Party Passes Still Available!
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May was National Bike Month!
Thanks to our friends at Meritus Health (and our fantastic volunteers Stacey Abeles and Sharon Giles) we were able celebrate by getting 80 children's helmets out into the community to make sure our kiddos are riding safely. 30 helmets were evenly distributed to Bikes on the Pike and Mercury Bike Shop for free distribution to little ones in need. The remaining 50 were distributed to the Hagerstown Police Department's Resource Officers to be given to local youth who they know need helmets.
The best helmet is a worn helmet, so make sure you're practicing bike safety during this month of cycling fun!
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Thank you, THANK YOU to all of our incredible community supporters that made our Washington County Gives a success.
There are so many worthy organizations to rally behind, and that is not lost on us.
We are so fortunate for all of YOU, standing behind us in our mission to LIVE UNITED.
Funds from this year's event support the
2022 Day of Caring projects. We'll be able to serve even more of our county's local seniors, Veterans,
(and those in need) and nonprofit partners!
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Who's Hungry?
Join The United Way of Washington County on June 9!
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“The more that you read, the more things you will know.
The more that you learn,the more places you’ll go.”
– Dr. Seuss
We can’t agree more!
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Thank you to The Kershner Sisters Foundation and Albert E. & Naomi B. Sinnisen Foundation for the means to get and distribute 20 ten-book sets of Dr. Seuss beginner collections to a few of our community partners in early learning: Marshall Street School, Hagerstown Children's School, Beacon House, Inc., Together With Families, Inc., Head Start of Washington County, Inc, Ritchie’s Tot Lot, Hagerstown Day Nursery, and Discovery Station.
Hundreds of kiddos will benefit from access to these books.
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United Way of Washington County was able to fund Interfaith Service Coalition for $1899.00. Interfaith Service Coalition is in Hancock and has been helping area families find needed services since 1989. Founded by a group of local churches, it has grown over the years to offer not only emergency food and shelter, but many other services to the community to meet a wide array of needs. When their food pantry's commercial refrigerator unexpectedly died, they needed to act quickly to make sure local families didn't go without. Now, they will be able to purchase a brand-new fridge so that negative impact to their 1,200+ clients can be avoided.
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United Way of Washington County was able to fund CASA for $1311.95. CASA (Citizens Assisting and Sheltering the Abused) is a lifeline for people (children, teenagers, and adults) in Washington County who have been affected by domestic violence, sexual assault/abuse, and rape. Their programs and services provide the professional support and guidance necessary for these individuals and their families to survive violence and abuse and establish a new and safe direction. Their hot water heater recently stopped working, impacting 50+ individuals. Thankfully, they were minimally impacted and were able to purchase and install it immediately so that they can continue to focus on their important mission.
Congratulations to these community rockstars!
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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
In August of 1985, not long after her separation from her husband, Denise was out having fun with her friends.
Suddenly, the truck she was riding in hit a telephone pole. Denise was taken by ambulance to the
hospital where she barely survived; sadly, the accident left her with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Her life as she knew it had forever changed.
Denise went to her caring mother’s home to recuperate. She endured months of pain and suffering while fighting to
return to her brilliant and witty self. Denise was eventually able to live independently with supervision from her mother.
She was even able to return to work doing janitorial services for fifteen years. Eventually, however, Denise began to
show increased signs of deficits due to her TBI and she was forced to leave her employment.
Her mother looked for another source of inclusiveness for Denise, wanting to provide her daughter with a feeling of hope and a sense of belonging once more. Easterseals Adult Day Services in Hagerstown invited Denise to join their program with other participants who had similar challenges and a team of staff who were accepting and compassionate. It did not take Denise long to make friends. She felt that she was back to work as usual, keeping watch over others and offering suggestions to the staff with her strong intellectual sense of humor.
Her mother was so pleased that Denise had advanced in many ways since attending the Easterseals program and
encouraged her to attend three days per week. Alas, Denise’s mother passed away in 2017. Although Denise was very
saddened at the loss of her mother; she felt she started a new chapter in her life when her sister Lori came to Hagerstown to assume the responsibility of being her caregiver and guardian. Lori was able to monitor Denise while Denise was living independently in her own home. Her mother would have been so pleased.
Unfortunately, Denise is now beginning to show signs of memory loss and exhibiting a higher level of confusion. Once again, another chapter of her life is closing with another one about to start. Lori, with assistance from the Easterseals’ team, is coordinating with DSS to assist Denise with transitioning into a group home. Although this is another change in Denise’s life, one thing is certain – she will continue to have the love and support of the staff and her friends at
Easterseals Adult Day Services in Hagerstown, as she has had for the last eleven years and will continue to have for many years to come. Throughout all her chapters, Easterseals has been a stable constant in her life, standing by her side and supporting her throughout her journey
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Spotlight ~ Success Story
Two new schools added!
In addition to Western Heights Middle School, which joined Micah’s Backpack in January (and was included on the Q2
report), two more schools have now been added to this program. In early February, Barbara Ingram School for the Arts
(BISFA) reached out and asked if they could get bags of food for 4 of their students. Zion Reformed Church UCC had just a few days before shared that they could help at another school if needed, so they were quickly able to fill the need. It was a perfect match since the church is located only three blocks away!
