April 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!

Lasting Change Celebrates 35 Years!

Lasting Change is a private not-for-profit residential and outpatient community substance agency that provides a full range of chemical dependency services to women ages 18 and over. Programs assist individuals struggling with addiction problems gain a better understanding of the illness and how to manage symptoms, thereby improving the quality of day to day living.

Thanks to the generosity of Jason Summers and Lifehouse Church, United Way was able to provide beauty supplies which are going to use in Easter baskets for their clients!

Family Health was recently the recipient of various items from our Books United program, as well as non-perishable food items, courtesy of a donation from JLG.



Promoting literacy across Washington County!

As part of Read Across America's the United Way of Washington County's

Books United Program provided a brand new book to every

7th grade student in Washington County.

Storytime Mats

Through the generosity of one local woman who offers her time and talents making these beautiful quilted mats, we were able to provide "Storytime Mats" for Washington County Head Start.

The kids love them and they're perfect!

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

LIVE UNITED

URGENT NEEDS GRANTS

Girls on the Run – Today's girls are exposed to longstanding gender stereotypes, societal obstacles, and cultural challenges that can be detrimental to their emotional and physical health. Girls on the Run's programs impact at a critical age when confidence and physical activity decline. They inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using fun, experience-based curricula integrating running. Their curriculum and volunteer coaches emphasize developing competence, confidence, connection, character, and contribution in young girls through lessons that incorporate physical activity, a service project, and a celebratory 5K event. United Way Washington County is proud to award $1980.00 to help support scholarships for twelve young ladies at Eastern Elementary School!

Hagerstown Housing Authority - When two elderly residents of a local high-rise were facing difficulties, Hagerstown Housing Authority's Director of Resident Services, Dianne Rudisill, reached out to United Way for help. We were able to award $2000.00 so the two vulnerable seniors can continue living independently in their homes through the Live United Urgent Needs grant. 

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

HOW TO APPLY

URGENT NEED AND UNITED AGAINST HUNGER GRANTS

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 27^th 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

The Hope Center - Since 1955 the mission of The Hope Center at Hagerstown Rescue Mission has been to offer help for today and hope for tomorrow by providing programs and services to meet the physical and spiritual needs of men, women, and children. Primarily known as a shelter for men experiencing homelessness, The Hope Center provides many other valuable services to the community. Free lunch and evening meals are available to anyone needing something to eat seven days a week. Every season they host a sizeable free grocery giveaway where individuals and families can come and stock up on essential non-perishable items for their pantries and host an annual Thanksgiving feast that is open to the public. Their Wildside Youth after-school program and Camp Wild summer camp feed hundreds of kids for free throughout the year. They currently have less than twenty tables for these events, which play an essential part in their food programs. Through the United Against Hunger grant, The Hope Center will be able to purchase new tables to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community.  

What is MyFreeTaxes?

MyFreeTaxes helps people file their taxes for free while getting the assistance they need. United Way provides MyFreeTaxes in partnership with the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to help filers prepare their tax returns on their own or have their return prepared for them for free.

Who Can Use MyFreeTaxes?

MyFreeTaxes helps people file their taxes for free while getting the assistance they need.

The self-preparation software (accessible by selecting the “File My Own Taxes” option the homepage) is completely free. They connect users to one of two self-preparation software options based on their income. They also connect MyFreeTaxes users who need more support filing their return to partner nonprofits who are part of the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program (accessible by clicking on the “Have My Return Prepared For Me” option on the homepage.) Common tax situations covered in MyFreeTaxes include W-2 income, self-employment income (Schedule C and 1099), mortgage interest deduction, unemployment income and more! To learn more about MyFreeTaxes go to: https://myfreetaxes.com/

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.

The End of Emergency SNAP Benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a federal program that provides nutrition benefits to low-income individuals and families that are used at stores to purchase food. The program has evolved from what was commonly known as the "food stamps program" and is administered by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) through it's nationwide network of FNS field offices.

