United Way of Central Maryland – 2020 Harford Award Recipient (Non-Profit Category)

As United Way of Central Maryland (UWCM) is on the horizon of celebrating it’s 100th year in 2025, they are proud of their numerous accomplishments, and looking ahead to reshaping philanthropy in communities.

United Way of Central Maryland focuses on Harford County’s homeless and ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) populations. Currently, in Harford County, over 30% of people are living at the ALICE threshold of just under $70,000 for a family of four. Educating communities on the needs of ALICE families is accomplished through a Walk a Mile (WAM) experience. This is an immersive poverty simulation that creates empathy and understanding for the barriers faced by ALICE families. The WAM program has been utilized by Harford County Government, Harford Community College and Upper Chesapeake Hospital. Leaders who attended this program were easily able to identify opportunities to break down barriers. Through the work with the ALICE population, programs have been created to educate individuals on opportunities to increase their earnings. UWCM-Harford County funds training programs, provides financial literacy, budgeting workshops, resume writing and so much more.

Recently, in Harford County, UWCM partnered with HCPS for a Family Stability Program, serving hundreds of families since it’s inception in 2016. The Family Stability Program places a licensed social worker in schools and helps families achieve self sufficiency. This program now serves six HCPS schools through case management and mobilization of resources.

Project Homeless Connect, which you will learn about in tonight’s video, has a strong impact on strengthening Harford County’s business climate. In 2020, UWCM provided over 60 criminal record expungements, 174 Dental encounters, 120 eye exams, 100 pairs of prescription glasses, 84 photo IDs, and 185 birth certificates. With a mission to restore participants’ confidence and help get them back on the road to self-sufficiency and a more gainful path to employment, all of these services allow participants to leave with a plan to better their lives, take on larger, more productive roles in our community.

Additional Community Service initiatives include Stone Soups-a family-friendly opportunity to feed families in need at Bel Air United Methodist Church and March Madness-addressing the need for literacy support and the ability to connect businesses to other non-profits in need of volunteer support. UWCM works tirelessly to improve our county-building deep and trusting relationships with neighbors and peers along the way.

About the Harford County Chamber of Commerce: The Harford County Chamber of Commerce has worked continually as the recognized voice of business in Harford County since 1976. The Harford Chamber is the premier business advocate in the county, helping members connect and thrive to create a vibrant economy across all sectors. For more information, please contact Kate Rodriguez at Kate@HarfordChamber.org. 

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