The Advocate

Spring has sprung and hope abounds. There is something about Spring that makes old things look new and gives one a sense of optimism. It has been over two years since we all heard the term “COVID.” However, a lot has changed since Spring of 2020. We are beginning to get back to “normal” or to a new “normal.” The concept of rejuvenation or renewal comes to mind. The Harford Center has renewed its purpose and focus. While we are still recovering from the past two years, many of us are starting to see the light at the end of a very long tunnel. Over 70% of our staff and almost 80% of our participants are vaccinated. We have adapted our services to ensure that everyone is as safe as possible regarding the minimization of the spread of COVID. We are seeing our communities opening back up and beginning to see faces we haven’t seen in over two years. Here at the Harford Center, we will remain masked for indoor activities and will be giving participants and staff the option of wearing masks during outdoor activities. If numbers increase or decrease, we will reassess this decision. However, we will continue our cleaning and disinfecting, quarantining, and testing protocols. We have FREE tests available to participants, staff, and their families. Please reach out to the Center if you are in need of test kits. Our mission at the Harford Center centers around people living their best lives in their communities. We plan to be out and about more than ever and welcome ideas and suggestions. One challenge that we continue to face is the shortage of staff. Our #1 focus is on retaining our amazing staff and recruiting a new talent pool. Please be patient with us during this process, as we will not compromise the quality of the staff we hire. We want the best staff for our participants! We are in the process of rebuilding and regrowing. Like Spring, we will continue to blossom by nurturing and caring for all our participants, by appreciating our wonderful staff, and by cultivating new staff who will make our garden even more plentiful.

We were very sad to hear of the passing of former Harford Center staff member Zack Perrone. Zack made a difference in a lot of people's lives in his time here, and he will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends in this difficult time.

There's still time to sponsor our 2nd Annual Golf Tournament!

Sponsorships from $150-$5,000 available!

Click here or email Dinah

for more details.

Visit our site to sponsor, register players, buy mulligans, and more!

Fun In The Sun & Fun Days With Sundaes!

Don't miss Harford County's Youth and Family Resource Festival

on April 9th from 9AM - 2 PM

at APGFCU Arena at Harford Community College!

Stop by and visit our booth!

Click here for more information about the event!

Legislative Updates

Maryland House Bill 226, which would require special education classrooms in public schools to be monitored by video, has passed its third reading and has been referred to the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee.

Maryland House Bills 103 and 224, which would grant property tax credits and exemptions to certain disabled veterans, are currently being reviewed by the Ways and Means Committee.

House Bill 78, which would require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified employees with disabilities so long as doing so would not pose a financial hardship or give preferential treatment to the candidate with a disability, has gotten a favorable report from the Judicial Proceedings Committee, and has passed its second reading in the Senate.

House Bill 221, which would allow people in the Healing Hunting and Fishing Program (primarily disabled veterans) to receive no-cost hunting and fishing licenses, has passed in the House.

House Bill 80, which would change the Home and Community Based Services Community Options Waiver Cap, has passed its second reading with amendments.

Senate Bill 93, which would increase the tax credits for employers who hire people with disabilities, has passed its third reading.

Senate Bill 235, which would allow a $1,000 personal exemption on Maryland taxes for individuals with permanent physical disability, is being reviewed by the Budget and Taxation Committee.

House Bill 529, which authorizes supported decision making for adults in certain situations, and oftentimes prevents the need for guardianships, has been referred to the Judicial Proceedings Committee.

Senate Bill 636, which requires the Health Department to reduce the waitlist for Waiver programs, has passed its third reading.

House Bill 161, which alters the definition of “undue influence” to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable adults, has passed its third reading and been referred to Judicial Proceedings.