Turning Dreams Into Realty!
Voting is open!
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A nonprofit set up in memory of Libby Goodwin with a mission Give kids a chance: * To live without cancer...
Instead of “Why did this have to happen?” the founders asked “How can we keep this from happening to someone else?” Of course, none of us are cancer researchers, and we can’t – on our own, at least – come up with enough opportunities for all of the kids who want to volunteer in their communities. What we can do is try to get necessary resources to the people who need them. To that end, we’ve identified two specific goals:
(1) Raise funds to contribute to organizations that fight childhood cancer, especially the one that took Libby from us.
(2) Build a platform that will help young people find local opportunities for community service.
So that’s what they intend to do. And, it being them, they are going to have as much fun as possible along the way. #LiveLikeLibby
Sponsored by:
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Voting is now open for our annual Christmas tree decorating contest.
Vote securely online through the "Donate" button
located below your favorite trees shown below. Voting closes Dec. 4 at 4pm.
REMEMBER: $1.00 = 1 vote
Thanks for helping us share in the Lights of Kindness this holiday season!
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Society of Military Widows
As a grateful nation, we proudly remember our fallen heroes and those currently serving in our Uniformed Services.
The Society of Military Widows is dedicated solely to the needs, concerns, and welfare of military surviving spouses and dependent children.
It exists to preserve and enhance the benefits to surviving spouses and their children -- to help survivors and their children face the future with courage and determination, and to honor the memory of our military spouses who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Sponsored by:
AMS Management Services Corp.
Providing "One Stop" Association Management Services
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Southern High School
South River High School
Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young people ages 14 - 18 or secondary-school-aged students. The program gives young people an opportunity to participate in fun, meaningful service projects while developing leadership skills, and meeting new friends. Through service activities, Interactors learn the importance of (1) Developing leadership skills and personal integrity; (2) Demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others; (3) Advancing international understanding and goodwill.
All Interact clubs carry out at least two service projects yearly -- one that serves the school or the community and another that furthers international understanding. Every Interact club is sponsored by a Rotary club, which provides guidance on a continuing basis.
In addition, Interactors often form a service partnership with the sponsoring Rotarians, lending their enthusiastic support to a variety of Rotary projects.
Interact benefits its young members, the sponsoring Rotary club, and the community that the Interactors serve. Through Interact, young people develop initiative, leadership skills, and lasting friendships. The Rotary club gains a service partner, as well as an opportunity to prepare its community's youth for future leadership.
Sponsored by:
Blair Smith Memorial Fund
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Join us this year to be a “Light of Hope as you create hope in the world” is South Anne Arundel Rotary Club’s theme for 23-24. It combines our signature fundraising event . . . “Lights of Kindness” with Rotary’s International theme of “Create Hope in the World” . . . focusing on youth mental health, local and world peace. We want our club to be a “Light of Hope” this year in our community.
The decorations on the tree are handmade. The fork stars symbolize our feeding children through our backpack program . . . and the candles, made from pool noodles, capture our theme of being a Light of Hope.
One of the ways to be a Light of Hope is through our Bountiful Backpack Program that gives to families in need identified by local schools. Every Friday afternoon, the neediest children in several South County Elementary Schools are sent home with bags full of nonperishable food items to sustain the children and their families throughout the weekend.
We believe that by helping the disadvantaged, particularly the children, they will grow up strong and healthy and can give something back to their communities and make our world a better place.
Sponsored by:
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South County Youth Association
South County Youth Association aspires to be an outstanding educational-athletic organization that provides a high-quality experience to every athlete. A high-quality experience is one in which every athlete:
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Is coached using the principles of Positive Coaching.
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Has fun at practices and games.
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Feels like an important part of the team regardless of skill levels.
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Learns “life lessons” that have value beyond the playing field.
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Learns the skills, tactics and strategies of the game and improves as a player.
We recognize that coaches are the people who most directly make this all possible. It is our goal to provide every coach with the tools to succeed as a Positive Coach. We are committed to creating a positive culture, in which coaches, parents, fans, officials and athletes work together to achieve our mission.
