NOVEMBER 2024

November is National Homelessness Awareness Month and National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) works in partnership with federal, state and local partners and national experts to provide training on housing, treatment and recovery models focused on adults, children, and families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have serious mental illness and/or serious emotional disturbance, and substance use. These partnerships contribute to housing stability, recovery, and ending homelessness. SAMHSA also supports the field through technical assistance to states and localities, treatment systems and individual providers on these issues. https://www.samhsa.gov/https://www.samhsa.gov/

United Way Prepares the Homeless

for the Approaching Cold Weather

In a display of community spirit, Innovative, Inc. and Sunrise Rotary came together during our recent Day of Caring donating essential items for homeless individuals facing the upcoming cold weather in Washington County.

Donations included gloves, hand warmers, body wipes, chapsticks, and nutritious food items as well as other necessities and resources, all packed into reusable bags. United Way’s own on-site volunteer Kyle Hayes personally delivered 300 bags of these vital resources to REACH and The Hope Center.

This initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a sense of belonging and care within our community.

Zion Reformed United Church of Christ

Zion Reformed United Church of Christ has been hosting a free Tuesday night dinner that is open to anyone in our community for almost 30 years. During the pandemic, they opened a food pantry on Tuesday nights to provide some addition food support for the week to their guests. Since that time, their number of weekly guests has increased significantly and has placed a strain on their financial resources to purchase protein-rich foods. United Way has awarded $513.00 to help purchase food supplies for the Zion food pantry. 

Washington County Community Action Council

This year, the Office of Home Energy Programs have drastically reduced program benefits for clients in MD. The average utility support went from $1,300 per year to approximately $300.00 this season. United Way of Washington County has awarded $2,000.00 to CAC to provide crucial support to households with members over the age of 60 or have children younger than 2 years.The Urgent Needs grant application narrative from CAC specifically states, “This initiative will ensure that these households received a full 100-gallon fuel tank fill-up. Since most benefit awards from OHEP fall short of this requirement, the additional funding from CAC will bridge the gap, enabling each household to receive the complete fuel supply they need.” 

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.

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

Both applications are due on the 27th of the month.

92.1 The GOAT'S "Let's Talk Tristate."

In her recent appearance on the "Let's Talk Tristate" show, Heather Guessford, President and CEO of United Way, highlighted our organization's commitment to enhancing community well-being.

This interview serves as a platform to illustrate how United Way of Washington County MD is at the forefront of addressing the intricate challenges faced by our local residents. 

Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, we are dedicated to fostering sustainable solutions that empower individuals and families in Washington County. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. Thank you to 92.1 The GOAT for hosting!

In a heartfelt tribute, the Mason -Dixon District of the Shenandoah Area Council has honored Heather Guessford with the prestigious Distinguished Citizen Award, recognizing her unwavering dedication to service in Washington County.

Heather’s journey is a testament to resilience. Having faced her own hardships, she has become a catalyst for change within her community. Through her compassionate efforts, she embodies the values of collaboration and support that the United Way of Washington County promotes.

Additionally, Heather’s commitment to instilling strong values in her daughter highlights the importance of nurturing future generations who will continue to uplift our community.

Three generations of strong women—her mother Deb, her daughter Harlow, and her husband Damian—along with the United Way of Washington County team, proudly celebrate her life and mission!

Downtown Hagerstown

Halloween Block Party!!

The United Way team had a great evening connecting with our community at the block party. Our reflective Halloween bags were once again a hit with all the littles, sparking delight among all who received them.

Adding to the festive spirit, we are thrilled to announce that our team won the award for the best group costume, "Once Upon a Time". A testament to our spirit and collaboration! 

Leadership Washington County MD was at 

United Way of Washington County, Maryland.

The LWC Human Sevices program day is off to a great start for Class #38! The Class was welcomed with a delicious breakfast from Silt Coffee Company and then began their day learning about ALICE from Kelli Tencer, LWC Class of 2023-#36, Director of Community Impact & Investments for United Way of Washington County, Maryland.

