AUGUST 2024

August is Summer Sun Safety Month, a time to remind people to protect themselves from the sun while still enjoying the outdoors. While sunlight is important for producing vitamin D, too much exposure can damage your skin and eyes. 



Here are some tips for sun safety:

• Wear sunscreen: Reapply sunscreen throughout the day
• Wear a hat: A broad-brimmed hat can protect your face and ears
• Seek shade: UV rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM, so find shade under a tree, umbrella, or shelter
• Wear protective clothing: Tightly woven clothing like long pants and long-sleeved shirts can cover your skin
• Wear sunglasses: Look for sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV rays to protect your eyes and the skin around them
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, which can cause fatigue, thirst, and lightheadedness
• Plan activities: Consider doing activities in the morning, late afternoon, or evening

Live United

Urgent Needs/United Against Hunger 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 applications are due on the 27th of the month.

Applications can be found here

 https://www.unitedwaywashcounty.org/community-impact-grants-investments

For additional information contact Kelli Tencer at 301-739-8200 ext.104

Lasting Change

Recovery Solutions

for Women

Lasting Change Recovery Solutions for Women was awarded $1,982 for the Live United Urgent Needs grant for repairs to the staircase in their client lounge. The successful completion of this project will enhance the safety of their facility which aligns with Lasting Change’s commitment to providing quality care and maintaining a safe living space for women in recovery from substance abuse.

It's a Blessing to

be a Blessing

Today, we presented It’s a Blessing to be a Blessing with a $1,000 from the United Against Hunger grant program. As food costs continue to rise and the number of individuals experiencing homelessness and/or food insecurity continues to increase, It’s a Blessing has more than doubled the number of persons served since this time last year. Funding from this grant will be used to purchase food items for their daily feedings for the downtown community. 

Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA)

has been honored by the United Way of Washington County, Maryland as the 2023-2024 Michael G. Callas WCPS Campaign Excellence Award winner.

As part of the annual WCPS Employee Giving Campaign, WCPS staff donated over $14,000 to the United Way with BISFA being recognized as the school with the most individual campaign donors. Photographed, along with BISFA students and staff, are Dr. Robert Hovermale, principal; Heather Guessford, president and CEO of United Way; Dr. David Sovine, superintendent of WCPS; and Tim Haines, coordinator of talent acquisition and WCPS Employee Giving Campaign manager. BISFA has also received a $500 unrestricted grant to be used as they see fit to support the school and students. 

United Way of Washington County had a blast helping out at a picnic night at Wheaton Park on July 30, hosted by FCA!

Members of the community were invited to stop by for fun games, fellowship, and great food! United Way volunteers were happily dishing out the hamburgers and hotdogs.

United Way of Washington County, Maryland, Inc. has been evaluated by Charity Navigator, the world’s largest and most trusted nonprofit evaluator, and earned a 100% Four-Star Rating! This is the highest possible rating on Charity Navigator. 

Charity Navigator’s third-party accreditation validates our organization’s operational excellence.

You can learn more about Charity Navigator and our rating here:

https://charitynavigator.org/ein/520691704. 

The United Way of Washington County recently earned a 2024 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency!

Check out our nonprofit profile to keep up to date with our impact. 

https://

www.guidestar.org/profile/52-0691704

Keep this link handy; we want to ensure you always have the information you need to support our work with trust and confidence.

Check out these links for information on non-profits in Washington County.

The Home Depot generously assembled and donated 100 buckets filled with over $3,000.00 worth of high-quality cleaning supplies. The buckets will be distributed to people in need in Washington County to provide them with a fresh start. A big thank you to The Home Depot for their very useful donation!

As the delivery arrived, a team of volunteers from Walmart also showed up at our office. With some quick thinking and so many helpers, we formed a train to efficiently move the buckets up a flight of stairs, making the work quick and easy on a hot summer day!

Our Walmart team then spent their time volunteering in our new on-site hygiene closet. The United Way is so grateful for our community partners working together for our community.

Did you know that your United Way actively supports or partners with 90 organizations and many individual Washington County residents annually?

All donations made here...stay here.

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!

Spotlight~ Success Story

Patient Care Coordination -

Breast Cancer Awareness, Inc.