Sponsored by:
Birdwackers
Badminton Club
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St. Paul’s Christian Children’s Center provides a safe and supervised environment that keeps children active through creative learning and fun activities. Its professionally designed Christian curriculum provides daily theme-related, age-appropriate, lesson plans for classrooms.
Learning experiences are centered on literacy, art, music and movement, science, math, and dramatic play.
Sponsored by:
Bedrock Foundations, Inc.
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Carrie Weedon Early Education Center
Carrie Weedon Early Education Center offers a safe and nurturing environment with a focus on developing strong relationships and a love of learning for all students through work and play.
Together, our families, community and staff ensure that every student who enters our doors will leave with the social, emotional and academic foundation for kindergarten success.
At Carrie Weedon Early Education Center, we strive to create a learning community that nurtures the whole child to become resilient, independent, respectful, cooperative and prepared to contribute positively to a global society.
Sponsored by:
Rick & Betsy Derrick
Jeff & Kathy Smith
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Annapolis Dragon Boat Club
The Mission of the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club is to promote the development of healthy bodies and spirits, to support recovery from breast cancer and all other cancers — in both men and women — and to grow friendships and teamwork. The Club promotes and develops the sport of dragon boating as a means of building physical strength, endurance, and confidence with an emphasis on recreation, synchrony, and harmony while on the water . . . the beautiful Spa Creek.
The Annapolis Dragon Boat Club is run by the Annapolis Dragon Boat Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
Sponsored by:
Friends of Annapolis Dragon Boat Club
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Wild Kid Acres, LLC and The Wild Kid Foundation are devoted to providing Farm-Based Educational Experiences, Inspiring Community Involvement, and Creating Opportunities for Lifelong Learning.
Wild Kid Acres is owned by a Minority Veteran and beginning farmer, Gerardo Martinez. The 5-acre Anne Arundel County farm property was purchased in 2019. Upon purchasing the property, Gerardo and his family set out to convert the unofficial dump into a thriving homestead using Climate-Smart Agricultural practices.
The family built the home and all the infrastructure surrounding the farm by hand. Originally from the inner city and migrant families themselves, Gerardo and his family wanted to ensure that their new homestead could serve as a model for other young families looking to find alternative ways to redevelop properties.
Students will learn to lead, gain skills (riding) with horses, and utilize traditional land and livestock management. Each class is uniquely set up to allow each student to learn the rigors of horsemanship not only through a typical riding lesson but also through animal behavior training, daily chores, physical and mental fitness training. Classes are taught through the use of culture, history and the basic nature of every animal. Activities (other than Riding) Include:
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Assistance in training our new foals (baby horses).
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Treatment and rehab of adopted or rescued animals.
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Self-confidence training and discipline.
Sponsored by:
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No neighbor shall go without needed
health care
Bay Community Health provides affordable premium health care services to a wide variety of patients in our community. We offer health services to ALL income ranges whether you are insured or uninsured. Our sliding fee scale allows us to provide health services to underserved members of the community, particularly those who have low income or are uninsured.
We are a Federally Qualified Community Health Center through a partnership with the Johns Hopkins Health System. Federally Qualified Health Centers are community-based health care providers that receive funds from the HRSA Health Center Program to provide primary care services in underserved areas. They must meet a stringent set of requirements, including providing care on a sliding fee scale based on ability to pay and operating under a governing board that includes patients.
Sponsored by:
FIRST CAPITAL GROUP ANNAPOLIS
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Chrysalis House
Chrysalis House is a drug and alcohol addiction treatment rehab in Crownsville, Maryland. Focusing on changing the lives of women affected by drug and alcohol addiction, the addiction counselors at Chrysalis House - Crownsville aim to do everything in their power to make their patients feel comfortable in their newfound surroundings and provide them with the most effective treatment possible.
Treating all addictions, as well as underlying psychological disorders that may have contributed to the birth of the addiction, is paramount when being treated at a high-quality drug and alcohol rehab in Crownsville. This, amongst other reasons, is why Chrysalis House - Crownsville offers certain treatment approaches that have been proven to work. These treatment approaches may include: Personalized Treatment Plan.
It's important to strive in helping women suffering from drug and alcohol addiction to build a solid foundation for a renewed and improved future. Despite the severity of an addict's addiction, recovery is possible. With the proper treatment plan in place, addiction treatment patients can accomplish all of their goals and more.
