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Live United
Urgent Needs Grant
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United Way was pleased to award our Live United Urgent Needs Grant in the amount of $2,000 to Star Community. The funds will be
used to purchase an electric Hoyer Lift for our Meaningful Day Services Building.
| United Way's own Santa's Elf, Debbie Guessford donated her time and expertise to help us prepare for the holiday! | |
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Live United
Urgent Needs Grant Awards
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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
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING
UNITED WAY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY FY25 COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT FUNDING
The United Way of Washington County will begin accepting applications for FY25 Community Impact grant funding beginning Thursday, February 1, 2024.
Due to changes in our grant funding this year, all applicants MUST attend the Grant Applicant Information/Training session to be held via Zoom on Thursday, January 25, 2024. Please mark your calendars and be sure to RSVP to: kelli@uwwcmd.org by close of business Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
A reminder with the training link will be sent out via email the day prior to the session. Attendance for this training is required for all grant applicants if you are unable to attend, you must contact Kelli Tencer immediately.
Applications for the categories of Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resilience will be accepted beginning at 12:00 am on Thursday, February 1, 2024, and will close at 12:00 am on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
For more information on the four categories of funding available, please visit: https://www.unitedwaywashcounty.org/community-impact-grants-0
Please note that the maximum grant request per program/collaborative this year is $20,000 and only one application for funding per organization will be accepted (this includes collaborations).
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly.
Sincerely,
Kelli S. Tencer
Director of Community Impact & Investment
United Way of Washington County, MD
83 West Washington Street, Suite 101
Hagerstown, MD 21740
O: 301.739.8200 x 104
Donate: Community Impact Fund
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We extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to our Giving Tree Supporters, who helped us sprinkle holiday cheer with a pinch of wonder and a dash of magic to many families this holiday season!
Too cute not to share!
THANK YOU to our very own Buddy the Elf, Ryan Smetzer for his very generous donation of Christmas gifts benefiting two little girls from our Holiday Giving Tree. We love you, Ryan!
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In addition to those who sponsored children and families, we THANK volunteers Debbie Guessford, who helped us wrap, and Board Member Tim Haines, who delivered gifts to those families lacking transportation. Tim has a kind heart and generous spirit, making him the PERFECT Santa's helper to deliver gifts.
Finally, a special thank you to Joe Howell, Kim Bain, and their army of friends who rallied to contribute cash, enabling us to feed nearly 100 children and their caregivers at a special holiday party.
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United Way of Washington County, MD | |
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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!
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We continue to be amazed by the passion for community from the faculty and administration at Hagerstown Community College. They are invaluable partners to not just us, but so many. | |
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Spotlight~ Success Story
Education
Super Readers
The Super Readers program has achieved a successful start and is having a positive impact on our students. We are happy to report that the student apprentices have been trained and have been working with students since the beginning of the year. They have been focusing on assessing their reading achievement and designing individualized plans for each student to address their unique needs. We're pleased to report the addition of 20 new Adult Super Reader volunteers who have signed up for training, and are eager to work with students starting this month.
We anticipate providing more detailed insights into student success in the upcoming quarterly report. The program is thriving, and we're excited about its continued success.
~ Submitted by Sheila Evers, Education Foundation of WCPS, Executive Director
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Spotlight~ Success Story
Community Based Mentoring
Big Brothers Big Sisters
While the focus for our Bigs is developing a friendship with their Littles and supporting them in working toward their goals, a relationship is also formed with the family over time. Late this past summer, one of our families learned they were being evicted from the home they’ve lived in for years. This was a significant stressor for the Little’s mom, who is a single parent, and she was left feeling helpless and hopeless. The timing of this couldn’t have been worse because school was starting soon and the Little would be entering high school. This transition was the source of some angst for the Little. The Big talked with Little’s mom to gain a better understanding about the pending eviction and to offer advice. Ultimately, the Little’s mom was able to negotiate with their landlord in order to avoid eviction. One of the conditions for staying was the clean-up of their backyard. Without hesitation, the Big offered to help the family clean up their backyard.
This situation highlights the importance of the partnerships our Bigs have with our families. It also shows the mentoring role our Bigs sometimes play with their Little’s parent. This secondary mentoring within the family is an important impact to be noted.
