December 2023

United Way Supports

USMH New Student Food Pantry

Congratulations to our November United Against Hunger grant recipients, University System of Maryland at Hagerstown. USMH will utilize its grant to support its newly established student food pantry. USMH recognizes that there may be times when access to food is a challenge for their students; this pantry will help ease this burden. 

Food insecurity is a pervasive problem in our community. Every week, United Way is helping to ease the burden for students, individuals, and families in Washington County through our United Against Hunger program. During this season of giving, please consider supporting your United Way as we serve 83 organizations and nearly 65,000 people annually! To give, visit: 

https://bit.ly/3UjKsX0

Hagerstown's Community Thanksgiving was a huge success thanks to the coordination efforts of Tim Luipersbeck. The United Way was happy to be a part of the food donations to make a difference to so many on this Thanksgiving holiday.

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 a

major impact on our community!

If you would like to help the United Way

make a difference in Washington County please click the DONATE button today!

Thank you so very much for your continued support!

A special Thank You to Fiserv - Hagerstown, a long-time United Way supporter, who recently held two fundraisers amongst their employees to raise money for United Way's Community Impact programs.

The first fundraiser was a book fair where a portion of all sales were donated to United Way. The second was Fiserv's annual employee basket raffle; employees donated the baskets to be purchased by their colleagues. These two events raised over $9,000! All the proceeds from these fundraisers are reinvested back into Washington County. 

In addition, last Spring, Fiserv donated over 6,500 new or gently used books to our Books United program, which supports over 20 organizations each month. 

Spotlight~ Success Story

Shelter Collaborations

St. John's Family Shelter

A single mother and her son moved into the shelter in early August; this is the first time the family has experienced homelessness. They came to us from the Salvation Army shelter when their 30 days were up there. The mother started working full-time immediately after getting settled in. 

She was very determined and had already begun contacting apartments and filling out applications. She worked well with our Case Manager, Jenn, and followed up with any recommendations received. She kept the apartment immaculate even while working full-time. They stayed for a short time, only 13 days. The mother was very grateful that our community has the Salvation Army Shelter and St. John's Family Shelter. 

She took advantage of both stays to save money to put a roof over her family's head. She proved that determination and drive are essential to getting back on one’s feet. We were very happy to be able to play a small part in the family's reestablishing themselves and hope for the best as they start the next phase.  

~ Submitted by Carla Charles, St. John’s Family Shelter, Board President

Spotlight~ Success Story

Client Assistance

Reach

Reach was contacted by an attorney seeking assistance for a 69-year-old client and her husband. Both clients are disabled and were facing eviction. The wife had been undergoing treatment for cancer and fell behind on their rent. To provide food to supplement their SNAP benefits, she had pawned her husband’s medical scooter.

At 69 years old, she had accepted a job to supplement their income and catch up on their rent. They are in a first-floor apartment and close to the bus stop – both are vital as they are disabled and do not have their own transportation. Affordable housing is few and far between, but accessible, affordable housing is even more difficult.

I reached out to our church partners, hoping that, together, we could meet the full need for this couple to avoid eviction. I am happy to report that between Reach’s pledge and the pledge of one of our partners, we were able to raise the full amount needed. The client was ecstatic and relieved, as she had been overwhelmed with the idea of being homeless while disabled and nearly 70 years old.

~ Submitted by Jeannie Asbury, Reach, Executive Director

Spotlight~ Success Story

Patient Care Coordination

Breast Cancer Awareness, Inc.

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

Our Smithsburg High School Youth United club in the news. The club recently held a dodgeball tournament, raising cash and nonperishable food items for their local food pantry, Tabitha's Table.

These future leaders are doing GREAT work serving those food insecure in the Smithsburg community. Thank you to Youth United Chair Angie Clark Stouffer for her leadership.

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.

Promoting literacy across Washington County!

In the month of November, Books United distributed over 650 books to Discovery Station, Washington County's ENVY Program,

Coffman Nursing Home, Lasting Change, Zion Church,

SPOT Laundromats and It's a Blessing to be a Blessing.

As Always...

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

Clean clothes, deodorant, tampons and pads are all items we need every day. But for some low-income families personal hygiene poses a problem. For many families it can be difficult to put food on the table so personal hygiene items and other necessities are out of reach. Every day people go without personal care Items because they simply can't afford them.

