May 2023

10 - 11AM

POWER HOUR

Join us on May 9^th for Washington County Gives. This 24-hour event gives local nonprofits the opportunity to raise unrestricted dollars and receive pro-rated matching funds and prize money. Making your donation during our POWER HOUR (10-11 am) helps us qualify for extra prizes that can make your impact reach even farther.

Volunteer applications will be accepted from April 1st - May 12th.

If you're interested, please complete a Volunteer Application: HERE

Project requests will be available from May 15th - June 26th.

Stay tuned for more information!

Potomac Towers Lunch Program

The Potomac Towers Lunch Program was created to supplement the Congregate Meal Program when lunches were decreased from five to three days per week.  Several volunteer faith-based groups stepped up to provide lunches twice weekly to cover the days meals were needed. Unfortunately, three volunteer groups could no longer cover their assigned days, causing not only a need for food but also funding. 

Through the United Against Hunger grant program, United Way was able to award $1,000.00 to facilitate the purchase of food to ensure that the residents of Potomac Towers would have access to a healthy lunch. 

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

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)

Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!

Promoting literacy across Washington County!

THANKS SO MUCH to Fiserv

for holding an Associate Book Drive

resulting in 6,500 books for our

Books United Program!

AND ...to Britany Deaner and our JLG volunteer work crew that helped to

move and sort the books!

Special Thanks to Julie Rohm and the

Valley Mall for loaning us storage space

for our "thousands of books"!

YMCA Family Fun Fest!

A really good time was had by all. Books United distributed 100 FREE books and 50 Meditation coloring books, piggy banks and LOTS of BUBBLES to some thrilled kids!

A Special Shout Out to

Tri State Printing!

Thank you so much for donating the printing of our Books United bookmarks!

Every book distributed in

Washington County gets a bookmark.

Tri State Printing is located at

120 Bester Street, Hagerstown, MD

301-733-9560

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.

Spotlight~ Success Story

Health & Financial Stability

Medical Advocacy - CASA, Inc.

A woman who experienced severe physical abuse was provided with in-person accompaniment during her emergency department visit and forensic exam. This case was dangerous and led to serious charges against the abuser. Our advocate was able to provide not only support and comfort but immediate safety planning with the client. CASA assisted her in filling out paperwork for a temporary protective order while in the hospital. The client could then file immediately for the temporary protective order once discharged.

The advocate ensured the client had a safe place to stay and continued to remain in contact to provide legal advocacy and measure her safety. The client was given an open offer to come to our shelter if needed but was able to find safety with family. While this client did not decide to follow through with the protective order, CASA advocates continued contact and ensured a safe plan, and offered to pay to change the locks in the client’s home, as the abuser had the key. The last contact with this client verified that she was still in a safe place and was very thankful for the services provided.

~ Submitted by Lisa Dougherty, ED

Spotlight~ Success Story

Health & Financial Stability

Lasting Change - Testimonial

"I took Financial Literacy classes here at Lasting Change. I’m grateful that they have these classes because I’m bad with my money. As soon as I get any money, I need to spend it. There were a few of the classes that talked about saving my money, getting a bank account, and learning how to budget my money. My counselor helped me, and we made a budget so I could see what I was wasting my money on every month. I learned from this that I want to quit smoking because most of my money was spent on cigarettes. I’m glad I got to do these classes."

~ Client "T"

Spotlight~ Success Story

Health & Financial Stability

Community Based Mentoring

Big Brother Big Sisters

Sometimes even the strongest mentoring matches hit a rough patch. Big Sister "S" and Little Sister "G" were matched in the fall of 2019. Their relationship developed quickly and smoothly. The two really enjoyed spending time together. The pandemic began about six months into their match, and the suspension of in-person match activities impacted our programming. Sadly, some matches did not survive the activity interruptions due to the pandemic, but "S" and "G" remained close.

In the summer of 2022, Big Sister "S" began experiencing some lingering health issues from COVID-19 that ultimately resulted in the need for a medical procedure to correct the condition. While "S" was recovering, she had difficulty contacting Little Sister "G" and her family to arrange outings.