~ Submitted by Tom Kline, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters
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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.
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Promoting literacy across Washington County! | |
December was an exceptionally busy month for the United Way's Books United Program! | |
Thank you so much to our Books United volunteers Sharon Giles, Mary Bowling, Steven Bowling and Christine Hahn. United Way's Community Education Advocate and Books United Coordinator, Stacey Abeles can use all the volunteers she can get! Their hours of sorting, labeling, boxing and delivering are very much appreciated! | | |
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Also receiving new books this holiday season from our Books United program, Family Healthcare of Hagerstown. They are such a GREAT community partner to us and so many others!
We LOVE how they positioned the books under their tree for clients and their families to shop.
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Bright Eyes was just one of 16 locations receiving new books from our Books United program for the holidays. Over 1,100 new books were gifted to the young (and young at heart) in December. | |
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Our book club at Lasting Change, “Ladies for Lasting Literacy,” partnered with us on multiple projects including hand making holiday cards and participating in read-alongs at Hagerstown Day Nursery.
Collaborations matter!
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As Always...
Special Thanks to Julie Rohm and the Valley Mall for loaning us storage space for our "thousands of books"!
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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 600 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 :
- Hagerstown Community College
- Cascade Elementary School
- Clear Spring Elementary School
- Hickory Elementary School
- Western Heights Middle School
- Parkside Community Center
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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.
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The Family Center - Do you love holding babies? Do you enjoy interacting with toddlers? The Family Center is seeking volunteers to work in their childcare rooms with infants and toddlers (Up to age 4). Flexible daytime hours Monday-Thursday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. A background check and fingerprinting is required at no cost. For more information, please contact Rhonda Forrest at 301-790-4002 or rhonda.forrest@maryland.gov
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
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/
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/
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Hagerstown Rescue Mission – Sorting volunteers at the donation center are always welcome. To learn more: https://www.hagerstownhopecenter.com/volunteer
Faith Step Ministries - is seeking volunteers to assist with their Saturday morning breakfast ministry that connects with over 150 community members on a weekly basis on
the West End of Hagerstown. They are seeking volunteers from 7:30 am – 10:30 am at 451 Salem Avenue, Hagerstown to help prepare breakfast, serve the public, and
clean up. A minimum of 6 volunteers are needed each week, and they always
welcome extra hands to help! Interested individuals should contact Josue Orellana at
josueorellanaguevara@hotmail.com with any questions or to sign up.
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
Children in Need – Sorting and serving opportunities are always ongoing for community members, organizations, high school students, and more! Learn about getting involved by visiting: https://childreninneedwashingtoncounty.org/volunteer/
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. dlauricella@eseal.org
Easterseals Adult Day Services
Many volunteer opportunities are available for anyone with a special talent to share. 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 Emily Hankewycz, Activity Director, to coordinate. ebrecht@eseal.org or call 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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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.
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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.
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April is Child Abuse Awareness Month
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are currently needed to assist in the installation of blue yard flags at multiple locations throughout Hagerstown on
Saturday, March 30th, 2024 at 10:00 AM
If interested in volunteering, please message Justice's Sake through Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/JusticesSAKE
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Free Breakfasts
2nd 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
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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
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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!
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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.
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Youth Employment and Training Program
Navigating what to do after being laid off can be daunting.
You will need a job search strategy. That is where the Western Maryland Consortium can assist you. They help you develop a roadmap to a new job--or even an entirely new career. They have services available to laid off workers, and with the guidance of your career counselor, you can develop job goals and create a personal plan for finding a job. All of their services are FREE to eligible individuals.
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.
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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.
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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
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Cold Weather Shelter Volunteers Needed!
The Cold Weather Shelter has 1 unfilled week 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.
31 March-7 April
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TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Delays Anticipated along Antietam Street
Through February 2024
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.
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Moving Help Wanted!
