February 2023

United Way of Washington County MD

Celebrating Black History Month

We are now accepting applications for

FY24's Community Impact Grant in the categories

of Health and Financial Stability.

If your agency serves Washington County through programs in these categories, you don't want to miss this opportunity! All applications must be submitted no later than March 3rd, at 11:59 pm.

Everything you need to know about the grant and application can be found here: https://lnkd.in/eyrhD7qE

We're thrilled to be able to support our community through this grant for yet another year!

LIVE UNITED

URGENT NEEDS GRANTS

Each month the United Way of Washington County is pleased to partner with two organizations providing critical services to our community!

For more information on the Live United Urgent Needs grant,

contact Kelli Tencer at 301-739-8200 ext. 104

HOW TO APPLY - URGENT NEED 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:

https://www.unitedwaywashcounty.org/form/live-united-urgent-needs-grant

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.

Thanks to the

Maryland Vision Institute for donating books for Books United.

Their donation of hats, scarves and gloves were donated to Cascade Elementary School.

Through generous in-kind donations, Books United was able to distribute 180 new and used books to Homewood Nursing Home, Clear Spring/Hancock Schools and the Community Action Council Mobile Unit. An additional 40 Adult Meditation Coloring Books were also distributed to Clear Spring/Hancock and the Community Action Council Mobil Unit.

Spotlight~ Success Story

Basic Needs - Food

Micah's Backpack

https://harccoalition.org/programs/micahs-backpack/

Last school year saw challengers getting students to take the bags at South High. We set out to improve communications this year and improve the process. After a few conversations with school personnel, the school changed their liaison to the same person who coordinates their in school pantry, Pat Caniford.

Pat shared that last year it upset her to see the bags all delivered to the front office for the whole school to see, and students had to pick them up from there as well. Many times, students were too embarrassed to do so. Bags are now delivered to a portable classroom outside the building; some students pick them up on their way out from the portable classroom and others go directly to her office and she puts the bag in their school backpack. Additionally, she know which kids really need the food, who aren't being served well by the in-school pantry.

Pat shared that she was personally homeless and hungry for a time as a child, and how food made for a connection point for her as well as alleviating her hunger. "I see food as a connector," she said. "To build relationships,learn of other needs of a child, and connect them to other resources."

~ Kathy Powderly, HARC Executive Director

Spotlight~ Success Story

Basic Needs - Food

Hope Food Boxes

https://www.facebook.com/haulingforhope/

"Hauling for Hope really helps my family and I out especially since I don't have a driver's license or a car. I'm unable to get to food banks. Before this program, I would not have meals for us to eat and I would stress about how I was gonna be able to feed my children." ~ Heather

Spotlight~ Success Story

Basic Needs - Food

Meals on Wheels -

Washington County Commission on Aging

One of our clients began receiving home-delivered meals after experiencing a fall and featuring her arm at home. She had to be hospitalized and received rehabilitation in a long term care facility. Upon her discharge, she was sent home and able to start home-delivered meals because of the grant received from United Way. This client is especially appreciative of the meals she receives and writers letters frequently to express how thankful she is. She is now able to received nutritious meals five days a week and she loved the healthy, nutritious food she receives. She also appreciates the socialization she gets from the volunteers who deliver her meals. United Way, through the gift of this grant, continues to ensure that our community is able to help care for the needs of vulnerable older adults in our community. ~ Sandy Wood, Chief Operating Officer

Martin's Snacks Donates Chips for Micah's Backpack

Our thanks goes out to Martin's Snacks and Route Sales Representative Ron Snoeberger for setting up regular donations of single sized potato chips for the Micah's Backpack program! Snacks are an added bonus in the regular weekend meals provided by sponsoring churches and organizations for this program, and sometimes aren't included due to the extra cost. This generous donation helps keep the kids happy and costs down for sponsors. Thanks also to Clint Rawlings for helping to secure the donation!

