These are challenging times to navigate, especially as faith leaders. If you feel like your congregation (or organization) is polarized, with some members grieving the myriad of national (and local) changes and others happy about them, with difficulty processing for all, you're not alone.  How do we deal with the tensions of our times, remaining […]

At our May meeting, we are excited to welcome Emily Keller as a special speaker!  Emily served as the first female Mayor of Hagerstown from 2020-2023 and was known for starting Washington Goes Purple, a collaborative effort to build awareness and prevention of the opioid epidemic in our county. In February, 2023, Emily was appointed […]

                HARC is excited to present the Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments and Households (ENOUGH) initiative at our June meeting. This unique Maryland state grant-funded initiative is a collaborative effort to alleviate poverty for children and families in the south end of Hagerstown, led by San Mar/Bester Community […]

Have you wondered what's being done in Washington County to help homeless individuals and families?  Are you curious how many people are homeless in our community?  Are you concerned about the new City of Hagerstown ordinance prohibiting lodging outdoors in public places?  Join us for our September HARC meeting when members of the Washington County […]

We believe in nurturing the unlimited potential of every child (HARC belief statement).  In October, HARC welcomes Dottie Gruler, Chairperson for Rising To Learn, to share about this new organization dedicated to ensuring children in Washington County Public Schools have the access and opportunity to reach that unlimited potential in their education. Rising To Learn's […]

HARC members and friends are invited to participate in roundtable conversations and fellowship. We'll tackle some questions from our own spiritual lenses and enjoy fellowship with one another. Join us for lunch, fellowship, sharing. Otterbein UMC will provide the lunch with a free-will offering basket.  RSVP is requested by Friday, November 7 at noon so […]

All members and affiliates are requested to attend our annual meeting! Representatives of other houses of worship and community members are welcome and encouraged to join us. This will be a special time to hear testimonials from a few of our programs, honor outgoing board members and some key volunteers, and give thanks for the […]

This month, we'll get an update from Habitat for Humanity of Washington County. Come learn about current programs, how homeownership works, and ways the faith community can be involved.  Join us for lunch and fellowship along with the presentation. Thank you to Reach for hosting and providing food (a free will offering basket will be […]

This month, we'll hear from representatives of the Washington County Department of Social Services regarding foster care needs and benefits access, including implications for our community from recent legislation.  Join us for lunch and fellowship along with the presentation. Thank you to Zion UCC for hosting and providing food (a free will offering basket will […]

After a summer hiatus, our monthly HARC meetings return.  In September, our meeting will be at the Salvation Army, where we will hear from Major Mark Van Meter about current programs, including the largest woman and families shelter in Washington County.  Earlier this year, a devastating fire closed the Salvation Army's thrift store, hurting an […]