SNAP is designed to assist families whose household incomes are $23,000 or less a year. Local FNS field offices are responsible for the licensing and monitoring of retail food stores participating in SNAP. Other programs administered by the FNS include WIC, or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

For more information on the changes to the SNAP Benefit program please visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/changes-2023-benefit-amounts

Spotlight~ Success Story

Education

Out of School Time - Boys & Girls Club

“T” is currently a member of the PA Ave Boys & Girls Club After School Program, but has also attended our Elgin Station summer camp. The beginning of this school year was rough for “T”. He was in a new location and didn’t know a lot of the kids. Staff had to continuously encourage him to participate in the programs and club wide activities, and majority of the time he declined. His behavior was not the best and had to be consistently reminded of the rules while at Club. He was very quiet and reserved- didn’t want to be bothered by Staff or other members other than his sister.

The club staff met to determine what could be done to ensure that "T" enjoyed his time spent here and agreed that he should be enrolled in our mentoring program. After meeting with him for a few weeks, a major difference in his behavior and attitude was apparent. Through the relationship-building that comes through mentoring, we were able to determine his interests, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. With this knowledge, we developed programs that would not only grab his interest, but also the other kids that were having issues as well. At that time, we began to see a HUGE change in “T”’s attitude, it was a complete 360 turnaround! He started volunteering to help staff with programs, he wasn’t having conflicts with other members or staff, his behavior was being rewarded instead of reprimanded. “T” eventually received Student of The Week! He was very excited to receive the award and was reminded that positive behavior is rewarded at The Club. We love the change that we have seen in “T” within the past few months and we hope to continue to see the positive change within him as the school year continues!

Spotlight~ Success Story

Education

BEACON House Testimonial

“I love using Imagine Learning Math! It helps me work on my math and it is fun!” ~ R. (Student)

“I have one student in particular who I have watched grow from being barely able to match numbers to the correct amount using manipulatives and perform addition to now being able to complete one- digit math problems with no issue.” ~ S. Lewis, Teacher

Spotlight~ Success Story

Education

Super Readers - Education Foundation

of WCPS

Marvin Cox, our long-time volunteer, shares great success with one of his Super Reader students:

"K" is a quick learner. He demonstrates strong memory skills, recalls and cites various rhyme narratives from memory without cue. "K" enjoys writing letters along with basic math problem solving. He shows understanding of letter naming, sentence recognition, sound relationships, photo activity identification and capital/lower case letters." "It has been a pleasure working one-on-one with the students and I look forward to the upcoming school quarter."

~ Submitted by Sheila Evers, Executive Director

"Discovering the Baháʼí Faith with Paula Myers & Blending the Mind and Spirit with Dr. Rachel Bright"

with Rabbi Mark Perman

The Interfaith Roundtable

This week Rabbi Mark sits down with Paula Myers to discuss Baháʼí Faith. Baháʼí is the unity of God, religion, and of all humanity. Ms. Myers explains that Baháʼí focuses on family in the home and being generous to all individuals. Paula even opens up her home (brownies included) to share the teachings. The second guest is Rachel Bright, a Naturopathic Doctor as well as a holistic tradition practitioner. Listen to the podcast. Listen to The Interfaith Roundtable Saturday mornings on 98.9 FM/AM 1490 WARK or catch the podcasts here.

"Shi’te Lebanese Cleric Offers Olive Branch to Jews, Christians in Non-violence Campaign"

By Good News Network



"Sayyed Muhammad Ali Husseini, a moderate Shia cleric with a doctorate in religion from Iran, called for inter-faith tolerance in a Facebook messages. He uses the Koran and the Islamic religion as the basis for an alternative vision of peace. “We call on rabbis, priests, cardinals and Muslim clerics, Sunni and Shia, to play down the verses, the scriptures, the traditions and the religious texts that call for violence, because they are more dangerous than nuclear weapons.”" Read more.