The recent golf tournament, held by our long-term partner JLG, was a resounding success, bringing together 136 enthusiastic players across 34 teams.

This event not only showcased the spirit of camaraderie and competition but also directly contributed to our mission of United Against Hunger. Each swing of the club represented a commitment to alleviating hunger in our community, as all proceeds from the tournament will benefit local initiatives aimed at supporting those in need.

The collaboration with JLG exemplifies how community engagement can create measurable impacts, transforming lives and fostering hope for families in Washington County. Together, we are making strides towards a hunger-free 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!

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.

This holiday season, stop by the United Way Gift Wrapping station set up in the Valley Mall to have your gifts wrapped for a donation by our helpful volunteer elves.

Interested in wrapping gifts?

We need volunteers!

Check out the details and sign up sheet below for available days.

Spotlight~ Success Story

Washington County Commission on Aging

Meal on Wheels

Our first client who began receiving meals through the FY25 United Way Community Impact Grant had suffered severe weight loss and was in a frail condition. At the time, she weighed only 81 pounds and could barely walk. She lacked the strength to stand for long enough to prepare any food for herself. Her physician had urged her to enroll in Meals on Wheels, but unfortunately, she had been placed on the waitlist.

With the support of the Community Impact grant, this individual was able to begin receiving regular nutritious meals through the Meals on Wheels program. She has gained some weight and says she now has more energy. She has been extremely thankful for the food and said she doesn’t think she would be here if she had not started the meals. The client remains very grateful to both the Washington County Commission on Aging and United Way of Washington County.

Thanks to the generous grant from United Way of Washington County, our organization has been able to expand our services and reach more individuals in need. This crucial support has allowed us to assist those who might have otherwise faced prolonged delays in receiving help, ensuring that they can access the resources and care they deserve in a timely manner. Without this funding, many of these individuals would have continued to wait indefinitely, but now, thanks to this partnership, we are making a real difference in their lives and helping to create a stronger, more supported community.

~ Submitted by Sandra Wood, COO, Washington County Commission on Aging

Spotlight~ Success Story

Girls, Inc.

Grow a Girl

The girls of Washington County reflect the diversity of our nation, each with unique backgrounds, who face their own obstacles in the pursuit of happiness and success. Our staff creates a safe environment and supports each girl with the tools and resources she needs to grow up strong, smart, and bold. Every girl needs these qualities to live her best life, and our goal is to make sure she reaches hers. Many times, the barriers she must conquer are much bigger than she is, and to no fault of her own.

One remarkable girl, whom we’ll call Sunshine, has been a Girls Inc. girl for years after being placed in foster care due to her family’s hardships. Years of instability have left her feeling like she deserves less and has zero potential. She’s found an incredible foster family, who supports her the best they can. We were anxiously waiting while her loving foster family was working with the public school system to make a special exception for Sunshine. The home that was best suited for this family is located in an area where we cannot offer services. Her foster parents saw the deep impact our support has given her for years, and did not want the move to affect her progress. Thanks to the collaboration of WCPS, Sunshine remains at a school we serve, allowing her to continue benefiting from our programming. Her foster mom agrees that having Girls Inc. as a support system is critical to her development, and we were excited to learn we still get to see little Miss Sunshine every day! This amazing young lady has come a long way. She’s setting attainable goals for her future and working closely with our staff to build a vision of what’s possible. She has several adults she trusts enough to open up to, and is growing physically, academically, and emotionally. We are so proud of her and believe in the enormous potential she has to offer not only herself, but the future as well!

~ Submitted by Maureen Grove, Executive Director, Girls, Inc.

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.

In recent months, we quietly tested a transportation program to overcome a leading barrier to economic stability for *ALICE individuals and families.

After a few months in our pilot stage with a few trusted mission partners, we are thrilled to publicly announce, Ride United Network (RUN) Transportation Solutions.

RUN is made possible through partnership with the United Ways of Washington and Frederick Counties, rideshare company, Lyft, and a generous grant from the City of Hagerstown.

Heather Guessford, President and CEO, of United Way of Washington County stated "Transportation has been a consistent pain point for those wanting to work, who need to access a food pantry, or supportive services; however, owning a vehicle remains expensive and out of reach for many. This program has proven to be a game-changing, convenient, and affordable solution for individuals and families."

Approved RUN ride uses:



Employment

Healthcare

Food Access

Education

Legal Needs

Economic Stability

To date, over 500 rides have been taken in Washington County!

Program partner, Ken Oldham, President and CEO, of United Way of Frederick County shared "It's thrilling that we're exercising the true value of the United Way network through this interjurisdictional transportation partnership."

*ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed. ALICE lives on a modest household survival budget yet struggles to make ends meet. ALICE lives paycheck-to-paycheck. According to our most recent United for ALICE (2024) report, 43% of Washington County residents are ALICE.

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.

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

Sharon Giles, Beth Johnston, and Jo Ellen Allenberg!

Be Sure to Stop by the Book Nook!

The Book Nook, nestled in the JCPenney end of the Valley Mall, 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!

The United Way's Books United Program and the Valley Mall are thrilled with the success of the

Book Nook!

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!

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Christine King and Kid's Closet - Hagerstown for selecting our Books United program as the recipient of their unsold and donated books from their seasonal consignment sales. 

Through this partnership, all books remaining unsold and designated as "to be donated" after their sales, are donated to United Way where they will be redistributed to one of our 29 literacy partners benefiting underserved communities. In just over two years, Books United has collected and redistributed over 62,00 books! 

Your generous contribution will make a significant impact!

Friend of the United Way, Elizabeth O'Brien Brings Joy to Community Children

These quilted reading mats crafted by Elizabeth O'Brien for the Books United initiative are a testament to the power of community contributions. These vibrant and cozy mats have brought immense joy to the children who gather around them, diving into their favorite stories with excitement and delight.

Elizabeth's dedication and creativity not only enhance the reading experience but also embody the spirit of collaboration and volunteerism that UWWC champions. By supporting initiatives like Books United, we are collectively fostering literacy and enhancing well-being among our youth, ensuring that every child has access to the joys of reading.Thank you so very much Elizabeth!

The Books United Program's Ladies for Lasting Literacy are sharing their creativity and spirit by creating delightful fall bookmarks and cards, all to support the cause of enhancing literacy in Washington County.

These festive creations not only spread seasonal cheer but also serve a greater purpose, reinforcing the role of literacy in our community's well-being. Let us come together in this season of giving and creativity, fostering a brighter future for all.

With United Way's mission of collaboration at heart, we invite you to get involved with the Books United Program and experience the joy of making a difference in the lives of your neighbors.

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 13 active hygiene closets across Washington County!

• Hagerstown Community College
• Boyd J. Michael, III Technical High School
• Cascade Elementary School
• Clear Spring Elementary School
• Greenbriar Elementary School
• Western Heights Middle School
• Hickory Elementary School
• Maugansville Elementary School
• Parkside Community Center
• Pleasant Valley Elementary School
• Smithsburg High School
• Rockland Woods Elementary School
• Zion Reformed United Church of Christ

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 were able to serve over 200 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 12 hygiene closets throughout the County.

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

If you have events or information you would like to include in our monthly newsletter please contact Kathy Harple at kathy@uwwc.md.org

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

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.

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.

