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.
Online voting begins December 5 at 6:00 PM
and ends December 16 at 4:00 PM.
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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The Wellness House of Annapolis provides free services and programs to those affected by cancer. They offer support groups for children, teens, and adults, as well as healthy living services like yoga, reiki, meditation, and therapeutic art classes. The goal is to help individuals and their loved ones find strength and support during recovery and healing.
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:
Crystal Barker
and Karen Steppler-Krieg
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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 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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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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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for the access to services, treatment, support and research, and is steadfast in its commitment to raising awareness and building a community of hope for all those in need.
NAMI Anne Arundel County is a branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by mental illness and providing support for their families, friends, and caregivers. They offer a variety of programs and resources, including support groups, educational workshops, and crisis intervention services.
NAMI positively impacts the lives of individuals, families, and friends affected by mental illness in Anne Arundel County by reducing stigma and providing support, education, and advocacy.
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:
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The mission of Chrysalis House Inc. is to provide comprehensive recovery services that empower women to build a better life for themselves and their children.
Chrysalis House is one of ffour residential treatment centers in
the state that allows women to bring their children with them, thereby
removing a barrier to seeking treatment. Women with children or
women without children are eligible to participate in our unique program.
Chrysalis House only accepts clients with Medicaid insurance.
Chrysalis House provides substance use and mental health treatment services for women 18 years of age and older, while allowing their children to live onsite during their mother's program of recovery. We are located in Crownsville, Maryland and serve women from across the state.
We offer a residential treatment program, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for women seeking ongoing outpatient treatment support, and aftercare in four supportive homes in the area. Sobriety, family preservation, parenting skills, dual diagnosis services, and employability are central focuses of Chrysalis House’s treatment services for women with substance use disorders.
Sponsored by:
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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:
The Kamm Family
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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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The Anne Arundel County Food Bank is dedicated to fighting hunger and ensuring that all residents in need have access to food and basic necessities.
Amanda Fields is the Food Drive and Volunteer Coordinator at the food bank. She plays a crucial role in working directly with volunteers to sort and box donations, as well as helping with Mobile Food Pantry distributions. Amanda also collaborates with community groups to encourage greater participation in hosting food drives.
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:
Galesville United
Methodist Church
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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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Cards for Troops
“Cards for Troops” is a heartwarming initiative started by Pat Brodsky and her friends. The project involves creating and sending Christmas and all-occasion cards to deployed service members, so they can send holiday cheer to their loved ones.
The group, Making Cards for Our Troops, has grown significantly since its inception in 2016, and they’ve sent thousands of cards to military personnel in various locations, including Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Syria.
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:
Crystal Barker
and Karen Steppler-Krieg
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Our mission at Mills - Parole Elementary School is to utilize equitable practices to promote academic achievement while meeting the needs of the whole child.
Mills - Parole promotes 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.
“Education is the best weapon for PEACE.”
PEACE begins with a smile. Did you SMILE at our tree?
A smile means you want to VOTE for our Tree!
Thank you for your Kindness!
Sponsored by:
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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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South County Reading Camp
The South County Reading Camp is dedicated to enriching children’s reading abilities while fostering a love for learning. This week-long program involves interactive reading sessions, enjoyable field trips, engaging arts and crafts activities, exciting games, and nutritious meals.
It primarily supports students from Lothian, Tracy’s, Deale, and Shadyside elementary schools who need that extra boost in their reading skills.
Sponsored by:
Bird Wackers
Badminton Club
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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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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.
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:
Lee and Ed Wachter
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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
John Malamphy, RXNT Media
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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:
Tongues of Fire
Davidsonville United Methodist Church
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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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South River
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 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 recently 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.
Sponsored by:
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Mission of Love Charities is a nonprofit human services organization whose mission is to help, empower, and educate, as well as serve as an advocate for low-income individuals and families in our community.
Mission of Love Charities partners with the Department of Social Services to help low-income and homeless individuals and families get access to needed resources and services. Mission of Love Charities provides:
A food pantry that is open six days a week and provides free food for homeless and low-income individuals.