The Washington County Health Department is working with a family with high lead in their home. They are planning a clean out / final clean of the home, and they have help for the clean-out and professional cleaning. They need volunteers to help this family get their belongings back into their home once it has cleared the final inspection. As of now (with LOTS of moving pieces) they are hoping for a move in date around January 19th, or have the family moved back in no later than the end of the month. A truck may be helpful to help them move belongings from the temporary housing (should be boxes only - no furniture) back to their main house. Items from the main house that will need moved back in will be on-site in PODS and muscle will be needed to get items back into the home and beds, etc. set back up. Any volunteers willing to help please contact Janet Besecker for more information. 240-313-3229 or janice.besecker@maryland.gov.
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Walking 2 Wellness - Wednesdays
Every Wednesday, 12:00 pm
The Athletic, Recreation and Community Center (ARCC)
Hagerstown Community College
11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown
Trying to fulfill your New Year's Resolution in getting healthier? Let's get healthy together! Be part of Prime Time For Women's "Walking 2 Wellness" community … meet new people, connect with longtime friends, and develop a regular exercise regime that is good for you. Even better, it’s fun! Prime Time For Women Website / Facebook.
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New Year Yoga Retreat - January 13
Saturday, January 13, 1:00 - 3:30 pm
Unity of Hagerstown
Meeting in the Fellowship Center at St. Mark's Episcopal
18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro, MD
New Year Yoga Retreat at Unity of Hagerstown. $25 pre-registration required. This retreat is suitable for every fitness level and the practice can be on the ground or in a chair. Please, wear loose fitting comfortable clothes, and bring a mat (if you have one) and water. For more info and register: Rev. Sandy 240-409-5940 or unityhagerstown@gmail.com
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Free Human Trafficking Seminar - January 16
Tuesday, January 16, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Robinwood Professional Center
11110 Medical Campus Road, Room 142, Hagerstown
Please attend to learn more about Washington County’s efforts to raise awareness and contribute to the fight to end human trafficking. FREE OF CHARGE. Social Work CEU’s offered. Refreshments provided. Topics and Presentations Include: General Overview of Human Trafficking, Joe Dugan, ICAC—Internet Safety and Prevention of Online Exploitation, Speaker: Anastasia Joy, Survivor Advocate, Panel Discussion outlining a human trafficking case from start to finish. Other local agencies will also be present to provide information about their services. RSVP by January 5, 2024. Flyer.
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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.
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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.
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Community Peace Walk at HCC
January 18 (other MLK Day events Jan 15-19)
Thursday, January 18 at 2:30 pm
Hagerstown Community College
Beginning at the Student Center along Scholar Drive
Hagerstown Community College is leading a Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week January 15-19, 2024 with a focus of "It Starts with Me: Shifting the Cultural Climate Through Nonviolence. A one-mile Community Peace Walk is featured on Thursday, January 18. Other events include self-guided learning, on-campus events, and a day of service for HCC employees and students. Events are open to the public. Learn more here. Houses of Worship and organizations are encouraged to participate and registration is requested; see letter here.
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Save the Date!
Black Professionals Networking Event
January 25
Thursday, January 25, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Vibez Lounge
149 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown
Washington County Black Professionals Network presents a Networking Event. Let's get to know one another! Connect, Collaborate, and Grow: A networking event for Black Professionals and Business Owners in our community and surrounding counties. Dinner is available for purchase at venue! RSVP: tanderson@harccoalition.org. Website. Facebook. Flyer. Also check out the Black Owned Business Directory HERE to support local businesses or submit your own listing.
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Save the Date!
Free Adult Mental Health First Aid course
February 1
Thursday, February 1, 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Brook Lane 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. Presenter: Curt Miller, Certified Instructor. Registration Link: Adult Mental Health First Aid. Registration will close on Thursday, January 18. Information: 301-733-0331 x1228, curt.miller@brooklane.org
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United Way of Washington County, MD partners with SingleCare
(formerly FamilyWize) to provide community members with access to affordable prescription medications, ensuring greater health and financial stability.
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About the SingleCare
prescription savings card:
Always free to use by everyone
just show it to the pharmacist.
No registration or eligibility requirements.
Use it right away! ·
Save up to 80% on 10,000+
prescription medications ·
Accepted at major pharmacy chains nationwide ·
Sign up on SingleCare.com for additional member savings
(earn $1 per eligible script!!)
Works whether you’re insured or underinsured
·
Unlimited uses
For more information and resources, visit: https://www.unitedwaywashcounty.org/singlecare
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