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.

Calling All Allies!

Circles Washington County, MD is working with 14 “Circle Leaders” who are motivated to leave poverty along with their families, but need caring support. They are meeting at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. for a shared supper and training. Ten “Circle Allies” have committed to the program, but in April (after Ally training in March), they would like to “match” two Allies with each Leader to help them reach their goals, so we need about 18 more Allies. Please consider joining us in this effort! Circle Leaders are waiting for you! You are invited to an informal gathering at Washington County Free Library, Room 333, on Sunday, February 19, from 3-4 p.m., so they can share more details and answer questions. (In addition to needing Allies, they have other volunteer opportunities.) Email, call or text Elizabeth Howe at ehowe@wccac.org or 301-606-0190 sign up to attend. Thank you!

Summer VBS & Children's activities wanted!

HARC is once again working with area congregations and children's organizations to compile a monthly (June-August) calendar of free and low-cost VBS & summer activities for children and families. We want to include your program(s)! Please send information to Charlotte at harcnewsflash@gmail.com as soon as possible, especially if you're offering something in June. Please include date(s), times, location, a brief description, ages served, and how to sign up. See calendar examples here.

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.

LOOKING FOR HOUSING

Washington County Health Dept. is working with a family for whom they are trying to find (immediate) temporary housing for while their primary residence goes through a lead abatement process. Funds for the rental will be covered by the WCHD and then the DHPC program. WCHD estimates they may need housing for at least a 4-5 month process. There are 7 persons in the family: 2 adults, 3 teens, a toddler and a newborn, and if possible bringing with them a 15 lb dog. WCHD has called almost every landlord on the CAC list, have tried corp leasing agencies, called public housing, all with no luck. Currently they have them staying in adjoining rooms at a hotel, which is not ideal. If you have a possible way to help this family, please contact Janice Besecker at 240-313-3229 or Janice.Besecker@Maryland.gov 

Free Bags of Potatoes - April 15

Saturday, April 15, 8:00 - 10:00 am

St. Andrew's UMC Parking Lot

1020 Maryland Avenue, Hagerstown

Free 80-pound bags of potatoes will be distributed by St. Andrew's UMC. No RSVP is needed. They are able to divide the bags into more manageable smaller bags for easier handling. If you are interested, please contact Jerry Heil at 301-302-1212. 

2 classes at Otterbein UMC - Chair Yoga (Tuesdays) & Tai Chi (Wednesdays)

CHAIR YOGA: Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 pm

April 18 – May 23 (6 weeks)

BEGINNING T'AI CHI: Wednesdays, 5:00 - 6:00 pm

April 19 - May 24 (6 weeks)

Otterbein United Methodist Church

108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown

CHAIR YOGA: Suitable for ALL levels and abilities.You will be guided through low-impact asanas (postures) from the comfort of a chair to increase flexibility, strength, and balance. $30 fee. https://www.otterumc.org/chairyoga or contact Kate in the church office: office@otterumc.org or call 301-739-9385. Flyer. BEGINNING T'AI CHI: All ages are welcome! $30 fee. This course is designed especially for the novice, of any age, who wishes to learn a simplified version of this profound art form. https://www.otterumc.org/taichi or contact Kate in the church office: office@otterumc.org or call 301-739-9385. Flyer.

Dance Fitness Class - April 19 - June 14

Wednesdays, April 19-June 14, 5:30 pm

St. John's Episcopal Church

101 S. Prospect Street, Hagerstown



Dance Fitness with Kelsey Hade is a fun no-ego dance group. Kelsey has over ten years of experience teaching dance fitness. The class typically represents all fitness levels and dance abilities, and ranges in age from 30-65. $75 for 9 classes. Please email k.ziskabeckley@gmail.com or bailaconmigo0928@gmail.com to register for the session. Flyer with more info

Maryland Civic Education and Engagement Leadership Summit - April 20

Thursday, April 20, 3:30 – 7:30 pm

Virtual

Maryland Civic Education Coalition invites you to the third annual Maryland Civic Education and Engagement Leadership Summit, “Strengthening Civics for All!” This is a free, virtual event. Registration is open! More Info..