Funding Needed for Equity in Ed Scholarship + Applications Open

HARC is once again partnering with WCPS and the Education Foundation of WCPS to offer the 2nd annual Equity in Education Scholarship. In 2022, we provided four scholarships to future educators, who are already serving schools while pursuing their degrees. With your help, we can serve even more this year. You can make a donation through the Community Foundation HERE (choose “Equity in Education Scholarship” from the pull-down menu) or through the HARC website. Thanks to a $15,000 matching grant from the Alice Virginia & David W. Fletcher Foundation, your gift will be DOUBLED. Please share this FLYER to spread the word! Applications for this scholarship are open through April 1 - please spread the word on this, too! FLYER

Good Friday Unity Walk Planning Help Needed!

HARC plans to once again offer a Good Friday Unity Walk in City Park for the community. Last year's event drew approximately 100 people and was a beautiful time of reflection, poetry and song, as we walked and re-lived, through story, the events of Jesus' Passion and death. Original planning team members who have choreographed this event for years are no longer able to continue. We have a small team eager to plan the event, but could use a couple more people who love this event and want to help it continue. Fresh ideas are always welcome! Please contact Kathy at director@harccoalition.org or 301-842-4272.

Do You Need Help Getting Free Medical Coverage? Help is Here

Maryland Physicians Care (MPC) provides Medicaid health insurance benefits to Maryland’s HealthChoice enrollees at no cost. HealthChoice is a program of the Maryland Department of Health. For more information visit mpcMedicaid.com or call 1-800-953-8854. Flyer.

Refugee Welcome Network Seeking Help for Refugees

HARC, Islamic Center Hagerstown, Sheppard Pratt and other area organizations and houses of worship have started a Refugee Welcome Network (RWN) to better assist refugee families in our area with the many challenges and needs facing our struggling neighbors. God has blessed us with many resources! The RWN currently still has the following needs for the seven families we are currently serving: Read more.

Calling All Allies!

Circles Washington County, MD is working with 14 “Circle Leaders” who are motivated to leave poverty along with their families, but need caring support. They are meeting at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. for a shared supper and training. Ten “Circle Allies” have committed to the program, but in April (after Ally training in March), they would like to “match” two Allies with each Leader to help them reach their goals, so we need about 18 more Allies. Please consider joining us in this effort! Circle Leaders are waiting for you! You are invited to an informal gathering at Washington County Free Library, Room 333, on Sunday, February 19, from 3-4 p.m., so they can share more details and answer questions. (In addition to needing Allies, they have other volunteer opportunities.) Email, call or text Elizabeth Howe at ehowe@wccac.org or 301-606-0190 sign up to attend. Thank you!

Group Resonance Re-patterning - February 15

Wednesday, February 15, 7:00 pm

Unity of Hagerstown at St. Mark’s Fellowship Center

18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro, MD

The Resonance Repatterning System assists participants in identifying and transforming unconscious patterns in their lives. "What we resonate with we experience."  As Founder Chloe Faith Wordsworth states, "The gift of every problem or situation is that it offers us the opportunity to change our resonance with our own unconscious patterns and make a quantum leap to the next phase of our growth and evolution". Suggested Offering-$20. Flyer with more info on this and other February events at Unity. Questions? Contact Sandy Boyer, 240-409-5940 / unityhagerstown@gmail.com.

Voices of Resilience Meeting - February 16

Thursday, February 16, 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Washington County Health Department Behavioral Health

925 N. Burhans Blvd., Hagerstown

The first meeting of Voices of Resilience is scheduled for Thursday, February 16 at 4:30 pm, in person and online. Voices of Resilience focuses on the celebration of recovery from many facets and provides a space for individuals to come together in sharing stories of recovery. For more information, please contact Seth Faulder or David Washington at 240-313-3310. Flyer.

Interfaith Book Club for February: "See No Stranger" - starts February 16

February 16, 23 & March 2, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

on Zoom (email director@harccoalition.org 

to receive the Zoom link)

Facilitated by Rev. Katie Penick

Kaur takes readers through her own riveting journey — as a brown girl growing up in California farmland finding her place in the world; as a young adult galvanized by the murders of Sikhs after 9/11; as a law student fighting injustices in American prisons and on Guantánamo Bay; as an activist working with communities recovering from xenophobic attacks; and as a woman trying to heal from her own experiences with police violence and sexual assault. Drawing from the wisdom of sages, scientists, and activists, Kaur reclaims love as an active, public, and revolutionary force that creates new possibilities for ourselves, our communities, and our world.