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A Day Center where individuals and families can have access to a shower, laundry machines, charging stations for cell phones, and food.
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Donated furniture, clothing and household items, utility, housing rental and Security Deposit assistance, as well as employment training and mental health referrals.
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Backpacks for children going back to school, free coats at the start of winter, food baskets at Thanksgiving, and toys and food baskets at Christmas.
We help homeless and low-income individuals build self-esteem and emotional intelligence so they may re-enter the workforce. We offer basic computer skills training to help individuals find jobs.
Sponsored by:
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Breadfast Club
The Breakfast Club is a summer program organized by Mt. Zion Church in Lothian, Maryland. The program provides free summer breakfasts for children, weekend grocery bags, and books to families in need in the South County area. These children attend Lothian and Tracy’s elementary schools, and often the only meals they get during their day are through free or reduced breakfasts and lunches provided at their schools.
This is the 10th year for the Breakfast Club Ministry and we are excited that it keeps growing. It has now become a ministry of many churches and organizations in our community. In addition to bagged breakfast meals, the ministry also provides a weekend bag of extra food to families who sign-up to receive them. Our goal is to make sure the families have sufficient food to carry them through the weekend.
Funding for the Breakfast Club Ministry comes from special church offerings, personal and community donations, and church monetary donations.
We thank you in advance for all that you can do to help as we feed God’s children.
Sponsored by:
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The Senior Dog Sanctuary in Maryland is a wonderful place that provides a safe haven for older dogs who have lost their homes. Our focus is on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming senior dogs, ensuring they get the care and love they deserve in their golden years.
We are dedicated to providing a permanent safe haven for senior dogs who are unable to be cared for by their owners, who are abandoned or abused, or face euthanasia.
The Senior Dog Sanctuary is here to help our seasoned canine citizens find YOU! Our pups aren’t puppies, they are mature adults with life experience that has taught them that all there is, is love, and they have plenty of it to share.
We are caregivers and matchmakers and the very fact that you’re reading this message is telling you something. Listen with your heart, read about our guys and gals and think about how you can make a difference in YOUR life with one of the four-legged lives we've rescued for YOU.
And if this isn’t the right time in your life for a Senior dog please pass this message along to someone you believe might be open to it. We are all in this together so let’s help these critters together.
Sponsored by:
Black Anchor
Roofing
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South River High School Key Club
and Code Blue with Shaila Kulkarni
The South River High School Key Club is a student-led organization sponsored by Kiwanis International. The club focuses on performing acts of service in the community, such as cleaning up parks, organizing clothing collections, and running food drives. Members also develop leadership skills by running meetings, planning projects, and holding elected leadership positions at the club, district, and international levels.
Shaila Kulkarni is involved with the Code Blue initiative, which focuses on improving the response to in-hospital cardiac arrests. Effective Code Blue leadership involves clear communication, building psychological safety, and team debriefing after the event.
Sponsored by:
Black Anchor
Roofing
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Historic London Town and Gardens is a fascinating 23-acre museum and park located in Edgewater, Maryland. It offers a blend of history, archaeology, and horticulture.
Explore the circa 1760 William Brown House, a National Historic Landmark, and reconstructed colonial buildings from the “lost town” of London. Wander through the eight-acre Woodland Garden with native and exotic plants along a one-mile trail, and enjoy the seasonal Ornamental Gardens overlooking the South River.
Experience the Visitor Center and Pavilion. The site offers various events, including guided tours, colonial cooking demonstrations, and seasonal activities.
Sponsored by:
Patricia Brennon and Joann Smith
Rotary Members
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The Magic of Rotary — Hocus pocus with a local focus!
That is our South Anne Arundel Rotary Club’s theme for 2024-25. We believe in our organization whose members share a commitment to enhancing communities and improving lives. It’s all wrapped around the Rotary motto — “Service above Self.”
Our signature fundraising event, “The Lights of Kindness” is the driving force that allows us to raise funds for needy charities and nonprofits in our community.
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 also sponsor a program that delivers dictionaries to third-grade students in South County schools.
We believe that by helping the disadvantaged, especially 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: