March 2023

Please join us in warmly welcoming the newest addition to Team United, Stephanie Pulver-Breeden! She will be serving as Director of Development and will be responsible for strategic growth initiatives involving volunteers, campaigns, and special events.

Stephanie is looking forward to benefiting her community through her role with United Way of Washington County by strengthening existing relationships and cultivating new ones that seek to improve the health, education, and financial stability of the most vulnerable residents in Washington County. stephanie@uwwcmd.org

Welcome aboard Stephanie!

With the support of a grant from

the Nora Roberts Foundation,

the United Way of Washington County's

Books United Program was able to

provide over 1600 free books to every

7th grader in Washington County!

A great way to celebrate

Read Across America Day!

If you would like to support the United Way of Washington County's Books United Program please contact Stacey Abeles stacey@uwwcmd.org or Kathy Harple kathy@uwwcmd.org.

LIVE UNITED

URGENT NEEDS GRANTS

February had two awards for the Live United Urgent Needs Grants

Reach of Washington County

Reach was awarded $1,951.97 to cover the repair costs for the shelter dishwasher and ice machine. These unplanned expenses occurred near the end of December – a time of year when both appliances are needed to be in good working condition. The dishwasher is used multiple times every night and morning of the shelter season, which is crucial to clean and sanitize the dishes used to serve meals in the shelter. The ice machine is used daily to provide cool drinking water in the shelter and year-round in the Day Resource Center. These simultaneous, unplanned expenses were significant and would take funding that would be otherwise used to support homeless individuals staying in the shelter.

The Salvation Army

A growing number of individuals and families are facing difficulty when it comes to being able to provide nutritious meals for themselves and their families. According to United Way’s most recent ALICE report, over 40% of Washington County residents are living paycheck to paycheck. With the cost of food rising due to inflation, many of our neighbors are significantly impacted and seek assistance from our community partners to meet their food needs. The Salvation Army is one of those community partners. Over the past several months, they have experienced an increased need for supplemental food resources.

United Way is pleased to be able to assist with funding in the amount of $1,000.00 to help support their food pantry.

Each month the United Way of Washington County is pleased to partner

with two organizations providing critical services to our community!

For more information on the Live United Urgent Needs grant

contact Kelli Tencer at 301-739-8200 ext. 104

HOW TO APPLY - URGENT NEED GRANTS

Applications are available each month for nonprofits who are experiencing unplanned expenses

due to unanticipated program needs, emergencies, or underlying situations.

Applications are always due on the 27th of each month. For more information and to apply, visit:

https://www.unitedwaywashcounty.org/form/live-united-urgent-needs-grant

Hagerstown Area Police Athletic League

In response to an increased need of food resources in the community, the Hagerstown Area Police Athletic League (PAL) has started a food pantry. This food pantry will be accessed by youth and their families through PAL programs. Many of donations that PAL receives come in the form of frozen food. Having a large freezer at their disposal will allow them to store food and distribute based on need, rather than out of necessity due to lack of storage. United Way is pleased to announce that the Hagerstown Area Police Athletic League has received $1,000 from the United Against Hunger grant fund to help purchase a freezer for their newly established food pantry! (Pictured here is Detective Nick Varner of Hagerstown Police Department and PAL President.)

Zion Reformed United Church of Christ

For nearly 30 years, Zion Reformed UCC has provided a weekly hot meal service on Tuesday evenings. Neighbors in their community have been hit hard by COVID and now inflation. Their ministry has been vital to ensuring that these individuals and families have a hot meal. During COVID the members of the church realized that many of their neighbors were struggling to have enough food just to get through the week. In response, they started a food pantry to help them out. This endeavor has been growing steadily since its inception. With food costs rising, the church’s budget for this mission has been impacted significantly. Through the United Against Hunger grant fund we were able to present Zion Reformed UCC with a check for $1,000 to help purchase food for their hot meal service and food pantry program. 

What is MyFreeTaxes?

MyFreeTaxes helps people file their taxes for free while getting the assistance they need. United Way provides MyFreeTaxes in partnership with the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to help filers prepare their tax returns on their own or have their return prepared for them for free.

Who Can Use MyFreeTaxes?

MyFreeTaxes helps people file their taxes for free while getting the assistance they need.

The self-preparation software (accessible by selecting the “File My Own Taxes” option the homepage) is completely free. They connect users to one of two self-preparation software options based on their income. They also connect MyFreeTaxes users who need more support filing their return to partner nonprofits who are part of the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program (accessible by clicking on the “Have My Return Prepared For Me” option on the homepage.) Common tax situations covered in MyFreeTaxes include W-2 income, self-employment income (Schedule C and 1099), mortgage interest deduction, unemployment income and more! To learn more about MyFreeTaxes go to: https://myfreetaxes.com/

2-1-1 Maryland

Find the help you need with one phone call!

Non-Profit and Human Service Programs

The 2-1-1 database has information on

more than 7000 agencies and programs across the state.

Each week 2-1-1 handles thousands of calls from

people in need, providing referrals to services and helping people

problem-solve when services they need are not available.

The End of Emergency SNAP Benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a federal program that provides nutrition benefits to low-income individuals and families that are used at stores to purchase food. The program has evolved from what was commonly known as the "food stamps program" and is administered by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) through it's nationwide network of FNS field offices.

SNAP is designed to assist families whose household incomes are $23,000 or less a year. Local FNS field offices are responsible for the licensing and monitoring of retail food stores participating in SNAP. Other programs administered by the FNS include WIC, or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

For more information on the changes to the SNAP Benefit program please visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/changes-2023-benefit-amounts

Spotlight~ Success Story

Health & Financial Stability

Medical Advocacy - CASA, Inc.

Client Success: A woman with three young children was involved in a physical intimate partner abuse incident with police response. The woman received medical care where an advocate from CASA offered on-site accompaniment. This woman had a safe place to stay and did not need shelter, but was able to complete CASA’s crisis services that focus on safety planning and domestic violence education. This woman also received legal advocacy to assist the process of a protection order and continued support as custody and criminal charges are navigated. This woman continued past crisis services and entered CASA’s new financial empowerment program where they are learning how to budget on their own, rebuild credit, and increase the chances for success to live independently from abuse.

A secondary success seen from the expansion of the medical advocacy program this quarter is the increased awareness for CASA staff regarding local programs we can use as referrals for our clients. CASA staff were able to meet with two local health clinics to present our medical advocacy program. During these meetings, our staff were made aware of previously unknown services through these clinics that would directly benefit our clients. Some of these services included dental care, pediatric care, and youth centered sexual health services. The expansion in our medical advocacy program is allowing for growth in our community relationships that are mutually beneficial and will allow higher quality service for our clients.

Spotlight~ Success Story

Health & Financial Stability

Financial Literacy Testimonial

“I didn’t really want to go to these classes when I first started because it was another group I had to do. But then I realized how much stuff I was learning. I have always been scared to have a bank account because my mom said they couldn’t be trusted.

One of my goals now is to get a bank account. I also learned a lot in the credit class and want to work on making my credit better”.

~ Participant "B"

Spotlight~ Success Story

Health & Financial Stability

Financial Literacy Testimonials

Reach of Washington County

"Shortly after I attended the class "Mastering Your Credit", I figured it would be a good idea to check my credit. The class helped me understand the benefits of having good credit. I was able to get a credit card and I am paying my bill in full and on-time every month." ~ Student, Washington County Sheriff's Office Day Reporting Center

"I am so happy that we have the classes. I am learning a lot so that I can prepare to move into my own place.” ~ Resident, Reach Cold Weather Shelter

The United Way of Washington County is supporting Cascade Elementary's Hygiene Pantry.

The pantry is making much needed daily hygiene products available to their students and families.

Equity in Education Scholarship

$8,050 still needed!

$8,050 is still needed to fund this year's Equity in Education Scholarship. This scholarship removes financial barriers for people of color (with preference to African Americans) to obtain their degree in the education field, while also offering mentoring and other support. These future educators will impact hundreds of children, and will begin doing so while they earn their degrees. Please help us make a positive impact on children and our community! Donate  HERE (choose “Equity in Education Scholarship” from the pull-down menu).  Learn more.

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 Kate Dunn at

240-420-2527 or katherine.dunn1@maryland.gov

Do You Need Help Getting Free Medical Coverage? Help is Here

Maryland Physicians Care (MPC) provides Medicaid health insurance benefits to Maryland’s HealthChoice enrollees at no cost. HealthChoice is a program of the Maryland Department of Health. For more information visit mpcMedicaid.com or call 1-800-953-8854. Flyer.

Calling All Allies!

Circles Washington County, MD is working with 14 “Circle Leaders” who are motivated to leave poverty along with their families, but need caring support. They are meeting at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. for a shared supper and training. Ten “Circle Allies” have committed to the program, but in April (after Ally training in March), they would like to “match” two Allies with each Leader to help them reach their goals, so we need about 18 more Allies. Please consider joining us in this effort! Circle Leaders are waiting for you! You are invited to an informal gathering at Washington County Free Library, Room 333, on Sunday, February 19, from 3-4 p.m., so they can share more details and answer questions. (In addition to needing Allies, they have other volunteer opportunities.) Email, call or text Elizabeth Howe at ehowe@wccac.org or 301-606-0190 sign up to attend. Thank you!

Director of Children Ministry Position

Frist Christian Church is looking for a Director of Children Ministry to teach their Children about God and the Bible! Please contact Dianna in the Church Office, diannaplotner@fcchagerstown.org or 301.733.0144. Download job description.

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.

FREE Adult Mental Health First Aid - March 14



Tuesday, March 14, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Brook Lane Main Campus

Community Room

13121 Brook Lane, Hagerstown

The Adult Mental Health First Aid course is an 8-hour program appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions. The adult course teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help an individual in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis, select interventions and provide initial help, and connect people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care. Register today. Information, contact Instructor Curt Miller, 301-733-0331 x1228, curt.miller@brooklane.org

Liberty University Chamber Singers - March 14

Tuesday, March 14, 7:00 pm

Trinity Lutheran Church

15 Randolph Avenue, Hagerstown

Specializing in advanced choral literature and performing diverse styles of music, the Chamber Singers offer audiences a wonderful program with something that everyone will enjoy. Each year the Chamber Singers enjoy the spring tour of ministry and cultivating the talents that God has given them. Free Will Offering. Contact Fran Shay, 301-956-0359, for more information. Tour Information.

Remembrance Circle - March 15 / Dinner & A Movie Night - March 17

Remembrance Circle Wednesday, March 15, 7:00 pm

Dinner & a Movie Night  Friday, March 17, 7:00 pm

Unity of Hagerstown

18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro MD

Remembrance Circle: Come spend an hour in quiet reflection, acknowledging and honoring those in our lives who have died. The evening will include music, selected readings and ritual in honoring all of our ancestors. Facilitated by Anne Baker.. Love Offering. Contact unityhagerstown@live.com.



Dinner & a Movie Night: With A Celtic Pilgrimage, you have the opportunity to walk with Irish poet and philosopher John O'Donohue through the breathtaking landscape of western Ireland. Weaving ancient wisdom with personal history and stunning imagery, this documentary reveals the Ireland that gave rise to the spiritual wisdom of the Celts. Light, vegetarian supper included. RSVP unityhagerstown@live.com by 3/15. $20. More info at www.unityhagerstown.org.

Free Annual Youth Prayer Rally Fundraiser

March 18

Saturday, March 18, 4:00 pm

Trinity United Methodist Church

703 W. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD

National Day of Prayer Frederick is celebrating 10 years of hosting an Annual Youth Prayer Rally in Frederick. To kickoff the celebrations, the Faith Striders are helping to launch a $10 for 10 Years fundraising campaign by presenting Unity in Music Benefit Concert to support the 10th Annual Youth Prayer Rally. Contact Carolyn Jackson for more information. Facebook Event. Website. Flyer.

St. Patrick's Day Run Fest



Saturday, March 18th

8:00 AM - Noon

28 S. Potomac Street

• A family-friendly fitness extravaganza that supports the Community Free Clinic
• Be sure to dress is festive attire
• Features a Clover Kids Race and a 1-Mile Walk/Run
• 5K and 8K race

*Event Sponsorship from City of Hagerstown

St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl

Saturday, March 18th

7:00-11:45 PM

Downtown Hagerstown

• Fundraiser for Children in Need
• Donations are encouraged and boxes will be located at: 28 South, Broad Axe, Bulls & Bears, Meinelschmidt Distillery, and Prohibition Hub
• No cost to attend - just drop off your donation and join the fun downtown
• Be sure to wear green!

Maryland International Film Festival

Thursday, March 23rd -

Sunday, March 26th

Various Locations in

Downtown Hagerstown

• Independent films will be screen during the film festival
• Films will ne shown at 5 different locations in downtown Hagerstown

*Event Sponsorship from City of Hagerstown.

Free Estate Planning Seminar:

“Leaving Your Mark for the Next Generation,” 

presented by BCT Investments and Alison Cox, special counsel with local law firm Bowles Rice, LLP, will discuss wills, trusts, healthcare directives as well as the benefits of having an estate plan. 

When: Tuesday, March 21 at 5:00 PM

Where: Zoom, or In-person: BCT-Bank of Charles Town, 111 E. Washington St.,

Charles Town, WV 25414

To register, call the BCT Investments office at (304) 728-2464 or e-mail Lynn Neal at Lynn.Neal@BCT-Investments.com.

Mannafest

Saturday, April 8

1:00-5:00 PM

University Plaza

• Free and open to the community
• Music, Spoken Word, Dancing, Art, Journaling, Baked Goods, Kids Korner

Save the Date! UMM End Hunger Potato Project - April 15

Saturday, April 15, 8:00 - 10:00 am

St. Andrews UMC Parking Lot

1020 Maryland Avenue, Hagerstown

The United Methodist Men of St. Andrews UMC will be hosting a potato drop. They will be offering 50 pound bags of Maine Potatoes to organizations and small bags to individuals thanks to the Society of St. Andrew Gleaning America’s Field Feeding America’s Hungry Program. Please call John Davidson to help distribute potatoes. Phone: 301-730-7359, Email John Davidson at davidjoh@myactv.net to reserve your potatoes.

TAMAR "Breaking the Chains" is a 7- week facilitated group

helping individuals understand the impact of trauma on their lives, families,

and communities and practice healthy response behaviors.

Limited seating available, Please R.S.V.P. April 5- May 17, 2023 

Call For Digital Art

The Hagerstown Arts & Entertainment District is seeking digital artwork submissions to wrap traffic signal controller utility boxes at the locations listed below. Entries will be reviewed and selected by the Hagerstown Arts & Entertainment Public Art and Design Work Group. Selected designs will be professionally, digitally printed on material rated to last five years and adhered to utility boxes owned by the City of Hagerstown and Maryland State Highway Administration. The first installation will include seven locations of Utility Box Art Wraps in the Hagerstown A&E District.

The 2023 utility box wrap program will expand visibility throughout the Hagerstown Arts & Entertainment District. A call for artists who work in digital media expands the current offerings of artistic programming in the district, which to date has been primarily focused on painted artworks, photography, and sculpture. The digital artwork will provide a sense of discovery and is a place-making strategy. This is a proven public art project all across the country that reinforces that the district is a walkable neighborhood to view art.

​

Artists will be asked to submit digital artwork designs. The professional printers and installers will ensure that the boxes remain fully functional, with all doors opening and all vents open. Prior to installation the utility boxes are cleaned to ensure the adhesive digital print remains intact for 3-5 years. 

SELECTED ARTISTS WILL RECEIVE A STIPEND OF $300.

Up to seven artists will have their work selected and installed. This project is funded through a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.

​

The deadline for artwork submission is Wednesday April 19, 2023 at 4:30 PM.

Visit https://www.imaginehagerstown.org/utilityboxwraps for details.

HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope - June 10 & May 13

Main Hike: Saturday, June 10

Challenge Hike: Saturday, May 13

Register now and spread the word for the 11th annual HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope! This FUNdraiser benefits HARC and Micah's Backpack, and is a great opportunity for getting outdoors while having a great time. The main hike is a 4K, 10K or half marathon hike/walk/run on the C&O Canal Towpath and the Challenge Hike is a 20-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail. TEAMS are encouraged.  Learn more and register. Flyer / Bulletin inserts / Sponsorship form / Manual registration form