

0-3. Childcare, meals, parenting education, and case management services are provided. Transportation is available on a case-by-case basis. To register or learn more information, please contact Kate Dunn at

240-420-2527 or katherine.dunn1@maryland.gov

Circles Washington County

Circles Washington County, MD, began in January, 2023, and is continuing to interact and work with 9 participants – our Circle Leaders. Coordinators Elizabeth Howe and Marci Corea are always happy to accept invitations to meet you in person or speak at your church or organization to share how it’s going and get your ideas for alleviating poverty in our community. Please contact them at ehowe@wccac.org or mcorea@wccac.org. We need and appreciate your support! 

Tobacco Free for Life Program

The Tobacco Free for Life Program continues to provide cessation and prevention services as well as providing educational presentations in the community. They would be happy to discuss providing cessation services at your organization if there is enough interest and they're available to provide educational presentations as well (Prevention Services). A handout with their Virtual and Hybrid Classes listed and the necessary codes to call into the class or join by computer. They provide nicotine replacement products (Patches, Gum and Lozenges) to all participants while supplies last. Also attached is their basic TFFL flyer and an informational flyer about the Maryland Quitline. Please copy, post and distribute any and all handouts as you see fit.

Youth Employment and Training Program

The WIOA (Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act) is a federally funded program assisting youth with employment and training. WIOA offers GED classes, tutoring, resume assistance, cover letters, mock interviews, FAFSA guidance, help with college or training, on-the-job training sites, and much more. 

WIOA is a voluntary program and is performance-based. The program is available Monday through Friday between 8:00-3:30 PM. To learn more, contact Janell Smith at 301-791-3076 or jsmith@westmdcon.org. Youth Brochure / Youth Flyer.

Funds, Furnishings, and Volunteers Needed for Refugee Families

Recently, there has been an influx of refugee families in Washington County. Refugee Welcome Network (RWN) needs funds, furnishings, and volunteers to help stabilize them while we work with them toward self-sufficiency. In the last two weeks, the RWN settled two new families into housing, with a third currently waiting for housing and help. Read more and see our list of needs. Donate funds. Contact us to volunteer.

For a calendar of events in Hagerstown visit:

https://www.visithagerstown.com/events

DSS Annual Report

The Washington County Department of Social Services has shared their FY23 Annual Report, which is full of great information on the need in our community and the important services provided. HARC is proud to be a partner of this agency

ENVY Youth Basketball League Sponsorships Needed

ENVY, a youth violence prevention program here within the City of Hagerstown that works to facilitate collaboration of resources and efforts of various community partners who provide services to or engage with youth in the community, has started a very unique youth basketball league and is looking for faith community assistance. You may recall Chief Kifer and Danielle Staley speaking about this program at our recent HARC meeting. ENVY stands for Ending Needless Violence with our Youth, and this basketball league is really ENVY’s way to initially engage at risk youth. Read more

Cold Weather Shelter Volunteers Needed!

The Cold Weather Shelter has 4 unfilled weeks for the upcoming shelter season. Please contact Liz at Reach (Liz@reachofwc.org or 301-733-2371 X-114) if you are interested in hosting a week, a partial week, one evening and/or preparing a meal with your house of worship, work, friends, and family. Please visit their website www.reachofwc.org/volunteer for more information about the various volunteer positions that help run the shelter every night. These are the vacant weeks:

26 November-3 December * 17-26 December * 31 December- 7 January * 31 March-7 April

Volunteer/Community Service

Girl Scout Troop 15037 is a special group of girls ages 8-11 that meet up bi-weekly to have new experiences and create lifelong bonds. One of the Community Service projects they are passionate about is helping the homeless. Do you have any volunteer opportunities the troop could help with. Stocking shelves in the food pantry, or the sorting room? Helping in the soup kitchen?  Advocate against homelessness? Blanket Drive? They would love to do some community service specifically looking to serve on the date November 29 around 6:00-7:00 pm. Please contact Jennifer Bowers (240) 382-8733, Jennifer.place1@yahoo.com.

