Essential, Working, Struggling.
Meet ALICE.
ALICE earns just above the Federal poverty level, lives on a modest household survival budget, yet struggles to afford basic essentials. We all know ALICE.
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The United for ALICE project is a driver of innovation, research, and action to improve life across the country for the growing number of ALICE households and for all. Through the development of the ALICE measurements, a comprehensive, unbiased picture of financial hardship has emerged.
Harnessing this data and research on the mismatch between low-paying jobs and the cost of survival, ALICE partners convene, advocate, and collaborate on solutions that promote financial stability at local, state, and national levels.
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2025 – African Americans and Labor
The 2025 Black History Month theme, African Americans and Labor, focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people. Indeed, work is at the very center of much of Black history and culture. Be it the traditional agricultural labor of enslaved Africans that fed Low Country colonies, debates among Black educators on the importance of vocational training, self-help strategies and entrepreneurship in Black communities, or organized labor’s role in fighting both economic and social injustice, Black people’s work has been transformational throughout the U.S., Africa, and the Diaspora. The 2025 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor,” sets out to highlight and celebrate the potent impact of this work.
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Considering Black people’s work through the widest perspectives provides versatile and insightful platforms for examining Black life and culture through time and space. In this instance, the notion of work constitutes compensated labor in factories, the military, government agencies, office buildings, public service, and private homes. But it also includes the community building of social justice activists, voluntary workers serving others, and institution building in churches, community groups, and social clubs and organizations. In each of these instances, the work Black people do and have done have been instrumental in shaping the lives, cultures, and histories of Black people and the societies in which they live. Understanding Black labor and its impact in all these multivariate settings is integral to understanding Black people and their histories, lives, and cultures.
Africans were brought to the Americas to be enslaved for their knowledge and serve as a workforce, which was superexploited by several European countries and then by the United States government. During enslavement, Black people labored for others, although some Black people were quasi-free and labored for themselves, but operated within a country that did not value Black life. After fighting for their freedom in the Civil War and in the country’s transition from an agricultural based economy to an industrial one, African Americans became sharecroppers, farm laborers, landowners, and then wage earners. Additionally, African Americans’ contributions to the built landscape can be found in every part of the nation as they constructed and designed some of the most iconic examples of architectural heritage in the country, specifically in the South.
Over the years to combat the superexploitation of Black labor, wage discrepancies, and employment discrimination based on race, sex, and gender, Black professionals (teachers, nurses, musicians, and lawyers, etc.) occupations (steel workers, washerwomen, dock workers, sex workers, sports, arts and sciences, etc.) organized for better working conditions and compensation. Black women such as Addie Wyatt also joined ranks of union work and leadership to advocate for job security, reproductive rights, and wage increases.
2025 marks the 100-year anniversary of the creation of Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids by labor organizer and civil rights activist A. Philip Randolph, which was the first Black union to receive a charter in the American Federation of Labor. Martin Luther King, Jr incorporated issues outlined by Randolph’s March on Washington Movement such as economic justice into the Poor People’s Campaign, which he established in 1967. For King, it was a priority for Black people to be considered full citizens.
The theme, “African Americans and Labor,” intends to encourage broad reflections on intersections between Black people’s work and their workplaces in all their iterations and key moments, themes, and events in Black history and culture across time and space and throughout the U.S., Africa, and the Diaspora. Like religion, social justice movements, and education, studying African Americans’ labor and labor struggles are important organizing foci for newinterpretations and reinterpretations of the Black past, present, and future. Such new considerations and reconsiderations are even more significant as the historical forces of racial oppression gather new and renewed strength in the 21st century.
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WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!!
December was a great month for the United Way of Washington County. We were drawn for the Chamber Bash winner! Whoo-Hoo!
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Leadership Washington County
Class #38 Trip to Annapolis
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Our Director of Engagement, Kate Younkins, during the Washington County Community Coalitions Day in Annapolis. They heard directly from state leaders including the Office of the Governor, and Maryland State Senators, Delegates, and department heads.
This trip was valuable in understanding that as leaders in Washington County, you need to know who to reach out to concerning issues in your community. They learned that their voice matters, and that advocacy works.
