Safety, Strength, and Hope: Our October Message | |
Greetings!
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to stand with survivors, honor those we have lost, and recommit to building a community where everyone can feel safe at home.
Domestic violence is more common than many realize. Nationally, about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Abuse doesn't always leave visible marks. It can be emotional, financial, verbal, or controlling behavior that isolates a person from the people and resources they need. It affects every age, income level, race, and neighborhood, including our own.
As a comprehensive domestic violence provider, Springboard seeks to empower victims and survivors of intimate partner violence to move towards safety and self-sufficiency. We provide:
- Emergency Shelter Services
- 24 hot line support
- Counseling and support groups
- Short and long-term case management
- Safety Planning
- Court Accompaniment
Help Us Set Hope in Motion
A tight economy and shifting federal funding are putting pressure on the resources our community depends on. Through it all, we always find a way to help those in need. Your generosity remains our foundation. If you would like to support our efforts to help a mother escaping domestic violence rebuild her life, please donate today at springboardmd.org/donate.
With gratitude,
F.T. Burden
CEO, Springboard Community Services
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Youth Training Center Construction Update
Construction is moving steadily ahead at the YTC! Day by day, a historic downtown building is being transformed into the Youth Training Center, a home, a classroom, and a launching pad for Baltimore youth ages 18–24.
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Collective Conversations Is Back!
After an inspiring inaugural year, the Collective Conversations Conference returns for its second year on May 10–11, 2027. Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for more information on speakers, sessions, and registration coming soon.
| | | Inspired to give? In-kind donations like personal care items help us meet our clients' everyday needs. To make a gift of goods or services, please contact our office using the buttons below. | | Building Bridges in Howard County: Springboard Connects with HCEDA | | | | |
Members of Springboard’s senior leadership team had a productive meeting with the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) during Business Appreciation Week. Leadership shared information about Springboard's services, vision, and mission, and made valuable connections with other community members. The HCEDA team was impressed by the breadth of services our organization offers, and both teams will stay in regular contact to support ongoing engagement.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Mrs. Roper Romp in Westminster, MD.
On September 12, caftan-clad "Helens" took over Westminster for the Mrs. Roper Romp poker run, raising funds for Springboard! We are beyond grateful to Heather Lawson of Reform Salon and Ellen Buchman of Polished by Ellen for their incredible generosity, hard work, and dedication to Springboard and the people we serve.
To everyone who came out, dressed up, laughed, and celebrated with Springboard: THANK YOU! You all looked fabulous, and your support meant the world to us.
By showing up, you're helping Springboard continue our mission of supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic violence and anyone in our community who needs a helping hand. As a nonprofit, we're truly blessed by the way our community shows up for us.
Springboard is here for YOU, too. If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, or if your group would like to learn more about what we do, call us at (410) 876-1233. We show up for you, just like you show up for us.
Romp for fun. Romp for a purpose. Romp for a community that cares.
| | October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month | | Standing Together for Domestic Violence Awareness Month | | |
This October, Springboard stands together with survivors of domestic violence and the people working to end it.
Why We Stand Together
Domestic violence touches every community, including ours. These are our colleagues, neighbors, friends, and family. Some may be reading this right now. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is our chance to say clearly: you are not alone, it is not your fault, and help is available.
At Springboard, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe at home and at work. This month we are committing to three things: learning more, speaking up, and making it easier for anyone who needs support to find it. We know that support and understanding can make all the difference for survivors. You can help by:
- Listening without judgment if someone shares their experience — believe them and let them know they are not alone.
- Offering resources, not ultimatums — provide hotline numbers or service links rather than pressuring them to act before they feel ready.
- Checking in safely — a kind message, a call, or simply being present can help reduce isolation.
- Respecting their choices — leaving an abusive relationship is complex and often dangerous; support should be guided by the survivor’s comfort and timing.
If you're worried about someone, you don't need to have all the answers. Find a private moment, tell them what you've noticed, and listen without judging. Believe them, let them lead, and respect their choices, even if they aren't ready to leave. Leaving can be the most dangerous time, so the decision has to be theirs. Share resources gently and let them know you'll be there.
If you or someone you know needs help, call:
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October: Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Every survivor has a story, and every one of them deserves to be heard. This October, we're standing together to honor survivors, break the silence, and take real action in our community. Here's how we're showing up, and how you can too:
Go Purple on Thursday, October 22nd, 2026
Wear purple for Purple Thursday and let survivors know they're not alone. Snap a photo, share it, and help spark conversations about what healthy relationships look like.
| | Interested in Joining the Best Team? | |
Start a rewarding career where you make a meaningful impact.
Ready to do work that matters? We're looking for compassionate, dedicated people to join our mission of supporting individuals, families, and communities across Maryland.
Whether you're on the front lines of care or keeping our facilities running strong, every role here helps set hope in motion.
Meaningful Work | Stronger Communities | A Brighter Tomorrow
Apply today and help us build a better future. One person, one family, one community at a time.
Visit springboardmd.org/careers/ to view full job descriptions and submit your application.
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Springboard is growing, and we're excited to welcome some new staff members
Each of them brings fresh ideas and a shared commitment to Springboard's mission.
Please join us in giving them a warm welcome.
- Hillary Jackson - Harford County Clinician
- Zhamara Walker - Carroll County Clinician
- Ryan Barrows - Housing Program Manager
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