In This Issue:


Letter from our Executive Director


Holiday Closing Dates


Thank You to our Supporters!


Staff Service

Awards


Videos and Photos from our Holiday Parties


Inclement

Weather Policy


Disability

News


Community Happenings


A Message from our

Executive Director


Happy Holidays and Blessings for the New Year. This is the season of giving and gifting. However, I want to take a minute and reflect more on the “giving side.” At the core of our mission is fulfilling the wishes and needs of the participants. Most of the people at the Harford Center come to us to be able to experience all the joys that life has to offer. However, there are challenges that many of the people must tackle on a daily basis. Some of the participants have to work incredibly hard at communicating their wishes and needs. Others have to find extra energy to go through all the tasks needed to live their best lives. Some people have to depend on staff for assistance to be able to interact in a meaningful way with their communities. Despite the challenges, the extra energy, and having to ask for help, there is joy at the Harford Center each and every day. This is joy that can’t be given in a wrapped package. This joy is a feeling of belonging, of being heard, and of being seen. Many of us struggle to find the right “gift” when most of the time what people want is your time and your presence, not your “presents.” I encourage you to give the gift of time this year. Spend time doing what brings you joy. Also, if you want to see what joy looks like, please visit us here at the Harford Center. We are happy to share our joy with you. Have a wonderful Holiday.

Thank You!

We're so grateful for the generosity of this community! Your support means the world to us!

Thank you, Elegant Restoration!

Thank you, Chesapeake Professional Women's Network!

Thank you, Society of Italian American Businessmen!

Thank you to everyone who donated for Giving Tuesday!

We appreciate your support, and your calendars are in the mail!

Staff Updates

This month, we honored our staff who have had milestone anniversaries this year (or who we weren't able to honor on their anniversaries due to COVID precautions). Congratulations and thank you to the following employees:

One Year Anniversaries:

Michelle Ashford

Joy Barton

Melissa Cooper

Emeka Egeonu

Madison Ganovski

Kendra Taylor

Dajia Watson



Five Year Anniversaries:

Samantha Amberman

Dinah Bertholdt

Bernice Brown

Ed Kearney

Pauline Pullen

Kelly Warnagiris

Not Pictured: Taesha Presbury

Ten Year (!!!) Anniversaries:

Amanda Bennett

Trell Guy

Anissa Trusclair-Pankey

La-Di-Da-Di, We Like to Party!

Dancing and Singing at The Highland Party

My Girl

Brick House

Cupid Shuffle

Call Me Maybe

God Bless the USA

Billie Jean

Highland Party Pictures

Thank you to Chef's Expression for the amazing meal at our Highland Party, and thank you to the Knights of Columbus for providing a place for our party!

Earlton Party Pictures

Thank you to LaCucina in Havre de Grace for

partnering with us to give our staff a special holiday meal!

Congratulations to our new County Executive, Bob Cassilly. Learn more about him here.


We Rock The Spectrum in Forest Hill will be holding a New Year's Eve party on December 31. Read more about it here.


Another fun idea for New Year's Eve is the Annual Havre de Grace Duck Drop and fireworks display. Learn more about it here.


For more fun things to do over the holidays, check out the Visit Harford event calendar.

The upcoming legislative session will begin on January 11. We'll keep you informed about relevant legislation.


The DD Council has released its list of policy priorities for 2023, which include: reducing the DDA Services Waiting List, advocating for better support in schools, increasing access to employment, and increasing access to parks and other public recreational spaces. Read the full list here.


November's DDA Webinar for their Supporting Families series is available to watch here. This month's topic is getting families and supported individuals involved in policy and legislation.

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