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Urgent Needs Grant Recipient
JANUARY
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St. John’s Shelter
A Mission of Outreach
When the City of Hagerstown informed St. John's Family Shelter about the necessity to relocate their electric meters to a more accessible spot, it brought about a significant, unforeseen financial strain. The relocation led St. John's to set up a new 200-amp overhead service with an emergency disconnect at a new location. This involved installing a new circuit panel, rectifying the water line and earth grounding, and transferring existing circuits, all of which incurred substantial costs.
With a significant amount of work to be completed within a very short deadline, the shelter was at risk of a potential shutdown. This was a resource that our community simply could not afford to lose.
Fortunately, the United Way's Live United Urgent Needs grant was a beacon of hope, in the amount of $2,000.00 to alleviate some of the financial burden on our small yet crucial community partner. The families St. John's serves were spared from the upheaval of displacement due to the shelter's closure.
St. John’s Shelter, an outreach program serving homeless families in Washington County is now 32 years old. It continues to reach out to the extended community by providing an important social service in a manner that is financially responsible and that effectively promotes a Christian vision.
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Live United
Urgent Needs/United Against Hunger 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.
For additional information contact Kelli Tencer at 301-739-8200 ext.104
Both applications are due on the 27th of the month.
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Women & Children's Shelter Open
The Salvation Army has reopened their emergency shelter services for women & children in Hagerstown. If someone you know is in need of shelter, please contact Nichole Griffin at The Salvation Army social services office at 301-733-2240, option #2.
Here's an updated crisis agencies list with the shelter update
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The United Way of Washington County MD is filled with gratitude as we
extend our heartfelt thanks to the Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Foundation
for their remarkable contribution of $50,000 to the United for ALICE Project.
With this support, we are empowered to make a significant impact,
creating lasting positive change for the families we serve.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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Check out these links for information on non-profits in Washington County. | |
“My story is like most as a child. I was raised by two parents that loved me very much. I didn’t want for anything growing up. They made sure that I had everything I needed in life. I went to school in all 12 grades and got a high school diploma. I also went to college and got a degree in food service. Those were the good times of my life. As I got older I started to change inside of myself. I was very self-conscious about my weight and had low self esteem. I started to hang around the wrong kind of people and got into trouble with the law.”
“Then I was introduced to drugs and my whole world changed. I was really getting into trouble with the law. I spent time in jail. I lost the trust of my family. Anyone around me that cared or loved me, I pushed away. If you were not doing it for me, I did not want to be bothered with you. I became a very nasty person not just to others , but also myself. I became homeless due to activities I was involved in. And I spent a very long time there. My life was a cycle of getting high going to jail & prison and being released back to the streets where I was homeless once again. That was my life and I had come to accept it.”
“This went on for a good 25 years. That was my life. At this point I had lost all the family I knew. No one wanted anything to do with me at all. What I had become was a phone call for something most times for money. And of course no one would give me any so I became angry with the world and everyone. I came to a point in my life where nothing mattered anymore. I did whatever I had to do to get money for drugs. I thought about taking myself out of the world a few times, but I'm a punk for real. Then I committed a crime that took my freedom for a very long time. It was at that point I realized my life needed to change.”
“I asked for help many, many times. But I was one of those people that fell through the cracks. Not the right Insurance, not the right age, not the right drug use, not enough money. And that went on for a few years. But this time I was back home using drugs again, homeless with nowhere to turn. So I did what I knew best. By this point I had a warrant out for my arrest for a VOP. I had been running for 7 months and I was tired so I made a choice to turn myself in and ask for help one more time. This would be my last time asking but, I didn't have very much hope in the system.”
“That was October 16, 2023, This was the day my life changed forever. I took my last drug that day and turned myself into jail. It was the same day I turned my life over to GOD as I knew him at the time. Still I had little hope that I could get help from the system. Then I was introduced to Ms. Eva from the Ladders to Leaders Program. I had been praying to GOD for her and here she was willing to work with me. And now here she was ready to help me however they could. From the start Eva was honest with me about everything. My case was hard. I needed housing, drug help, clothes, food, everything a person would need coming home from jail, I had nothing just myself and the clothes on my back!”