The United Way of Washington County's Hygiene Pantry works directly with local schools and organizations to make these personal necessities obtainable to individuals and families. The current number of lives impacted is over 450 and growing.

Products such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste and brushes are just a few of the items available in our pantries. Laundry detergent, women's feminine products and baby supplies are needed as well. Please contact Stacey Abeles at srabeles11@gmail.com or Kathy Harple at kathy@uwwcmd.org. to learn how you can help impact the lives of those in need.

We currently have 6 active pantries with 2 pending.

• Hagerstown Community College
• Cascade Elementary
• Clear Spring Elementary
• Community Roots After School Club
• Hickory Elementary School
• Western Heights Middle School

Approximately $1,000.00 worth of personal care items and health products were donated this month to Family Healthcare of Hagerstown.

The hygiene pantry at Clear Spring

Elementary is also maintained by

United Way.

The United Way packed 30 bags with much needed hygiene products to be distributed at Hickory Elemetary.

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

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 the 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:



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.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Delays Anticipated along Antietam Street

Nov. 29 to Feb

The Hub City Parking Garage is currently under construction on W. Antietam Street. On or about November 29, the contractor will begin taking delivery of precast concrete beams and panels and start erecting them on-site. Motorists should seek alternate routes away from the Antietam Street corridor, and should be prepared for temporary traffic delays. These deliveries are expected to continue on weekdays until mid-February. See Engineering Department News Release for more details.

𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽𝘀 for you to make

𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 in Downtown Hagerstown:



 - 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘁-𝗛𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻

 - ACT Black Box Studio

 - Washington County Arts

Council, Inc.

𝗘𝗮𝘁, 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸, 𝗕𝗘 𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗬 & 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣 great gift ideas from 40 fabulous local artisans at 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘁-𝗛𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻, Plus MORE awesome vendors at 𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗕𝗼𝘅 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 AND fabulous finds for gift-giving from 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹’𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽! 

HARC Meeting: Becoming a Healing Community with San Mar Family and Community Services

December 12

Tuesday, December 12, 12:00 - 1:30 pm

Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren

20402 Beaver Creek Road, Hagerstown

At our December meeting, we will explore what it means to be a “healing community” with San Mar Family and Community Services. Guest speakers from San Mar will be Jerica Washington, LCSW-C, Deputy Executive Director and Director of the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being; and Jennifer Lewis, LCSW-C, Director – Treatment Foster Care. Join us for lunch and fellowship. Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren will provide the meal and share about their faith tradition. Contributions toward the meal can be made via a free-will offering basket.  RSVP requested by Friday, December 8 at noon so we can get a count for lunch. More info and RSVP link.

Christmas Tree Jubilee - December 9

Saturday, December 9, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

First Christian Church

1345 Potomac Avenue, Hagerstown

Free breakfast with Santa. Photo booth, crafts, games and raffles. Talent show performance and Sing-Along. Also, join them for their Christmas Eve Service, December 24 at 8:00 pm. Info: 301-733-0144, Website. Flyer.

Free Community Soup and Sandwich Lunch - December 9

Saturday, December 9, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Christ's Reformed Church, Aspiring to Serve

140 W. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

Join Christ's Reformed Church for a Free Community Soup and Sandwich Lunch (11:00 am to 2:00 pm, or until food runs out.) Flyer.

Breakfast with Santa - December 9

Saturday, December 9, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

St. Mark's Lutheran Church

601 Washington Avenue, Hagerstown

The free event "Breakfast with Santa" will include a pancake breakfast, games, a photo op session with Santa, and the reading of the Christmas Story. For more information, please see Flyer or call the office at 301-733-7550.

Christmas Musical "Wrapping All the Way" - December 9, 10

Saturday, December 9, 6:30 pm

Sunday, December 10, 9:30 am

Hagerstown Church of the Nazarene

141 N. Edgewood Drive, Hagerstown

The Christmas Musical “Wrapping All the Way” will be presented at Hagerstown Church of the Nazarene. Questions? Call the church 301-797-4524 or visit the church website: hagerstownnaz.org.