Fortunately, our program model has supports in place that mediate these types of issues. Their match support specialist intervened and reopened the lines of communication before the lapse resulted in a closure. Match support is an essential component of our programming. We’re incredibly thankful this safety net was in place for "S" and "G." We look forward to seeing their relationship grow.

~ Submitted by Tom Kline

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.

The Literacy Council Seeking Volunteer Tutors

The Literacy Council of Washington County is looking for volunteer tutors and also students, adults age 18 and over. TUTORS: You need no experience to tutor! You DO need about 3 hours a week to commit to travel, lesson planning, and tutoring, a desire to help another reach their goals, organization, and consistency. They offer free training via Zoom, consistent support throughout your time with them, free materials to use with your student, and a feeling of gratification in being able to make a positive difference in the life of another. Their next Tutor Training starts Tuesday, May 9, 11, and 16 at 6:30 - 8:30 pm via Zoom. If you would like more information and/or to join their next session, please contact the Literacy Council: 301-739-4208 or office@literacyofwcmd.org Flyer.

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

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.

URGENT - TEMPORARY HOUSING NEEDED

Washington County Health Department (WCHD) is working with a family for whom they are trying to find (immediate) temporary housing while their primary residence goes through a lead abatement process. The WCHD will cover the rental expense. WCHD estimates they may need accommodations for at least 4-to-5 months. 

They are a family of seven: two adults, three teens, a toddler, and a newborn. If possible, they will be bringing a small, 15 lb dog. WCHD has called almost every landlord on the CAC list, corporate leasing agencies, and public housing agencies but has yet to find a solution. Currently, the family is staying in adjoining rooms at a hotel, which is not ideal. 

If you have a solution to help this family, please contact Janice Besecker at 240-313-3229 or Janice.Besecker@Maryland.gov 

HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope - May 13 (Challenge) & June 10 (Main)

20-Mile Challenge Hike: Saturday, May 13, Appalachian Trail

4K, 10K & half marathon walk/hike/run: Saturday, June 10 at Shepherd's Spring Camp & Retreat Center

Both hikes are fully supported. Participants can look forward to scenic views, water & Gatorade refills along the way, and a delicious lunch and fellowship. Prizes for top fundraising teams and individuals. All proceeds benefit HARC and the Micah's Backpack program. Volunteers still wanted for June 10 event day. More info. Flyer, Sponsorship Form, Bulletin Inserts. Questions? Contact director@harccoalition.org or 301-842-4272.

Free Breakfasts - starting May 13

2^nd Saturday of each month beginning May 13th

9:00 - 10:30 AM

See flyer for dates of our upcoming event

See our most recent food, clothing, and personal care resource list 

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

United Day Retreat

May 13 / Healing Share May 21

Unity Day Retreat

Saturday, May 13, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

9760 Beaver Creek Church Rd, Hagerstown



Healing Share

Sunday, May 21, 12:15 pm

St. Mark’s Fellowship - 18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro

Unity Day Retreat - “Taming my Inner Critic” A Day of focused Self Compassion. The program includes music, art, and techniques for taming the inner critic. Lunch is provided. RSVP and prepayment required by May 10, by sending payment ($60) to Unity of Hagerstown, noted "Day Retreat" via PayPal, Venmo or snail mail: 10811 Bower Ave., Williamsport MD 21795. 

unityhagerstown@live.com please note any food allergies/preferences. www.unityhagerstown.org,

Healing Share - Give and receive the healing energy of Reiki and other modalities. Open to all. / $10 Love Offering  www.unityhagerstown.org, www.unityhagerstown.org. QUESTIONS? Call Sandy @ 240-409-5940 or send email to: unityhagerstown@gmail.com.

Food Drop - May 16

Tuesday, May 16, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Otterbein United Methodist Church Parking Lot

(Corner of E. Franklin and N. Locust)

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

This is a one-time food “drop” for our neighborhood. We suggest you bring sturdy, grocery-type tote bags to carry your food/produce home. This event is recommended for those who fall within the WIC Income Guidelines - (Example: Family of 4 with income less than $40,793). For More Information, Call Maryland Food Bank – Western Branch, 301-733-4002 OR Otterbein United Methodist Church, 301-739-9386. Flyer.