Sponsored by:
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.
Every day almost 200,000 kids in Maryland leave school with nowhere to go. They risk being unsupervised, unguided and unsafe. These hours are a critical time for all youth -- a time of risk to youth's health and safety, or a time that can represent an opportunity to learn and grow through quality after-school programs.
It is so important for young people to engage in positive behaviors that nurture their own well being, set personal goals and live successfully as self-sufficient adults. Our programs focus on helping kids eat a more balanced diet, become more physically fit, and engage in healthy relationships.
Through tutoring and homework help, access to technology, college and career readiness programs, and skill development, clubs have an outstanding record of helping young people make academic strides. The success of our programs can be measured by the achievements of our youth, as they head towards high school graduation with a solid plan for the future.
Helping youth become responsible, caring citizens and acquire skills for participating in the democratic process are the main goals of these programs. They also develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for planning, decision-making, contributing to club and community and celebrating our national heritage.
Sponsored by:
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The Bernie House provides survivors of domestic violence and their families transitional housing and services to promote financial stability.
The Bernie House allows families the necessary time to heal and build confidence as they start their transition to permanent housing. Families stay with The Bernie House for up to two years and live in a genuine family environment. The Bernie House provides individualized important support structures for victims to secure a job, go to school, become economically stable, and achieve a safe and healthy return to their community.
The family is up lifted with support from several agencies and organizations that provide counseling, job training and placement assistance, adult education, child advocacy and day care.
The adult is required to make monthly payments on utilities and a minimal program fee. All program fees collected are returned upon successful completion of the program.
In addition, the family is invited to take the furnishings and items in the home. This provides a solid foundation as they move on to a more permanent house.
Sponsored by:
Patricia Brennan & Lee Derrick
South County Rotarians
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St. Vincent de Paul Society
Holy Family Catholic Church
St. Vincent De Paul Society is a lay Catholic organization that aspires to live the gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect,
justice, hope and joy, and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society.
The Holy Family St. Vincent de Paul Society serves our community by providing financial support for individuals and families struggling to meet rent, utilities, groceries and other critical needs.
The vocation of the Society’s members, who are called Vincentians, is to follow Christ through service to those in need and so bear witness to His compassionate and liberating love.
Sponsored by:
The Lombard Family
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Anne Arundel Community College Foundation
The mission at the AACC Foundation is to secure and steward philanthropic gifts. These gifts increase access to higher education for our community through student scholarships, and enhance the educational endeavors of the college.
With learning as its central mission, Anne Arundel Community College responds to the needs of our diverse community by offering high quality, affordable, accessible and innovative lifelong learning opportunities.
AACC is a premier learning community that transforms lives to create an engaged and inclusive society. It strives to embody the basic convictions of our country’s democratic ideal: that individuals be given full opportunity to discover and develop their talents and interests; to pursue their unique potentials; and to achieve an intellectually, culturally and economically satisfying relationship with society.
Students come to Anne Arundel Community College with dreams, dedication and an enormous drive to redefine themselves for success. Yet the world they are entering is increasingly complex. Having the right skills is the only way our students can improve their lives and provide for their families.
At Anne Arundel Community College, we are embarking on a ground-breaking initiative to prepare students for careers that are fueling economic growth and opportunity.
Our students are the nurses by our bedsides, the electricians in our homes, and the police officers on our streets. They are our employees and our entrepreneurs. They are our future, and they need assistance that goes beyond what public budgets can provide.
With your help, we can transform lives, fuel economic growth and opportunity, and strengthen the quality of life for our entire community.
Let’s launch the future together - for our students and our community.
Sponsored by:
Providing custom solutions in Performance Management, Project Management, and Systems Engineering.
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Light House
A HOMELESS PREVENTION SUPPORT CENTER
The Light House rebuilds lives with compassion by providing shelter and services to prevent homelessness and empower people as they transition toward employment, housing, and self-sufficiency.
We serve hundreds of community members daily through fresh meals, pantry items, case management, housing and diversion services, clothing, showers, laundry, and other basic needs. Our employment programs and services provide our residents and community clients with the tools they need to achieve sustainable employment.
The Light House is a national model for how a community cares for its neighbors experiencing homelessness. We strive to break the cycle of homelessness by providing a place of belonging, life-changing programs, and a broad continuum of support to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
We specifically tailor our services for each client who comes through our doors. The integrated care provided at The Light House helps clients stabilize their health, maximize income, and secure safe and stable housing. Beyond providing food, clothing, and shelter, we also address the underlying causes of homelessness such as lack of marketable job skills, addiction, and the debilitating effects of both mental and physical health issues.
Sponsored by:
Tongues of Fire
Davidsonville United Methodist Church
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Gradient Gives Back Foundation
The Gradient Gives Back Foundation helps the poor, distressed or underprivileged American families who are at risk of losing their homes.
Since its establishment, the Foundation has awarded mortgage or lease payments to numerous families across the United States and continues its commitment to actions that make immediate and real differences in the lives of families who have fallen on hard times.
The Foundation awards a full year of mortgage or lease payments to deserving families as part of its nationwide Gradient Gives Back Community Outreach Program. The Foundation hopes to relieve families of the significant monthly obligation of a mortgage or lease payment, thus alleviating anxiety and helping the family regroup and prepare for the future.
Whether this financial benefit allows families to dedicate time and resources to an in-depth job search or allows them to get caught up on medical expenses, getting back on their feet becomes more feasible with the support offered through the Foundation.
The Foundation has seen its actions touch not only the families it helped, but also their communities. From haircuts to a few groceries, to estate planning assistance, or even a vehicle, these independent efforts -- whether large or small -- all make a huge difference.
Sponsored by:
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West River Center
West River Center is a Retreat and Camping Ministry, owned and operated by the Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church.
The center is a 45-acre retreat and camp facility with one mile of waterfront property for groups to enjoy. The Center is open year-round and is most happy to host your next event -- from 8 to 210 people, or anything in between -- youth groups, men’s/women’s ministry, quilting guilds, scout groups, private schools, or family reunions, and more.
We are indebted to all those persons whose vision, tenacity, hard work and generous gifts have allowed these grounds to be a place where lives are touched and hearts are changed. A place where folks can gather for fellowship, fun and see their faith grow in the “sweet communion” of God’s grace and love along the shores of the West River.
Sponsored by:
Chesapeake Hardware and Andy & Carol Thornton
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The Sharing Foundation
The Sharing Foundation is a Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Organization whose purpose is to assist the working needy and special situation families in Anne Arundel County.
These are working families, so they do not qualify for government assistance. Despite their best efforts, many of these families are barely able to supply the basics for their children. Money is often hard to come by for the extras, such as children’s books, school supplies, nice presents to open on Christmas morning, and other small things that most of us take for granted.
With your assistance we can provide some of these extra items for these families that are trying so hard to help themselves. Through our partnership with the Anne Arundel County Public Schools and many businesses, organizations, and individuals in our community, we are able to provide school supplies and Christmas presents to over 500 children each year. 2022 marks the 29th year that The Sharing Foundation’s volunteers have worked to make life better for deserving local working familes.
Sponsored by:
Police Reserve Foundation
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Stef Ripple is a non-profit organization that provides awareness, hope, encouragement and support for ovarian cancer patients and their families.
Stef Ripple was formed in memory of Stefanie Ashdown, a Severna Park, Maryland native, wife, mother of three, daughter, sister, friend and a two and a half year ovarian cancer warrior. Stef lit up the room with her smile and energy. Others could feel this as well -- we call it the Stef Ripple.
Stef touched the lives of many through her smile, grace, kindness, motivation and faith. She was soothing and caring -- putting her children first, always, but yet always seeming to have time for others. Her three children have learned from her patience, kindness, selflessness and humbleness. A phrase that echoes through her home is “Do your best,” as she would encourage each one of her kids with this phrase, no matter the activity.
In memory of Stef, we have formed Stef Ripple to "do our best" in keeping her ripple going. Stef Ripple's mission is to:
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Provide hope, encouragement and support for ovarian cancer patients and their families.
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Spread ovarian cancer awareness.
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Share the principles of Stef’s life: be thankful, be helpful, be kind.
Sponsored by:
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Sail Beyond Cancer Annapolis
HONORING THOSE CHALLENGED BY CANCER BY HARNESSING THE HEALING POWERS
OF WIND, WATER, AND SAIL
Cancer Respite Sails
We provide meaningful experiences of relief from the challenges of living with cancer for nominated patients and their loved ones on free private
3-hour sails. We sail 2 times a day, 7 days a week. All ages welcome up to
6 passengers.
The organization operates out of Annapolis and the surrounding areas and beyond by providing 3-hour private sailing excursions led by experienced volunteer captains and countless crew who have all been touched by cancer. We use donated vessels and privately owned vessels to carry out our mission.
No matter where on the continuum of health and terminal disease a cancer patient’s prognosis may fall, the diagnosis of cancer and the treatments that follow bring with them commonly occurring experiences for the patient: stress, anxiety, depression, and unease. We seek to improve the quality of life and provide psychosocial support for this population.
Memorial Sails
Sail Beyond Cancer Annapolis also provides private 3-hour memorial sails for anyone who has lost someone to cancer in the past 3 years. With the wind, water and sails as our guide, these sailing excursions are designed to honor those who have passed.
Help make a difference One Sail at a Time by making lifetime memories with those with cancer by nominating them for a free 3-hour respite or celebration of life sail with 5 of their loved ones.
Sponsored by:
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Mills-Parole Elementary School
Our mission at Mills — Parole Elementary School is to utilize equitable practices to promote academic achievement while meeting the needs of the whole child.
We promote a compassionate, ambitious, and positive learning environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally through:
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Engaging and rigorous standards-based instruction;
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Developing meaningful relationships within our school community; and
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Maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment.
We want students to develop a love of learning, be critical thinkers, and responsible citizens. The school staff is dedicated to ensuring that children receive the best education, and our families receive the support and services they need to help their children.
Ongoing, meaningful fundraising efforts will support the implementation and sustainability of enriched educational programs for parents, students and teachers, as well as family and community engagement opportunities.
"Did you smile 🙂? Owl we need is your vote now! A vote for us is a vote for you! #MPESproud Follow@mpes_aacps
¿Sonreíste? Búho que necesitamos es tu voto ahora! "Un voto por nosotros es un voto por ti!!! #Mpesproud Sigue@mpes_aacps"
Sponsored by:
Rotary Club of Parole (Annapolis)
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We exist to bless children in need by empowering individuals to serve through their time, talents, and treasures. Our vision is to use the foundation’s resources to create a cycle of giving where our outreach inspires those on the giving and receiving end to lend a hand to others.
Walk the Walk Foundation focuses on making a difference in the lives of people and communities in need through our Backpacks for Kids, Christmas for Children, and Diapers for Babies programs. We partner with professionals, volunteers, donors, and other nonprofits whose focus fits our mission of creating a cycle of giving within the community. “We strongly feel that we have been blessed and we want to share that with others. Most importantly, we want to teach our own kids that they have a responsibility to "Give Back!”
We were all made for a purpose! Our faith has seen us through many trials, and we believe that these experiences have prepared us for this task, reaching out and helping kids in need.
Walk the Walk’s name is based on the Bible Verse, Joshua 22:5; “Love the Lord your God and WALK in all his ways!”
Sponsored by:
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In November, the Ladies of Charity Calvert County celebrated 55 years of service to the poor. The Ladies of Charity Calvert County strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ by serving those in need with compassion, respect, and humility.
We work to relieve poverty in all its forms. Our ministries focus on the nutritional, financial, emotional, and spiritual needs of our neighbors and on outreach projects to our community.
The pantry, in four locations, distributes perishable and non-perishable groceries at each opening. We are open every Tuesday 12-2 pm, the second Wednesday of the month from 5-7 pm, and the last Saturday of the month from 10-12 pm.
The Ladies of Charity have helped over the years with nursing home birthday parties, clothing and food drives, hurricane relief efforts, school supplies, and backpacks for hundreds of children, prayer shawls for sick parishioners, Heart F.E.L.T. food supplies for students in need, baby showers for Birthright, funds for St. Ann’s Center for Children, Giving Tree Christmas gifts, the establishment of the first Junior Ladies of Charity unit in our Archdiocese . . . and so much more.
Sponsored by:
Greg Beckman, Award Winning Realtor
Certified Luxury Homes Specialist
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The Anne Arundel County Crisis Response System (CRS) began as a federally funded pilot project under the leadership of Maryland’s then Mental Hygiene Administration in 1999. It was developed in response to a request from Anne Arundel County Police as needing an option for officers where calls relating to an individual’s behavior was not criminal -- but the only remedy available to the police for resolving the situation would be an arrest.
The system started with a warmline and a Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) both available 24/7/365. The success and popularity of the service was immediately noted and the county and police each supported expansion of the program.
The system has grown with the assistance of several Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations and local grants, specifically to serve specialty or targeted populations. These include expanded services to children, homeless, individuals who are incarcerated, and veterans.
The largest area of growth is collaboration with law enforcement. The addition of Crisis Intervention Teams has been instrumental in balancing public safety with the needs of the individual, assuring that the most appropriate level of care is provided whenever possible.
With continued local support in partnership with the Maryland Behavioral Health Administration, Anne Arundel County enjoys a robust Crisis Response System that is a model for jurisdictions around the State of Maryland and the nation.
Sponsored by:
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Old McDarling's Farm
Rescue & Sanctuary
We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, providing rescue, safety & respite to livestock & poultry, where they can live out their lives with dignity and without pain.
Even as a young child, Founder Aimee Darling was always bringing home stray animals. Her love for animals continued to grow, and in 2008, after having purchased a single sugar glider from a pet expo, she learned the hard way that this was not a pet for everyone and that they were being sold to unsuspecting customers (like herself) for ridiculous amounts of money and those people were being given misinformation that was detrimental to the life of the gliders.
This was the start of Old McDarling's Farm, where she took in over 35 sugar gliders, began working closely with vet clinics & shelters, and gaining as much knowledge as she could. In 2016, she brought in her first two goats. What a change! Having this time done her research, she was as prepared as she could be at the time. It was an immediate love and this is where her passion grew, knowing that this was the path in which she wanted to travel.
Old McDarling's Farm Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc., is dedicated to helping those animals considered "just livestock & poultry", allowing them to live out their lives with love and respect.
We are a small rescue sanctuary, we have a small staff and a handful of volunteers. But it takes a village to keep things going, and we are grateful to every one of our staff members & volunteers who give their time, their commitment to the animals and most of all, their incredible love for each one of the residents here at the farm.
Sponsored by:
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The mission of Serenity Sistas is to provide serenity and hope to individuals suffering from the disease of addiction, by offering support and structure of a sober and healthy living environment. While our residents work to sustain long-term recovery, our mission is to bridge the gap into a positive, substance-free, daily living routine.
Early on we knew that newly recovering individuals needed a safe place to go after treatment. A dream was formed, and in 2012, the first Serenity Sistas women’s house opened. Based in Annapolis, Maryland, our homes are located on public transportation lines, allowing our participants easy access to any appointments, services and employment opportunities.
"Recovery Housing" provides a living environment free from alcohol and illicit drug use which is centered on peer support and connection to services that promote sustained recovery. Homes providing alcohol and drug-free environments for people who are pursuing recovery from addiction offer a safe space with peers in recovery, along with connections to other recovery services and supports.
Serenity Sistas has been certified by the Behavioral Health Administration, and holds a certification in good standing for all locations.
Thank You for considering Serenity Sistas for your financial support.
Sponsored by:
Free State Title Services
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The SPCA of Anne Arundel County works to serve as the leading private, nonprofit organization within Anne Arundel County which exists to protect all animals from acts of cruelty and neglect. It promotes humane care and concern for animals by educating the public and by working to end pet overpopulation.
The SPCA of Anne Arundel County provides shelter and rehabilitation to animals in need. It also works for the passage and enforcement of laws which promote and provide for the humane treatment of animals.
As the oldest and largest non-profit animal shelter in Anne Arundel County, the SPCA of Anne Arundel County has long served as a safe haven for animals in need. With an over 98% save rate, we work tirelessly 365 days a year to provide compassion and care to companion animals in need. Our many programs are as varied as they are lifesaving.
Of course, our vibrant adoption services that give homeless animals a second chance at a loving and permanent home is our most well-known service, and with almost 2,000 animals adopted in 2022 we would definitely characterize it as successful.
However, our efforts at improving the lives of animals are not limited to those in our shelter. We make preventative veterinary care a reality for many who cannot afford care at a traditional veterinary hospital with twice monthly vaccine clinics as well as offering pet food at no cost to financially struggling members of our community.
We thank all that join us as we strive to reach the animals that need us most.
Sponsored by:
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St. Francis of Assisi
DEAF CATHOLIC CHURCH
Archdiocese of Washington Department of Special Needs Ministry
The Center for Deaf Ministries in Landover Hills, Maryland houses
St. Francis of Assisi Deaf Catholic Church which functions on a Parish Model. Because of the size of the Archdiocese, there are also many parishes which offer interpreted services for the Deaf, but St. Francis serves as a “home” to all Deaf Catholics in the Archdiocese.
St. Francis Deaf Catholic Church invites all Deaf, Deaf/Blind, and Hard of Hearing persons and their families to experience, throughout their lifespan, their essential belonging to the Body of Christ. We welcome, value, and encourage persons who are Deaf to belong fully in our Church Community as full and active participants.
All events at the Center for Deaf Ministries are offered in Sign Language. Gallaudet University has been served by the Archdiocese of Washington for more than 50 years. Gallaudet is the only liberal arts college for the Deaf in the world and as such is the seed bed for future Deaf Catholic leaders.
Thank you for your support of St. Francis Deaf Catholic Church.
Sponsored by:
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JOURNEY TO JOY RECOVERY HOUSE
JOURNEY TO JOY RECOVERY HOUSE provides an affirming and accountable sober living community where women recovering from substance abuse and their children will be nurtured into abundant life. There are recovery houses for men and for women -- but this is the only recovery house in South County where women can live with their children.
The recovery center will allow mothers who struggle with addiction to get the help they need without sacrificing their relationships with their children. Located in Edgewater, Maryland, the newly renovated four-bedroom facility will be home to women recovering from substance addiction and their children.
Residents of the recovery center have completed a residential drug treatment program and is eager to be reunited with her minor children. Residents pay rent on an "ability to pay" sliding scale and some scholarships are available. The in-house program includes mentoring and workshops on life skills, parenting, and communication. Residents continue attending support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and counseling on their own.
Sponsored by:
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Sarah's House
Sarah’s House is a supportive housing program offering emergency shelter and project-based supportive housing with an array of other services for families experiencing homelessness in Anne Arundel County.
In 1987, Sarah’s House was established through a unique partnership between Anne Arundel County, Catholic Charities, and the U.S. Army. The mission was to provide shelter and opportunities to families experiencing homelessness in Anne Arundel County with the goal of restoring independence. Sarah’s House has served as a model of how non-profit and government agencies can work together to improve lives.
Today, Sarah’s House offers emergency shelter, supportive housing, and rapid re-housing services for families experiencing homelessness. Serving up to 125 people daily, half of whom are children, our goal is to effect positive change in families by providing a range of services and support.
Our guests are provided intensive case management, employment preparation, behavioral health services, transportation to/from work and doctor’s appointments, as well as employment and life skills classes. Our services have continued to keep pace with the requirements of achieving self-sufficiency in Anne Arundel County. Our dedicated staff is focused on supporting guests through the entire transition of living once again on their own.
Sponsored by:
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Pencils of Promise is a for-purpose organization that raises funds to provide quality education to the developing world by increasing educational opportunities. Since Pencils of Promise’s founding, it has built around 600 schools in Ghana, Laos, and Guatemala, providing safe infrastructure for learning. This organization trains teachers, provides water filters, and distributes learning resources while also building the schools themselves.
Pencils of Promise believes every child should have access to quality education. It creates schools, programs, and global communities around the common goal of education for all.
Since its founding in October 2008, the 501 organization has built 554 schools across Laos, Guatemala and Ghana. There have been an estimated 521,847 students impacted, over 20,001 teacher coaching sessions held and 1,046 water filtration systems delivered along with sanitation and hygiene programs.
The club started last year at South River and is raising funds that go directly to Pencils of Promise. The club’s goal is to raise enough money to fully build a school through Pencils of Promise.
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