Recently, we had a young mother of five call our office in a panic. She had just had her appointment with the breast surgeon, and she was terrified. She said, “I know it’s short notice, but is there anyone available to talk with me.” Our Patient Care Coordinator was available and met with her an hour later. She was able to calm some of her fears and walk her through what to expect over the coming days and months. The patient was given an educational handbook, a book for her spouse, and a bag full of things for her children including 2 “Brave Barbies”, which are specialty Barbies that are bald and come with an assortment of wigs and head coverings. The patient was extremely appreciative that we were able to see her so quickly. We met with her again as she was preparing for surgery, and she shared that the Brave Barbie’s were a huge hit with her children.

Thank you for funding this grant and helping us serve our local cancer fighters and their families. This funding has helped us ensure #NoOneFightsAlone.

~ Submitted by Stacy Horst, Executive Director

Spotlight~ Success Story

Education -

Out-Of-School Time

Boys & Girls Club of Washington County

“Joshua” was a new camper at our Jim Deaner Center. His mom armed us with all the information she thought that we needed to handle his high-functioning autism, but he proved to be a challenge during the first few weeks of camp. Despite his confidence in his swimming capabilities, he couldn’t pass the pool test. This led to immense frustration at being unable to go into the deep end or off the diving board and escalated behaviors at the pool. At the movies, he had huge issues with the noise, escalating his behaviors at the movie theater.

Deemed a ‘runner,’ staff expressed concern and frustration to Mom. Mom explained that he had been kicked out of any camp he had ever been part of, and she knew that this camp would be no different. She was just hoping to have respite from the energy and behaviors he constantly exhibited.

Moved by her concerns and their desire to help this member, the staff assigned a mentor who could investigate how best to keep our friend in camp.

Through extensive conversations with the kiddo and then communication with Mom, we were able to chip away at the issues that caused the behaviors and build a trusting relationship with our friend to better serve him in the camp.

Mom now sends in headphones for him to use at the movies and when the club is chaotic, which keeps him calm and happy.

Last Friday, he went in ready to take the pool test. After failing again, his mentor walked into the pool to see him again under the tent, taking a time out. After further conversation, we realized that he couldn’t swim in the shallow end. With the lifeguard’s blessing, he got to take the swim test from the deep end and aced it. He spent the rest of his pool time happily diving off the diving board and swimming in the deep end like a fish.

Not every day with Joshua is easy, but every day is worth it to ensure that he has a safe place to be during the day and that Mom gets a break.  

~ Submitted by Addie Nardi, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Washington County

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 heather@uwwcmd.org or 301-739-8200 ext.102.

Promoting Literacy Across Washington County!

Our Books United program, founded in May of 2022, has 26 active partner locations. In just over two years time,

we have collected and redistributed over 56,000 books!

In addition to book distributions, we also host multiple reading clubs,

including one at Coffman Nursing Home and

Lasting Change Recovery Solutions for Women.

United Way of Washington County would like to express our appreciation to Sloan School of Music, Sunrise Rotary of Hagerstown, and Emerald Point Retirement Community for their successful book drives in July. Thanks to their efforts, over 500 books were donated to Books United to be distributed in our community.

We encourage all community members to get involved with United Way of Washington County's programs and volunteer opportunities to continue building a stronger, more equitable community for all.

As always, a special thanks to our wonderful Books United volunteers,

Sharon Giles, Beth Johnston, and Jo Ellen Allenberg

for helping to sort and deliver books! 

Thanks to the collaboration and support from our community partners, we were able to distribute 295 books and 100 coloring books at five Meal Machine sites. This initiative not only provided resources for families but also promoted literacy and creativity among children in the area. We are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those we serve and look forward to continuing our mission of spreading the love for reading throughout Washington County.

At United Way of Washington County, we are proud of the impact of our Books United program. In July, Antietam Recreation received 65 books, 40 coloring books, and various other supplies. This donation not only provides entertainment and educational resources but also fosters creativity and growth. We are dedicated to collaborating with local organizations like Antietam Recreation to ensure that our kids have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Special Thanks to Julie Rohm and the Valley Mall for continuing to support our Books United Program!