“But Eva was there for me every step of the way. She has always met me where I was at in life. When I needed rides to appointments she was there. When I moved into sober living she was there. I had prayed for this help for as long as I can remember and I finally got it through the Ladders to Leaders Program. I have stayed sober and doing well with my life now. I am achieving goals I never thought possible. And this program has been my starting point. They gave me the hope I needed to get my life in order and back on track.”
~ A letter written by a Ladders to Leaders resident
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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 heather@uwwcmd.org or 301-739-8200 ext.102.
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To date, over 2500 rides have been taken in Washington County!
If your organization is interested in learning how to partner with
United Way Ride United (RUN) please contact Kelli Tencer at kelli@uwwcmd.org
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Our Books United program, founded in May of 2022, has 29 active partner locations. In just over two years time,
we have collected and redistributed over 65,500 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.
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As always, a special thanks to our wonderful volunteers,
Sharon Giles, Beth Johnston, Jo Ellen Allenberg, and Kyle Hayes!
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Won't You Be Our Valentine? | |
In a heartwarming display of creativity, the children from Hagerstown Day Nursery participated in our Books United program by crafting beautiful Valentine's Day art, destined to bring joy to the seniors at Coffman Nursing Home. This initiative not only fosters a sense of community but also embodies UWWC's commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, enhancing the well-being of both our youth and elderly. Stacey Abeles and her monthly reading club enriched the experience by sharing cherished Valentine's Day traditions with the residents. | |
Be Sure to Stop by
the Book Nook!
New books are continuously being added.
We are thrilled with the success of the Book Nook!
You can find it nestled in the JCPenney end of the Valley Mall, where it serves as a vital resource for families seeking to inspire a love for reading in their children.
The Valley Mall has been part of our community
for over 50 years!
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We invite all community members to visit the Book Nook, ensuring that every child has access to the reading materials they deserve. Your engagement and support are crucial in fostering a brighter future for our children through literacy!
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In January, Kid's Closet Connection donated
over 350 books for Books United program.
They're great partners!
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Since July 2024 we have served over 2,308 people and our numbers are GROWING by the day.
Our on-campus closets 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.
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United Way currently has 19 active hygiene closets in schools and partner locations across Washington County:
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- Hagerstown Community College
- Boyd J. Michael, III Tech High School
- Cascade Elementary School
- Clear Spring Elementary School
- Greenbriar Elementary School
- Hancock Elementary School
- Maugansville Elementary School
- Paramount Elementary School
- Pleasant Valley Elementary School
- Smithsburg High School
- Rockland Woods Elementary School
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- CAC
- CASA, Inc.
- Family Healthcare if Hagerstown
- Holly Place
- Parkside Community Center
- QCI Behavioral Health
- Soul Haven
- Zion Reformed United Church of Christ
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The United Way of Washington County
hygiene closet/warehouse is situated at the
drive-thru/walk-up area on Court Place at the
rear of our offices at 83 W. Washington Street.
Working with several community organizations through our voucher-based hygiene closet we have been able to serve over 300 people at our walk up window.
Our "Closet Bags" are filled with basic needs hygiene and our inventory not only provides for our on-site closet but also provides resources for our 19 hygiene closets throughout the County.
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Testimonial...
"I'm able to wash my hands & my dishes! Thank you!!
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If you have Events, Volunteer Opportunities or other information
you would like to include in our monthly newsletter please contact
Kathy Harple at kathy@uwwc.md.org
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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, Kerry Fair, at 301.375.0939 or k.fair@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 Urgently Needed! | |
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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GOOD NEWS!
No waiting list for Micah's Backpack!
Micah’s Backpack is now serving more than 1,300 children, with no waiting list. Praise God! We are thankful to ALL of the churches and organizations who made this happen, but will highlight two who helped eliminate the waiting list in January. Christ's Reformed Church joined Micah's Backpack in January, serving five children at Bester Elementary School. Their program is already going strong with an enthusiastic team. Thank you, CRC! First Christian Church was able to switch schools to Bester and took on the remaining 16 students on the waiting list there - quite a load while also serving two other schools. Thank you, FCC!
Interested in becoming a Micah's Backpack sponsor? We need more help next school year to spread the load and prevent waiting lists from occuring. If interested in joining this rewarding ministry, contact Kathy at director@harccoalition.org or 301-842-4272.