Mission Presentation - North Korean Refugees - February 16

Thursday, February 16, 7:00 pm

Broadfording Church

13523 Broadfording Church Road, Hagerstown

A mission presentation from refugees that have escaped from North Korea will be given. They will share their Christian testimonies, and they will share music from their culture. North Korea is one of the most closed countries in the world. This mission presentation will allow you to meet in person individuals who have escaped, and who will testify of their faith in Christ. Everyone is welcome. Feel free to share this with your church, ministry, or anyone else you think may be interested. And as always, if you have any questions, email Pastor Bill Wyand, pastor@broadfording.com.

Free Narcan Training Event -

February 18 (RSVP Deadline - February 17)

Saturday, February 18, 10:00 am

Boonsboro American Legion

710 N. Main Street, Boonsboro, MD

Boy Scout Troop 20 is partnering with the Washington County Health Department to bring a Narcan training to the public for free (middle school age and older Washington County residents or those who work here). Learn to understand how opioids function in the body, how Narcan functions, how to recognize the signs of an overdose, how to administer the medication, further steps to ensure the person receives proper medical attention, and laws in place to protect those who decide to help. Finally each participant will receive one dose of Narcan to keep on their person to be prepared to such a situation, because no one knows when the need will arise. For information email narcantrainingtroop20@gmail.com. Flyer / Website Link / Facebook Link.

Grace, Graze, Grow Lenten program - starts February 21

5 Tuesdays during Lent, starting February 21, 5:30-7:30 pm

Otterbein United Methodist Church

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

Otterbein UMC invites you to nourish body, mind, and spirit during Lent. They’re offering 5 classes on Tuesdays during Lent. Explore the attached informational flyer to find the best fit for you. Join them for a light meal each of these weeks from 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. Call the church office at 301-739-9386 with any questions. Register online at: www.otterumc.org/gracegrazegrow

FREE Chair Yoga - Starts February 21

Tuesdays, February 21 - March 28, 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Otterbein United Methodist Church

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

All ages are welcome!  This chair yoga series is suitable for ALL levels and abilities. No previous experience is necessary. You will be guided through low-impact asanas (postures) from the comfort of a chair to increase flexibility, strength and balance. Modifications for each asana will be given as needed. Additionally, you will be guided through breathing exercises and meditation to promote well-being and strengthen the connection between mind and body. Instructor, Shae Cowfer is a 500HR Registered Yoga Instructor and has been studying and practicing Yoga and Ayurveda for 5 years. Call the Otterbein Office at (301) 739-9386, or sign up online for this FREE class. Flyer.

Neighborhoods 1st Community Clean-up Workshop - February 22

Wednesday, February 22, 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Washington County Free Library

100 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Register for the "Community Clean-up Workshop" sponsored by Neighborhoods 1st and the Washington County Health Department. During this event, they will share best practices on how to organize safe community clean-ups in your neighborhoods. The event is open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. Pre-registration is required. Let Ashley Roush, aroush@hagerstownpd.org, know if you have any questions and please share! Registration QR scan on Flyer.

Black Professional Network Event - February 23

Thursday, February 23, 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Greenwood District

101 E. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown

You are invited to RSVP your attendance to the kick off Washington County Black Professional Network (WCBPN) Event, Please join the group for light refreshments and for an opportunity to learn about the network. See how you can join and meet other black professionals in our community. The sponsors look forward to meeting you. Learn more about the WCBPN. 

Bull and Oyster Roast!

February 26

(Ticket Deadline - February 24)

Sunday, February 26, 12:00 - 5:00 pm

ARCC at Hagerstown Community College

11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown

Come join the Hagerstown, Sunrise and Williamsport Rotary Clubs for an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet, provided by Leiter’s Fine Catering. Fresh shucked Chesapeake oysters and fried oysters, fresh-sliced roast beef sandwiches, and fried chicken, and Hoffman’s Famous Sizzler Sausages. Side items, beer, wine, and soft drinks are included. Enjoy gaming tables and tip jars. All proceeds to support LOCAL charities. Tickets are $60 each at www.hagerstownrotarybando.org. Must be 21 to attend. For more information, contact Will Godwin at 301-331-3514. Flyer.