Be on the lookout for upcoming events and the addition of our permanent "Book Nook". We are so grateful for our collaboration with the Valley Mall!

Deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste and brushes and feminine 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.

We currently serve 2,308 people and our numbers are GROWING by the day. Our closets are on-campus and discreetly benefit low-income students and their families who lack transportation and/or those wishing to keep their demonstrated needs private. Our most requested hygiene items include shampoo, deodorant, and body wash. We have experienced growing requests for laundry pods and feminine pads and liners.

Requests for specialty items include lice kits and body wipes for those living in our rural communities who lack sufficient running water...yes, there are many!

If you wish to learn more about either program or become a partner location please contact Stacey Abeles - stacey@uwwcmd.org or Kathy Harple - kathy@uwwcmd.org.

United Way currently has 11 active hygiene closets across Washington County! Hancock Elementary will be joining our group as of August 2024 to take our total to 12 active closets!

• Hagerstown Community College
• Cascade Elementary School
• Clear Spring Elementary School
• Hickory Elementary School
• Western Heights Middle School
• Parkside Community Center
• Pleasant Valley Elementary School
• Smithsburg High School
• Rockland Woods Elementary
• Soul Haven Wellness & Recovery Center
• Zion Reformed United Church of Christ

_______________________________________________________________________________

We are also thrilled to announce the launch of our newest endeavor - an on-site hygiene closet/warehouse situated at the drive-thru/walk-up area on Court Place at the rear of our offices at 83 W. Washington Street. This innovative initiative is a testament to our unwavering commitment to meeting the basic needs of our community members. Operating in cooperation with our community closets, the hygiene warehouse functions through a voucher distribution system, ensuring transparency and accountability in resource allocation.

By providing essential hygiene products through a structured and inclusive approach, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who rely on these resources. 

WHO IS ALICE?

With the cost of living higher than what most people earn, ALICE families have income above the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), but not high enough to afford a basic household budget that includes housing, child care, food, transportation, and health care.

The United Way ALICE Report provides a framework, language, and tools to measure and understand the struggles of the growing number of ALICE households in our communities.

This research initiative partners with state local United Ways such as those in Maryland, to deliver research-based reports that can stimulate meaningful discussion, attract new partners, and ultimately inform strategies that effect positive change.

To learn more about ALICE visit:



https://www.unitedforalice.org/

Community Resources Alert!

We're blessed to live in a community where help is

always just a phone call away. You are never alone!

Please share this with all your friends.

2-1-1 Maryland - Supported by our local United Way, this is the state's most comprehensive health and human services resource database. With about over 7,500 resources, individuals with essential needs can get connected to local help 24/7/365.

You can dial 2-1-1 on your phone to speak with someone or you can visit https://211md.org/.

Hagerstown Area Religious Council has also compiled the following resources:

Food & Clothing Resources - https://harccoalition.org/resources/food-and-clothing/

Housing/Shelter - https://harccoalition.org/resources/housing-shelter/

Washington County Mental Health Authority has a listing of mental health providers at https://wcmha.org/provider-directory/.

United Way of Washington County, Maryland

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.

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 Christina McCauley at 301-790-4006 or christinamccauley2@maryland.gov

Circles Washington County

Circles Washington County, MD, is accepting and adding Circles Leaders (participants) to our program and will begin training a new cohort on May 2. We are also actively recruiting more Allies and other volunteers. (Allies work with Circles Leaders on their goals at least twice a month.)  

Coordinators Elizabeth Howe and Marci Corea are holding information sessions and are also happy to accept invitations to meet you in person or speak at your church or organization to share how it’s going and discuss ideas for alleviating poverty in our community. Contact us for more information at circleswcmd@wccac.org or 301-797-4161, ext. 142.  

UPDATED Food, Clothing & Personal Care Resources list

The Food, Clothing & Personal Care Resources list was just updated significantly. Please replace copies you may already have and share it with anyone in need. Updated Resource List. The most recent list can also always be found on the HARC website. If you know of any additional changes, please contact Kathy at director@harccoalition.org or 301-842-4272.

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.

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.