Flyer: Spanish. No Cost to Recipients. Simple Application Process. Information: alex4prevent@verizon.Net / 240-372-5433. hapcoa.org

Change Through Relationship

Richard Rohr's Daily Meditations

From the Center for Action and Contemplation

"In an interview for the Daily Meditations, Sikh activist and author Valarie Kaur places love at the center of our ability to bring about wholeness in a divided world:  

What does it mean to return to a kind of wholeness where the way that we love informs what we do in the world and what we do in the world deepens our love?.... What I want to remind us all is that as much as we must fight for our convictions and stand for what is just, remember that all those people who vote against you are not disappearing after Election Day or Inauguration Day. We have to find a way to live together still." Read more.

Organist Wanted

Position available for a Church Organist at Christ’s Reformed Church United Church of Christ in Hagerstown, MD. We are looking for someone who has experience in accompanying church music. Must be available for Sunday morning services and Christian holidays and able to work with a small, skilled choir. Compensation is negotiable. Please send resume and cover letter to reverend.norville@gmail.com no later than November 22, 2024 with a starting date of January 1, 2025. For questions, please call Rev. Norville at (301)733-4144. Learn more about CRCUCC.

Live Your Dream Scholarship - Deadline November 15

READY TO BEGIN A NEW LIFE? The Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women program has been helping women around the world since 1972. This program provides cash grants to women who are working to better their lives through additional schooling and skills training. The applicant must be a woman who has faced obstacles in her life, is enrolled in an educational / training program, and be the primary financial support for herself and her dependents (children, spouse, partner, siblings and/or parents). The Soroptimist Club of Hagerstown gives a $1000 award to the local winner and her application goes to the regional level where she could earn more cash awards. Info Flyer. Website.

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

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.

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.

Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service November 24

Sunday, November 24, 4:00 - 5:00 pm

Benevola United Methodist Church

19925 Benevola Church Road, Boonsboro, MD

This service is FREE and open to the public! Please join us for this uplifting service featuring Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Baha’i, and Native American faith traditions. The first half will have no music. The second half will be filled with music. This is to honor the preferences of our different faith traditions. This service will feature a ~ Community Choir ~ Would you like to participate? If so, please arrive at the church by 2:45 pm. You’re invited to stay for a reception following the service! A free-will offering will be taken at the door of non-perishable food, cleaning & paper supplies, personal hygiene products, and monetary donations for Katie’s Cupboard, Benevola UMC’s food pantry. Make checks payable to Benevola UMC or scan the QR code on the FLYER. Download bulletin inserts here. This event is offered by the Hagerstown Area Religious Council with thanks to Benevola United Methodist Church for hosting this year. For more information, contact HARC at 301-842-4272 or director@harccoalition.org.

Order Now!

Thanksgiving Pies and Cheesecake Orders

Deadline November 17

THANKSGIVING PIES AND CHEESECAKE ORDERS are currently being taken at St. John's Episcopal Church, 101 S. Prospect St. You may choose apple, pumpkin, cherry, apple-walnut-cranberry, fruits of the forest for $20 and lemony cheesecake and pumpkin cheesecake for $30. Pies may be ordered baked or frozen for baking later. Orders will be available for pickup on Tuesday, November 26 and Wednesday, November 27. These are premium quality pies!!! Deadline to order is Sunday, November 17. You may order after the 10:15 service or by calling Bruce Massey at 240-675-4498 or by emailing Bruce at lbmassey@verizon.net. You may also order and pay on St. John's website (Online Giving Page Menu Tab). All proceeds will go to the Service and Outreach Commission for their many projects. If you have questions, you may reach Bruce Massey at 240-675-4498 or Betty Markle at 240-457-2370.

Dream Group Meetings - Nov. 18, Dec. 16 & 30

Monday, November 18, Dec. 16 & 30, 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Foxville School House

Foxville-Deerfield Road, Sabillasville, MD

Dream Group Meetings will be held November 18, December 16 and 30. Dreams are one of the ways God's Word is revealed in the Bible. What might your dreams reveal about your Soul's conversation with God. Learn more about dreams and how we can support one another in a community of dream work. Pastor Julie Brigham leads the group and has trained through the Haden Institute. For information, call 240-405-2173.