A Message from our

Executive Director

As we head into the busy time of year, I want to pause to recognize the joys of this time of year. With all the hustle and bustle, we sometimes lose sight of what’s important. It is easy to go from event to event, holiday celebration to holiday celebration without stopping to really appreciate and enjoy this time of year. This is the time of year we give thanks, we celebrate with friends and family, and we honor whatever traditions are important to us. These traditions are unique to each of us, just like we are unique. At the Harford Center, we celebrate everyone’s individualism. We cherish what makes everyone different. Celebrations and traditions are one way people define themselves and their values. Here at the Harford Center, we value choice, dignity, and diversity. I ask you to celebrate with us this year and join us in appreciating all those things that make people unique. We are thankful for each person who attends the Harford Center and focused on providing the best support that is individualized to each participant.

Additionally, we are thankful for all our partners. In October, we had a large celebration, Our Spooky Soiree, to raise money and celebrate the Harford Center. Like everything we do here at the Harford Center, we put our own unique spin on fundraising. Our events are known for how fun and inclusive they are. With over 200 guests, we danced the night away! Additionally, we were able to raise over $25,000 to advance our mission. If you were able to attend or were a supporter, thank you!! If you were not able to attend, there are other ways to support our mission this holiday season! Giving Tuesday, November 29^th, is a National Day to support non-profit organizations. Please join our celebration by giving on November 29^th to the Harford Center. All donations go directly to support our mission of community inclusion. We want each person to have his/her best day every day! Thank you in advance for your support and Happy Holidays.

Giving Tuesday

This year for Giving Tuesday, we are raising money for fuel and vehicle maintenance. Our goal is to ensure that every person we support is fully integrated into the community through work, volunteerism, and recreational activities. Keep us in the community by helping us us fill our tanks this #GivingTuesday. Our goal is to raise $10,000! Donors who give $50 or more by November 29th will receive our 2023 Harford Center calendar. Please click here to donate!

Thank you, County Executive Barry Glassman!

Special Thank You to County Executive Barry Glassman (pictured here with Harford Center CFO Tim Battaglia at Harford County's Wheelchair Costume Workshop)! Barry, we truly appreciate your support of The Harford Center and everything you've done for Harford County's disability community during your time as County Executive. Thank you, and good luck in your future endeavors!

Wheelchair Costume Workshop

The Harford County Wheelchair Costume Workshop and Inclusive Trunk or Treat was a huge success! Thank you to the Dream Team of Rachel Harbin and Jason Turner, County Executive Barry Glassman, and all the amazing volunteers who worked so hard to make this a wonderful experience for our community's young wheelchair users.

Thank you, Roger B. Thompson

Thank you to long time Harford Center Board Member Roger B. Thompson, who is retiring this year from our Board of Directors. Roger was appointed to our Board by the County Council in the early 1980s. Over the years, he has been an invaluable part of The Harford Center team, serving as Chair of our Finance Committee and a member of our Strategic Planning Committee.

Roger retired from the Federal Government at Aberdeen Proving Ground in 2010 after serving as the Director of International Training at the US Army Ordnance Center and School and as the Director of Instruction at the US Army Mechanical Maintenance School. Additionally, he taught at North Harford High School for 13 years. He attended East Tennessee State University, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Speech and Theatre Arts, and Towson University, where he received his Master's Degree in Instructional Technology. His government positions have taken him all around the United States as well as to numerous countries around the world. We're very grateful that he landed with us for as long as he did. Thank you and Happy Retirement, Roger!

Staff Updates

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Harford Center Direct Support Professional Paul Schwind. Paul was devoted to the people we serve at The Harford Center. He was a real champion for our mission, and a kind friend to all who knew him. The Harford Center will not be the same without him; he will be deeply missed by staff and participants alike. In his time working here, he reminded us all how much of a difference one person can make. We send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his memory be a blessing.

Program Pictures!

Our Volunteer Squad Out Doing Good

in the Community!

We Take Our Art Very Seriously!

We Do Halloween Right!

Community Impact

We received this kind note from a community partner who is retiring. She gave us permission to share her words anonymously. This message meant the world to us.

"Hello HC friends,

I wanted to let you all know that I will be retiring from [redacted]. It has been an absolute pleasure working with each and every one of you. I also want you to know that, watching The Harford Center step up and become a leader during the pandemic, working to serve your individual’s tirelessly and creatively was inspirational. I’ll never forget that. Your work is important and I’m truly glad to have had the opportunity to serve on a team with some of the individuals you serve.

I wish The Harford Center and each and every one of you all the best for a happy and bright future!"

Events

Thank you again to everyone who attended, sponsored, donated to, and volunteered for our Spooky Soiree. If you missed the event, please view the event program here, and click below to check out our event slideshow.

Please enjoy these pictures from the event's photo booth!

We Look Forward to

Seeing You Next Year!

Save The Date Now!

10/21/23

Richlin Ballroom

Edgewood, MD

3rd Annual Golf Tournament

Sponsorships and Early Bird Tickets are on sale now for our

3rd Annual Golf Tournament.

Visit our website for more information!

Give or Receive Help This Holiday Season!

Click here to donate to or view a list of available food pantries and grocery locations with hours and days of operation.

Click here to visit Harford County's Department of Social Services.

Sign up to help for Extreme Family Outreach's Holiday of Hope! Buy and/or deliver Christmas gifts for low income children in Harford County. Learn more here!

Mason-Dixon Community Services offers many holiday giving programs. Click here to give or receive for: Adopt-A-Family, Senior Secret Santa, and Toys-for-Tots.

Click here for information on how to give or receive toys and food through Harford County Sheriff's Annual Christmas Drive.

Click here to donate to or apply for help from Harford County's Empty Stocking Fund.

Click here to search for free Thanksgiving meals near you.

Community Events

November 3-December 31

Harford Artists'

Wonders of Winter Gallery Exhibit

Armory Plaza | Bel Air

Click here for more information

November 11-November 20

Irving Berlin's White Christmas

Cultural Center at the Opera House | Havre de Grace

Click here for more information

Saturdays November 26-December 17

9:00 AM-11:00 AM

Bel Air Holiday Market

Parking Lot, Mary Risteau Building

December 2 7:00 PM

Boots and Bowties: Christmas in the Country

Vignon Manor Farms | Havre de Grace

Click here for more information

Harford Community College

Various holiday plays and events

Including: Darlene Love,

John Denver Tribute Concert,

and The Nutcracker!

Click here for more information

We were sad to learn of the passing of Lois Curtis on November 3. Curtis became well known to the disability community when she and Elaine Wilson filed a suit under the Americans with Disabilities Act alleging that the women were being institutionalized unlawfully because of their disabilities. The landmark case, Olmstead vs. L.C., was decided in the Supreme Court in 1999. The ruling held that the segregation of people based on disabilities constitutes discrimination, and paved the way for the community based services we have today.

Stay Tuned Here! As we enter the legislative session, we will track any bills that impact the disability community.