Bereavement Toolkits Available

The Hospice of Washington County Bereavement Team announces a resource "toolkit" for grieving children and teens! This "toolkit" is a box full of multiple resources, comfort items, workbooks, and materials that have been designed to match a student's developmental level. Toolkits are available for the following age groups: Pre-K/Kindergarten, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School aged students. Each toolkit provides educational and helpful materials to help a student and family navigate grief and loss. English and Spanish resources are available. Information Website. Request a Toolkit. Information Email: Bereavement Counselors Stephanie Nalley and Jennifer Morningstar. Check out a video to preview these toolkits.

Community Fundraiser

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Now throughout the Fall Months

John Wesley UMC

129 N. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

Supply beds and bedding to children of families who can't afford beds! For Sleep in Heavenly Peace, 18835 Artillery Road, Hagerstown, MD, 844-432-2337, ext. 5958. Website. Flyer.

Make sure to keep up to date with everything going on in Hagerstown by following our announcements and staying connected with the pulse of the city. Whether it's festivals, concerts, or important announcements, we'll keep you in the loop. Don't miss out - stay connected and be part of the vibrant Hagerstown community!

https://www.visithagerstown.com/events

Upcoming Mental Health First Aid Trainings

Youth: Aug. 15; Adult: Sept. 11

It’s not surprising that the most recent Community Health Needs Assessment identified mental health as the number one healthcare priority in Washington County, and that priority has become even more dire since COVID. It’s affecting our children and adolescents as well. Brook Lane and Meritus have established a Bold Goal of zero suicides in Washington County. The best way to work toward this goal as a community, is to educate yourself on how to detect if someone is struggling with mental health issues or contemplating suicide and what to say or do to help them. Would you know what to do if a friend, neighbor, student, your child, spouse or co-worker was suicidal? If not, please consider registering for one of our FREE upcoming Mental Health First Aid trainings! You never know when it might just save a life!! For more info or to register, visit: https://www.brooklane.org/events/

FREE Community Fair - August 15

Thursday, August 15, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

35 W. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown

The Hagerstown Housing Authority is hosting a Community Fair. The Community Fair will offer building connections with your community, meeting your neighbors, and most importantly, having fun! Explore over 30 community partner tables, participate in interactive Choice Neighborhoods activities, and more! There will be yard games, face painting, bounce houses, and a dance floor and DJ! FREE hot dogs, popcorn, and snow cones while supplies last! Food Trucks (available for purchase): Kreeative Kreations, Cielito Lindo, Still Smokin' BBQ.

FREE Outdoor Movie Night - FOOTLOOSE - August 16

Friday, August 16, 7:00 pm

Hagerstown City Park Band Shell

501 Virginia Ave, Hagerstown

Visit Hagerstown City Park for Outdoor Movie Night presenting FOOTLOOSE! Pre-movie festivities will begin at 7:00 pm. Movie will begin at dusk. Event hosted by City of Hagerstown.

Free Music Event - August 17

Saturday, August 17, 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Hebron Mennonite Church

13315 Highlane Street, Hagerstown

Join Hebron Mennonite Church for free music outdoors, with Walking Tacos and watermelon. A variety of music styles and artists will include Code Blues, Debby Simmons, Neveah and Dwayne, and Hebron Hymn-singers. Come and bring a friend and your lawn chair and join the summer fun. Contact information for questions or RSVP: 717-658-8765.

Food Drop - August 20

Tuesday, August 20, 10:00 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. Suggest you bring sturdy grocery type tote bags to carry your food/produce home. Recommended especially 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.

Fresh Produce Food Drop - August 23

Friday, August 23, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

(or while supplies last)

Soul Haven

119 E. Antietam Street, Hagerstown

Fresh Produce Food Drop on Friday, July 26, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (until supplies last). Info: 301-790-5054. Flyer.

Apryl Showers - August 24

Saturday, August 24, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

775 Frederick Street, Hagerstown

APRYL SHOWERS. Every One Matters. Get Showered and Refreshed. Lunches provided by Rik's Cafe. There will also be other necessities available. Sponsored by Platoon Veteran Services. Flyer.