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Are you looking for a unique leadership opportunity? Have you been yearning to give of your time and talents in support of an AMAZING cause?
If so, we invite you to contact Tom Kline at t.kline@bbbswcmd.org to learn more!
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National immigration Law Center Factsheet: Rescission of Protected Areas Policies
On January 20, 2025, the Trump Administration rescinded a policy that protected certain areas—such as churches, schools, and hospitals—from immigration enforcement, replacing it with a directive that gives ICE agents unbridled power to take enforcement actions in any of these spaces. Protecting sensitive locations from immigration enforcement is essential to ensuring all our community members can access basic services and support without fear. This factsheet describes what the protected areas policy was, what laws apply to those areas now, and what steps advocates and communities can take to support immigrants in continuing to access critical community spaces and services.
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Kingdom Advancing Grant Application Deadline is March 31
Have a creative idea and a well-thought-out business plan for a church program that solves a problem in your community, but needs funds and guidance to bring it to life? See if your church program could be eligible to apply for a Kingdom Advancing Grant. A total of $150,000 is being awarded to church programs that not only help solve a problem in their community but also connect people to Jesus in a sustainable and replicable way. Last year, nine church programs received grants through the Brotherhood Mutual Foundation (SM). The application is rigorous—before you apply, read all the requirements, and watch a special video on how to write a stellar grant application.
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Discover Shepherd's Spring - camps, retreats and Global Village
Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Retreat Center is a faith-based hidden gem in south Washington County. Nestled along the C&O Canal with access to the towpath, the space is beautiful and serene - yet there's a lot going on that local ministries should be aware of. Check out the Summer Camps and start booking now! Take your youth group to experience the Global Village - an incredible opportunity to learn about other cultures. Or book a retreat with a comfortable lodge and cabins. Learn more on their website: https://www.shepherdsspring.org/.
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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.
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WORKFORCE ALLIANCE
We are looking for
Young Adults 18-24.
Get your MD High
School Diploma,
Career Guidance and Work Training!
Must meet eligibility criteria and be a Washington County Resident.
We are a Recovery Friendly Workplace.
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Help with Diapers and Home Supplies
for Refugee Families
The Refugee Welcome Network is currently actively working with ten families and still offering some support for others who are struggling this month with reduced hours at Amazon and FedEx. Some of the families have babies and can't afford diapers, formula, and other supplies. We've connected them to all community resources available, but it's not quite enough. Donations of gift cards from Walmart, Target, or another source of baby supplies are wanted to help lighten the load of these new Americans as they work hard to build a life here. If you can give a gift card, please email director@harccoalition.org. Monetary donations are also a blessing to help with various needs.
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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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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.
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FREE Community Resources
Here are Resources that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers, either online or in person. They have specialists over each category who are willing to individually help people that might be interested in these programs. Please share this with anyone you feel it could be valuable/useful for.
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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!
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Girls on the Run Volunteer Coaches Needed
Girls on the Run inspires girls of all abilities to recognize their individual strengths while building a sense of connection and confidence. They are seeking volunteer coaches who facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skills development to create opportunities for joyful movement and meaningful connections. Teams (elementary and middle school) meet twice per week over an 8- to 10-week season. At the end of the season, the team completes a celebratory 5K event, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and sets a confident mindset in motion. They are currently seeking volunteers to help as coaches in Washington County - particularly in Hagerstown at Bester Elementary, Pangborn Elementary, Hickory Elementary, Lincolnshire Elementary, and Eastern Elementary. Website / Facebook. / Flyer.
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Volunteers Needed for Lighthouse
After-School Program
Volunteers are needed to help in the classroom with HARC's Lighthouse After-School programs. Programs are various days of the week in the late afternoon at different schools, so a day and time can be found to fit most people's schedules. However, the highest and most urgent need we have is for volunteers to help children play games in our Games Club on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3:10 - 4:30 at Jonathan Hager Elementary School. If you're interested in this or would like to learn more about other programs, contact Angela Yamashita at yamashitaangela6@gmail.com.
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Updated Food, Clothing & Personal Care Resources List
The Food, Clothing & Personal Care Resources list for Washington County has new updates, including new requirements for a couple of big pantries and an additional diaper resource. Please delete your old lists and use this one instead! Updated Resource List: English Version /Spanish version.
