In This Issue:
Letter from our Executive Director
Holiday Closing Dates
Thank You to our Supporters!
Staff Service
Awards
Videos and Photos from our Holiday Parties
Inclement
Weather Policy
Disability
News
Community Happenings
Happy Holidays and Blessings for the New Year. This is the season of giving and gifting. However, I want to take a minute and reflect more on the “giving side.” At the core of our mission is fulfilling the wishes and needs of the participants. Most of the people at the Harford Center come to us to be able to experience all the joys that life has to offer. However, there are challenges that many of the people must tackle on a daily basis. Some of the participants have to work incredibly hard at communicating their wishes and needs. Others have to find extra energy to go through all the tasks needed to live their best lives. Some people have to depend on staff for assistance to be able to interact in a meaningful way with their communities. Despite the challenges, the extra energy, and having to ask for help, there is joy at the Harford Center each and every day. This is joy that can’t be given in a wrapped package.
This joy is a feeling of belonging, of being heard, and of being seen. Many of us struggle to find the right “gift” when most of the time what people want is your time and your presence, not your “presents.” I encourage you to give the gift of time this year. Spend time doing what brings you joy. Also, if you want to see what joy looks like, please visit us here at the Harford Center. We are happy to share our joy with you. Have a wonderful Holiday.
We’re so grateful for the generosity of this community! Your support means the world to us!
This month, we honored our staff who have had milestone anniversaries this year (or who we weren’t able to honor on their anniversaries due to COVID precautions). Congratulations and thank you to the following employees:
Michelle Ashford
Joy Barton
Melissa Cooper
Emeka Egeonu
Madison Ganovski
Melissa Cooper
Kendra Taylor
Samantha Amberman
Dinah Bertholdt
Bernice Brown
Ed Kearney
Pauline Pullen
Kelly Warnagiris
Not Pictured: Taesha Presbury
Amanda Bennett
Trell Guy
Anissa Trusclair-Pankey
My Girl
Brick House
Cupid Shuffle
Call Me Maybe
God Bless the USA
Billie Jean
Thank you to Chef’s Expression for the amazing meal at our Highland Party, and thank you to the Knights of Columbus for providing a place for our party!
Congratulations to our new County Executive, Bob Cassilly. Learn more about him here.
We Rock The Spectrum in Forest Hill will be holding a New Year’s Eve party on December 31. Read more about it here.
Another fun idea for New Year’s Eve is the Annual Havre de Grace Duck Drop and fireworks display. Learn more about it here.
For more fun things to do over the holidays, check out the Visit Harford event calendar.
The upcoming legislative session will begin on January 11. We’ll keep you informed about relevant legislation.
The DD Council has released its list of policy priorities for 2023, which include: reducing the DDA Services Waiting List, advocating for better support in schools, increasing access to employment, and increasing access to parks and other public recreational spaces. Read the full list here.
November’s DDA Webinar for their Supporting Families series is available to watch here. This month’s topic is getting families and supported individuals involved in policy and legislation.