Self-Care Solace: Nurturing Wellness and Combating Loneliness - November 16

Thursday, November 16, 2:30 - 3:30 pm

Washington County Commission on Aging

535 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

This FREE community program is co-sponsored by Brook Lane and the Washington County Commission on Aging. Learn practical self-care techniques to help enhance your overall well-being, including combating feelings of loneliness. It is critical to remember self-care, especially if you are dedicating much of your time to caring for someone else. Many people tend to isolate themselves, more so when stressed or feeling overwhelmed. Developing a social network and making time to connect with others is a path toward renewal. Join Michael Gipson, LMSW, as he shares valuable information on how to be more aware of your own needs and actions you can take to improve your well-being. Website. Info: 301-733-0331 x1228; Email: curt.miller@brooklane.org

Dinner and a Movie Night - November 17

Friday, November 17, 5:30 pm

Unity Church, St. Mark's Fellowship Center

18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro MD

Enjoy a home-cooked vegetarian meal (with good company!) followed by the movie Gratitude Revealed from acclaimed filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg, the director of the cult hit Fantastic Fungi. Gratitude Revealed takes us on a transformational cinematic experience of how to live a more meaningful life full of gratitude through intimate conversations with everyday people, thought leaders, and personalities – revealing how gratitude is a proven pathway back from the disconnection from ourselves, our planet, and each other. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Call Rev. Sandy, 240-409-5940 or send email to: UnityHagerstown@gmail.com. Suggested donation-$20

HARC Interfaith Thanksgiving Service - November 19

Sunday, November 19, 3:00 pm (note time change)

Trinity Lutheran Church

15 Randolph Avenue (at Potomac St.), Hagerstown

Please join us for this unique and uplifting interfaith service. We invite all members of the community to come together in giving thanks! You are invited to stay for a reception following the service. Faith Leaders: Please arrive at 2:30 pm dressed in your traditional liturgical attire, if applicable, to prepare for the service. Community Choir: Anyone who would like to participate in a community choir for this service, please arrive at 2:00 for a rehearsal prior to the service. A free will offering will be taken of shelf-stable food for Trinity's food pantry, or monetary donations (checks made payable to HARC) will go to the Islamic Center of Hagerstown's food pantry. Please publicize in your congregation/bulletins/newsletters! Flyer (updated!) Bulletin inserts (updated!)

"Thanksgiving: A Special Community Service" Invitation - November 19

Sunday, November 19, 6:00 pm

Mount Moriah Baptist Church

19436 Garretts Mill Road, Knoxville, MD

Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, and Fellowship Baptist Church invite you to "Thanksgiving: A special community service" featuring the Tree of Life Singers. Everyone is invited to the Fellowship Hall immediately after service for fellowship and refreshments. Information: Call Pastor Christopher Jackson, 240-397-9681. Flyer.

Community Thanksgiving Meal - November 24

Friday, November 24, 6:30 pm

Emmanuel United Methodist Church

802 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown

The community is invited to a Thanksgiving meal. All are welcome! Contact the church for more information:

(301) 733-4720

Save the Date!

Stories In The Round - Adam Booth - November 27

Monday, November 27, 7:00 pm

Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown

13245 Cearfoss Pike, Hagerstown

Adam Booth is the 2022 West Virginia Folk Artist of the Year, awarded at the Governor’s Arts Awards. Adam blends traditional mountain folklore, music, and an awareness of contemporary Appalachia to create original, forward-thinking story artistry. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Children 12 & older welcome when accompanied by a parent or group leader. Payment in advance must be received before Monday, November 27. Cash or check accepted. Please make check payable to Fanny Crawford. If mailing, the address is 20011 Cherry Hill Circle, Hagerstown, MD 21742. Questions? You can email fanitsky@hotmail.com or call 301-730-1638.