Movie Night - February 24

Friday, February 24, 7:00 pm

Unity of Hagerstown at St. Mark’s Fellowship Center

18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro, MD

Learn more about the harmonious yet complicated social lives of trees and prepare to see the natural world with new eyes, with this TEDX Talk How Trees talk to each other (17 min.) followed by The Art of Life, a documentary about the art of living outside of conventions, in deep integrity with one's essence (38 min). Light supper included. $20. RSVP unityhagerstown@live.com by 2/23.

Detect, Decide, Develop: A forum of Mental Health in the Church - February 25

Saturday, February 25 at 12:00 pm

Impact Ministries

132 Old National Pike, Hagerstown

Impact Ministries and Liberation Inc. will offer this program addressing mental health and the church’s role in healing. Presented by Marcus S. Cosper, MSPAC, MSBS, MAT.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRJC6rmFFtw

Coldest Night of the Year Walk - February 25 - register now!

Saturday, February 25, 5:00 pm

Hagerstown Community College ARCC

11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown

Reach is partnering with Blue Seas Foundation to hold Maryland’s 1st EVER Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) family-friendly walk. CNOY is when we step outside the warmth and comfort of our own homes to raise awareness and funds for the most vulnerable in our community. They need participants, team captains, and sponsors. (Brochure-Poster, Sponsorship Package) Please reach out to your circle – friends, church, coworkers, business owners, schools, . . . start your own team, join Reach’s team, or join HARC's team (HARC Trivia Team & Friends). For this event to be successful, they need everyone’s help. To see what CNOY is all about, click here:  https://cnoy.com/location/hagerstown

Black History Month Program: EMERGE, EVOLVE, EXPAND February 26

Sunday, February 26 at 5:30 pm

Impact Ministries

132 Old National Pike, Hagerstown

Presented by Impact Ministries and the Western MD NAACP. Features Pastor Ron Henry, Alesia Parson of the Doleman Black Heritage Museum, HARC Board Member and Washington County Black Professionals Network Director Tania Anderson, comedian Terrell Thomas, Life Agent Chad Smith, Elder Group Director Theresa Peek, and NAACP President Fred Chavis. https://youtu.be/ZutTnzlFhTs

Celebrate Black History Month with A Night of Comedy - February 25

Saturday, February 25, Doors open 8:00 pm

Thick-N-Thin Brewery Co,

18330 Spark Drive, Hagerstown

Join the Friends of the Doleman Black Heritage Museum, Thick-N-Thin Brewery, and SMU ENT LLC for a night of comedy with Big Chuck The landlord and friends for a fundraiser for the Doleman Black Heritage Museum. For this event, doors open at 8 pm. The show starts at 9:30 pm. Tickets are $22 online, and $25 at the door. Our guest will hear the update on the progress of DBHM as it prepares for its new home at 465 Pennsylvania Avenue in Hagerstown, MD. We are humbled by the generosity of Thick-N-Thin Brewery Co. and SMU ENT, LLC, for helping us with the fundraising efforts for this project. If you have any questions, please contact the DBHM Secretary, Ms. Janice Kelsh, at 301.797.5019. 

Red Cross Blood Drive - February 28

Tuesday, February 28, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Otterbein United Methodist Church

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

Be a part of the lifesaving cause! There is an urgent need for blood! 

Hagerstown Health Care is hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive at Otterbein United Methodist Church. They are striving to build a regularly occurring drive in downtown Hagerstown. THEY MUST REGISTER 25 DONORS! Give in February for a $10 email gift card courtesy of Amazon. All donors will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for 2 to Clearwater Beach, FL (travel, hotel, gift card and more). See flyer for detailed information about location and how to register to give. Dates of the upcoming drives at Otterbein UMC can be viewed at:  https://www.otterumc.org/blooddrive