Just two weeks later, the counselor at Williamsport High School contacted us because they have students who are
homeless and living entirely on their own with no family support –10 in total. At this point we did not have a sponsor
eager and ready to go, but felt we needed to serve the kids, so we looked at how we might shift some sponsors around.
Zion Lutheran Church in Williamsport was then serving two schools, Williamsport Elementary (20 students) and
Lincolnshire Elementary (5 students). We knew another sponsor at Lincolnshire had the capacity to expand, so we asked Zion if they could shift from serving 5 students at Lincolnshire to serving at least 5 at Williamsport High... and would they consider increasing to 10 students there? That was a big ask since they were already stretched, but with financial help to cover the additional 5 students, they said yes. Again, the match is a good one because Zion is nearby the school; the coordinator for Zion and the school liaison talk weekly and are developing a good relationship. Additionally, St. Joseph & America’s Hauling for Hope picked up the extra 5 students at Lincolnshire and have continued to add more children as requested by the counselor at that school. Extra bonus is that the Lincolnshire counselor now works with only 5 sponsoring churches instead of 6, which lightens her load.
Story from a church coordinator on behalf of a school liaison:
From Jackie Taylor, Zion Lutheran Church, Williamsport
The school counselor [at Williamsport High School] told me the students couldn’t believe they would be getting this food the rest of the school year. “Do you mean we’ll get the bags every week?” they asked. When she said “yes,” they were amazed. She said they were SO appreciative.
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“Do you have contracting experience?
If so, let’s talk!"
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United Way’s Day of Caring event relies on skilled volunteers during the planning stages. Right now, they are in need of volunteers to review project requests prior to event day in September. Typical volunteer site contractors will visit the location of a resident or nonprofit organization, review the nature of the request, assess the estimated level of skill, associated costs, and quantity of volunteers needed to meet the scope of the request. They will determine if the request can move forward to be paired to a fitting volunteer team. To express interest, please email Jocelyn Hauer, Director of Engagement, jhauer@uwwcmd.org, or by calling 301-739-8200 x 103.
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Due to the overwhelmingly positive response (and thanks to a VERY generous donor) we were able to supply Washington County's elementary and middle schools with meditation coloring books. They are distributed to specific students for stress reduction and emotional processing.
We originally distributed these books a few months ago to 5 schools, but have now expanded to serve over 30!
Special thanks to our pack of steady volunteers that always come through in a delivery clutch!
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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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Through the generous support of the Jone L. Bowman Family Foundation, The United Way of Washington County was able to supply every first grader in Washington County with a Rainbow of Friends coloring book and skin tone crayons for the second year in a row.
Building a community that encourages, supports, and celebrates diversity starts with healthy attitudes of acceptance and tolerance. It's our responsibility to teach our little ones these important values as early as possible.
We're so thankful to our dedicated volunteers who showed up with short notice to pack and distribute.
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Find the information you need more easily to get started with Medicare, to better understand your coverage, and more.
With your online Medicare account, you get round-the-clock access to Medicare: view your Original Medicare claims, pay your Medicare premiums, print a copy of your Medicare card, and more, 24/7. Sign up at Medicare.gov/account.
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Looking for #COVID19 tests? During the COVID-19 public health emergency, Medicare covers up to 8 over-the-counter COVID-19 tests from participating pharmacies and healthcare providers for people with Medicare. Contact your local pharmacy to see i they are participating. Medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus#300
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June Calendar of
summer children's programs available
Info wanted for July & August
HARC is once again working with area congregations and organizations
to put together VBS and Children's Summer Activity Calendars. Here is the calendar for June 2022 (or go to our website anytime to find the latest version). Calendars for July and August will be developed as information becomes available. Please send information on your programs to Charlotte at harcnewsflash@gmail.com.
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Free Adult Mental Health First Aid Course - June 10
Friday, June 10, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Brook Lane Main Campus
Community Room
13121 Brook Lane, Hagerstown
The Adult Mental Health First Aid course is an 8-hour program appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions. The adult course teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help an individual in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Questions: 301-733-0331 x1228 or curt.miller@brooklane.org. Visit www.brooklane.org current events to register.
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Jazz for Ukraine Benefit Concert - June 17
Friday, June 17, 7:00 pm
101 S. Prospect Street, Hagerstown
St. John's Episcopal Church invites you to a Jazz for Ukraine Benefit Concert by Mark Andrew Cook and Friends. Featuring members of the Mike Kamuf Little Big Band, Set Theory, and The Three Mo’ Tenors. (Mark Andrew Cook, piano and keyboards; Mike Kamuf, trumpet and flugelhorn; Charlie Doherty, trombone; Jeff Boone, alto saxophone and woodwinds; Tim Powell, tenor saxophone and woodwinds; Paul Greggers White, baritone saxophone and woodwinds; Jon Leonard, bass; Ronnie Shaw, drums. A Free-Will Donation will send Aid to Ukraine through Doctors Without Borders, and The International Rescue Committee. Masks encouraged. On-site and live streamed. Information call 301-733-2560x108.
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United Way of Washington County MD
Annual Campaign Celebration and Awards
Fountain Head County Club
June 22nd, 2022
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