Your Health Matters - May 16, June 20, July 18

Tuesdays, May 16, June 20, July 18, 4:30 - 6:30 pm

Robinwood 142 - Blue or Silver Entrance

11110 Medical Campus Road, Hagerstown

Meritus Health Community Health Education Presents Your Health Matters. This is a free event. Interested in attending in-person? Registration is not required. TOPICS: May 16 - Mental Health; Jun 20 - Men's Health; July 18 - Summer Safety. Questions? Call Cindy Missling at 301-790-8964. See flyer for information to attend virtually.

Circles Volunteer Training - May 18

Thursday, May 18, 6:00 pm

St. John's Episcopal Church

101 S, Prospect Street, Hagerstown



Join St. John’s Episcopal Church for a new 2-session volunteer training for Circles Washington County, MD. Let us know of your interest so we know how to plan. For more information call or email Elizabeth and Marci, circles@wccac.org, (240) 310-5704. Flyer.

Global 6K for Water - May 20

Saturday, May 20, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm

Paramount Elementary School

19410 Longmeadow Road, Hagerstown

Registration or donation link: https://tinyurl.com/23pe6cnx or use the QR code. Questions: contact Amy or Jeff 240-625-8722 or 301-991-2851. You can walk or run! Bring a stroller, push a wheelchair, walk your dog, take a walk with a friend or run for fun for a great cause! Why Water? Nearly 1,000 children under age 5, in underdeveloped countries, die every day from diarrhea caused by contaminated water, poor sanitation, and improper hygiene. But we believe the global water and sanitation crisis can be solved within our lifetime. Adult registration fee of $50 provides clean water to one person for life! Youth (18 and under) registration is $25. More information.

May Friendship Day - May 20

Saturday, May 20, 12:00 noon

Williamsport United Methodist Church

25 East Church Street, Williamsport, MD

Church Women United of Washington County presents May Friendship Day. Lunch will be catered by Lotus Moon Cafe’. Menu: Choice of wraps, chips, cookie and assorted drinks. Cost $10.00. Their speaker will be Diana Church, Williamsport Food Bank Coordinator. You are encouraged to bring a donation for the food bank. Easy to open, microwavable non-perishable items are appreciated. “Complete” pancake mix, noodles, and rice are always needed. Reservations are required and due by Saturday, May 13. Please call Debbie Keefer to make your reservation at 301-998-2928. Flyer.

B'nai Abraham Synagogue Socializing Programs - May 21

Sunday, May 21, 2:00 pm

B'nai Abraham Synagogue

55 E. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown

B'nai Abraham Synagogue presents a series of enlightening, entertaining and socializing programs. May 21. Rabbi Mark Perman, Rabbi and Cantor, Musical Program "The Great American Songbook". Admission $18. For more information call (301)733-5039. Website / Program List.

2023 Otter Arts Camps

July 10-14, July 24-28, July 31-Aug 4

Otterbein UMC

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

Otterbein UMC is offering 3 1-week camps for summer 2023. Mixed Media, Baking Arts, Interactive Writing & Storytelling. Registration cost is $30.00 per child per camp. Check out the Otterbein Website for more information and to register:  https://www.otterumc.org/otterartscamps. Questions: call the church office 301-739-9386. Flyer.

Congregations wanted to participate in children's activities, camp, VBS

HARC has three upcoming opportunities for area congregations to work together to provide activities for children in the community: 1) Juneteenth celebration, Saturday, June 17, 10 am - 3 pm. Will your congregation commit to 1 hour of a children's activity of your choice?  contact Kathy at director@harccoalition.org or 301-842-4272. 2) Fun children's camp to strengthen families (theme TBD), August 14-18, 9-3 each day. Come together with other congregations for a shared children's camp, serving children in your own congregation as well as the community. Committed congregations and volunteers wanted. Contact Ashlee at jon2ash@gmail.com. 3) Joint VBS with other churches once per week in the evening for 4 weeks. Contact Rev. Doug Hoffman, revdhoff@gmail.com /  301-733-0391