Hagerstown Choral Arts Concert –

Rutter’s Gloria - December 9

Saturday, December 9, 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Trinity Lutheran Church

15 Randolph Avenue, Hagerstown

Join the Hagerstown Choral Arts as they perform John Rutter’s Gloria and and seasonal favorites by Paul Manz and Will Todd, accompanied by brass and organ. No admittance but a free-will offering will be collected.

Blue Christmas Service - December 13

Wednesday, December 13, 7:00 pm

Unity of Hagerstown, meeting at St. Mark's Fellowship Center

18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro, MD

Not in the Holiday spirit? This candlelit service is for those who may be grieving, lonely, or feeling 'blue'. Through song and mediation, we honor our feelings and find comfort through letting go. Donations gratefully accepted. For more info- unityhagerstown@gmail.com or 240-409-5940.

Self-Care Solace: Nurturing Wellness

and Combating Loneliness - December 14

Thursday, December 14, 2:30 - 3:30 pm

Washington County Commission on Aging

535 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

This FREE community program will share practical self-care techniques to help individuals enhance their overall well-being including combatting feelings of loneliness. 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, including decreasing loneliness. This program is co-sponsored by Brook Lane and the Washington County Commission on Aging. Registration Link:  Self-care Solace: Nurturing Wellness and Combating Loneliness (constantcontact.com) Info: 301-733-0331 x1228, curt.miller@brooklane.org

Advent/Christmas Drive Thru Event

December 15

Friday, December 15, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

St. Ann Catholic Church

1525 Oak Hill Avenue, Hagerstown

St. Ann is hosting their 4th Annual Advent/Christmas Drive Thru Event on Friday, December15. Their drive thru event will have the nativity scene and Advent wreath with giveaways along with a Photo Opportunity and Hot Chocolate Stations! Please bring a donation for the REACH Shelter! (Enter off of Oak Hill Avenue by the Goretti Gym.) Flyer. Information: Contact Lisa Noel, lnoel@stannchurch.com. Website. Facebook.

Behold Emanuel, Love is with Us - December 17

Sunday, December 17, 7:00 pm

Bethel United Methodist Church Chewsville

21006 Twin Springs Drive, Smithsburg, MD

Join Bethel United Methodist Church Chewsville for a celebration with voices and hand bells. Light refreshments will follow. Information: 301-733-8387, secretary@bethelumchurch.org. December 24 traditional candlelight services at 7pm and 11pm. Flyer.

Call for photographers: 2023 Historic Houses of Worship Tour Photo Contest

The Historic Houses of Worship Tour in partnership with and support from The Washington County Arts Council (WCAC) is pleased to invite the public to enter a photo contest to promote the 2023 Historic Houses of Worship Tour. Photos should capture an image from the Historic Houses of Worship Tour, scheduled to take place on December 26, 2023 from 3pm to 7pm with a snow date of December 27, 2023 from 3pm to 7pm. One selected original photograph will be commissioned by the tour organizers and will be used to create posters and promotional materials for the 2024 Tour. Monetary awards, $100 for first place and $50 for second place, are sponsored by Downtown Hagerstown. Learn more on the Washington County Arts Council website.

Pictured photo: "Welcome Worshipers" by Diane Crawford, 2018 winning photo.

Save the Date! Free Youth Mental Health First Aid

January 18

Thursday, January 18, 7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Brook Lane Community Room

13121 Brook Lane, Hagerstown

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID (YMHFA) is an 8 hour program designed to teach adults how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions related challenge or crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Presenter: Chris Herman, Certified Instructor. Registration Link:  Youth Mental Health First Aid (constantcontact.com) Registration will close on Thursday, January 11, 2024. Phone: 301-733-0331 x1228; Email: curt.miller@brooklane.org. More information.

Save the Date! Children's Interfaith Art Camp

January 20

Volunteers Wanted

Saturday, January 20, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Washington County Museum of Fine Arts

Hagerstown City Park

401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown

Let your children discover the amazing exhibit at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and discover values and morals for their own lives! Free! Children Grades 1-5. Art and interfaith scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, games and strong value story time! Includes new exhibit "Celebrating 100 Years of Children's Book Illustrations!" Limited available spaces so register quickly! Call Museum to register: 301-739-5727. Please have children bring a sack lunch. Volunteer needs: 2 Animated readers and 2 more bodies for craft and crowd control. Flyer.