Stories in the Round: Ellouise Schoettler - August 26

Monday, August 26, 7:00 pm

Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown

13245 Cearfoss Pike, Hagerstown

Octogenarian Ellouise Schoettler, visual artist; fabric collagist who uses quilt making to explore genealogy; spoken-word-artist and political activist from both local and national halls of power – describes the arc of her life interview-style with dear friend and fellow creative Susan Gordon, reminiscing about Schoettler’s recurring response to hardship, devastating personal, familial, national and world challenges – to re-invent herself, reminding all the rest of us what we – especially women – are capable of. $12 in advance. $15 at the door. Children 12 & older welcome when accompanied by a parent or group leader. Contact: Fanny Crawford, 301-730-1638 or fanitsky@hotmail.com.

HARC Lighthouse After-School Program

Information Meeting - September 4

Wednesday, September 4 at 12-1:00 pm

Christ's Reformed Church

130 W. Franklin St., Hagerstown

Come learn more about the new Lighthouse After-School Program and consider if you may want to volunteer, lead a program, or become a partner congregation. Interested in making a difference? Contact Angela to RSVP at (240) 347-0780 or yamashitaangela6@gmail.com. Flyer. Interested, but can't make this time frame? Contact Angela for another option.

Save the Date! Human Rights Celebration - September 13

Friday, September 13, 6:00 pm

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church

10813 Donelson Drive, Williamsport, MD

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED OF WASHINGTON COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS CELEBRATION. Dinner cost: $15. Please pay at the door. Catered by St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Women. Reservations are due by Thursday, Sept. 5. Call or text Tammy Coyle at 240-409-2410 or email (preferred) to tammy.coyle93@gmail.com. Program begins at 6:45 pm. Guest Speaker: Mae Colon will share about Hope Center’s ministry. Child care during the program will be provided free of charge by Dominique Burford, an experienced early childhood educator. Prior registration is required. Please call Debbie Keefer at 301-988-2928 by Thursday, Sept. 5. Flyer.

Registration is Open for the 3rd Annual Interfaith Progressive Dinner - Sept. 21

Saturday, September 21, 5:00 - 9:00 pm

Starts at Congregation B'Nai Abraham

53 E. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown

To honor the International Day of Peace, an Interfaith Progressive Dinner will be held at three different local houses of worship representing three different faith traditions. Small plates of food will be served at each location as we progressively move from place to place. Don't miss this great opportunity to learn about different faith traditions, sample spiritually and culturally relevant foods, celebrate the International Day of Peace, and build community. This year's hosts: Congregation B'Nai Abraham, Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren, and the Islamic Society of Western Maryland. Learn more and register HERE. Flyer.

Save the Date! 54th Annual Dunker Church Service - September 15

Sunday, September 15, 2024, 3:00 PM

Dunker Church

Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg, MD

54th Annual Dunker Church Service. All are welcome. Guest Speaker: Gene Hagenberger. “The Undiscovered Country“. Gene Hagenberger has pastored congregations of the Church of the Brethren and served as Mid-Atlantic District Executive Minister from 2009-2022. Since 2023 he does NPO fundraising. Special music: Back Row Singers, Hagerstown CoB, Carol Scheppard, bagpipes, Adam Lane, vocal/guitar.  For more information, contact Rachel Black, 240-291-1859. Flyer.

Memory Cafes Returns - 3rd Thursdays, Resuming September 19

3rd Thursday of each month, 12:00 - 1:30 pm

Resuming September 19

Otterbein United Methodist Church

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

Memory Cafe is a safe environment for those living with early-stage Dementia as well as their care partners. This group offers a unique blend of educational and social interactions for all attendees. Each cafe is sponsored by a local senior care professional. Join them for an afternoon of fun experiences as well as a light lunch and socialization. Attendance is free. Information contact Carolyn Perrygo, Member, Dementia Friendly Washington County at 301-733-4331, c.perrygo@myactv.net. Flyer.

Save the Date! Annual Taste of the Town

September 29

Sunday, September 29, 5:00 - 8:00 pm

The Maryland Theatre

21 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown

ON SALE NOW: Reach of Washington County presents the 19th Annual Taste of the Town on Sept 29! Taste of the Town is one of the largest and oldest tasting events in the area, showcasing the culinary talents of local chefs. Ticket proceeds go directly to Reach’s programs. To purchase tickets, visit mdtheatre.org/town or call the local Box Office at 301-790-2000.