Community Youth and Families Activities - Month of April

Youth Advisory Board (YAB) 

Open to youth between the ages of 14 and 19 who are interested in healthy lifestyles, environmental health, mental health, substance use prevention, or making a difference in your community. For more information, email Lindsay.Ridenour@maryland.gov or call 240-313-3302. Flyer.. 

1st Annual Youth Symposium: Monday, April 24, 5:00 - 8:30 pm

Washington County Health Department, 925 N. Burhans Blvd., Hagerstown

Youth and their families will hear about topics on tobacco, vaping, behavioral health resources and mindfulness. Dinner and goody bags will be provided. Flyer.

B'nai Abraham Synagogue Socializing Programs - 1st April 23

Sunday, April 23, 4:00 pm

B'nai Abraham Synagogue

55 E. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown

B'nai Abraham Synagogue presents a series of enlightening, entertaining and socializing programs beginning with April 23. Rabbi Niles Goldstein, National Author and Speaker Zoom Presentation "Fake Jewish News: Myths And Lies About One Of The Oldest Religions". Admission $18. For more information call (301)733-5039. Website / Program List.

Brook Lane

Bridge to Hope Affair - Tickets Now Available!

April 29

Saturday, April 29, 6:00 - 10:00 pm

Cortland Mansion

19411 Cortland Drive, Hagerstown

Join Brook Lane for their 2nd Annual Bridge to Hope Affair to raise funds and awareness of the importance of mental health care in a thriving community. This business attire/black tie optional dinner includes a welcome reception/cocktail hour, dessert and craft coffee bar, music, and silent auction. Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are available! Contact Chris Boryan, Director of Development, with any questions at 301-733-0331 x1721 or chris.boryan@brooklane.org.

Save the Date!

TV Characters Bowl for Kids' Sake fundraiser - April 30

Sunday, April 30, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Turner's Dual Lanes

1350 Dual Hwy, Hagerstown

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County would love to have your support of their TV Characters Bowl for Kids' Sake fundraiser! For more information please contact Tom Kline at t.kline@bbbswcmd.org or 301-447-0028.

Save the date! Interfaith Book Club:

"Love is the Way" - May 4

"Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times" by Bishop Michael Curry

Thursday, May 4, 7-9 pm (one session only)

Zoom (email director@harccoalition.org for the link)

As a descendant of slaves and the son of a civil rights activist, Bishop Michael Curry’s life illustrates massive changes in our times. Through the prism of his faith, ancestry, and personal journey, Love Is the Way shows us that the way of love is essential for addressing the seemingly insurmountable challenges facing the world today: poverty, racism, selfishness, deep ideological divisions, competing claims to speak for God. This book will lead readers to discover the gifts they need in order to live the way of love. Flyer

Free Breakfasts - starting May 13

(and updated food & clothing resources list)

2nd Saturdays, starting May 13 - 9:00 - 10:30 am

Hagerstown Church of the Brethren

15 S. Mulberry Street, Hagerstown

Free breakfasts the second Saturday of every month starting on May 13. See flyer for dates and upcoming events. Here is an updated Food, Clothing & Personal Care Resources List with this new ministry and other changes.

HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope - June 10 & May 13

Main Hike: Saturday, June 10

Challenge Hike: Saturday, May 13

Register now and spread the word for the 11th annual HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope! This FUNdraiser benefits HARC and Micah's Backpack, and is a great opportunity for getting outdoors while having a great time. The main hike is a 4K, 10K or half marathon hike/walk/run on the C&O Canal Towpath and the Challenge Hike is a 20-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail. TEAMS are encouraged.  Learn more and register. Flyer / Bulletin inserts / Sponsorship form / Manual registration form