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Observe the Season for Non-Violence and Peace
January 30 - April 4
As we enter a new year with divisions in our society, now is a good time to ground or re-ground ourselves and our community in a mindset and skills for non-violence and peacemaking. What better time than during the international celebration of the Season for Non-Violence, which begins by marking the anniversary of the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi on January 30 and ends on the April 4 anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Between are 64 days of practice of the principles of Gandhi, King, and others to bring about peace and nonviolence in our world today. (Note: non-violence is about quelling verbal violence as well as physical violence.) HARC encourages you to participate in this season of practice, and offers a number of resources to do so on our website. If you have articles and/or additional resources, please share them with us! Send to Kathy at director@harccoalition.org.
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Kid's Closet - February 15
Saturday, Feb. 15, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Otterbein UMC
108 East Franklin Street, Hagerstown
KIDS' CLOTHING FOR SALE! Most items for sale are 25 cents! (Infant, toddler, through teen sizes available.) Lots of infant clothing! For the best selection of gently used (clean) clothing for boys and girls, be here when the doors open at 10:00 am. Bring a friend! Items for Sale - Limited number of items may be purchased, including new underwear, socks, diapers, pull-ups, and wipes. "Diaper Den" - Diapers for sale at a discounted price (limit of 1-pack/baby). NO LARGE BILLS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Please pay with small bills (less than $20) when making payment. Flyer.
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Wine Down - February 19
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Tribe Cold Press Juice Bar
25 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown
Join Tribe Cold Press Juice Bar for their first WINE DOWN. Join them to learn about Eliza's House, downtown Hagerstown's nonprofit bookstore. RSVP: jasonm@elizashouse.org or 206-504-8879. Eliza's House Website.
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Monthly Expungement Day - February 20
Thursday, Feb. 20, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Soul Haven Wellness & Recovery Center
119 –121 E. Antietam Street, Hagerstown
Office of Consumer Affairs and Maryland Legal Aid Re-entry Program. Flyer. Call 301-790-5054 for info. Feb. 2025 Calendar.
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Support Reach with Coldest Night of the Year Walk - February 22
Saturday, Feb. 22, 4:00 - 7:00 pm
Hagerstown Community College
ARCC Building
20175 Scholar Drive, Hagerstown
Got a big-hearted business, workplace, group, church, or community or just want to walk for a cause? Step up and join the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) challenge in support of Reach and to "walk a mile" in the shoes of someone who's homeless. Reach’s mission is to support and strengthen the community by preventing and resolving homelessness in Washington County. They empower individuals and families to move toward independence and stability through compassion, education, advocacy and resources. Learn more and register
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Jewish Food Festival To Go -
February 23
Order Deadline: Feb. 19
Sunday, Feb. 23, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
& 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Congregation B'nai Abraham
53 E. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown
"The weather outside is frightful!" Apologies to songwriters Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn! Let us add, "But the food is quite delightful!"
Warm up your Presidents' Day Weekend with a hearty helping of Jewish delicacies. Yes, it's time for the CBA Winter Food Fest, and they are ready to serve you! See the flyer for details, but meanwhile imagine the aromas of soups, brisket, stuffed cabbage, potato kugel, coleslaw, and apple-spice cake. Just what "The Doctor" (and your Mama) recommend. EZ Order & pay online: www.bnaiabraham.net/donations/
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St. Parick's Day Run Fest
Saturday, March 15, 2025
7:00am
Location: Race Registration and Festival Location: Hub City Brewery, 25 W Church Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Website: http://www.runsignup.com/spdrunfest2025
This Fitness Event Extravaganza for all ages offers a variety of running events, including the Clover Kids Race, One Mile Run/Walk, 5K Run, and 8K Run. Registration Information: Secure your spot today for the St. Patrick's Day Run Fest and view start times by visiting link above. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to participate in a fun-filled event while supporting a worthy cause. Costumes and St. Patrick's Day attire are not only appropriate but highly encouraged for this festive occasion. Following RunFest, the Downtown Hagerstown Main Street program will be hosting an after party at Hub City Brewery from 11am - 1pm. Let the party continue and head over to Baile, Cask & Kettle at 53 W. Washington St.
For more information, contact:
Washington County Parks and Rec
240-313-2812
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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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