Two good ways to make a direct impact in our community

     Last year Tom Coale, the blogger of HoCo Rising, raised over $3,000 to help establish the first "sober house" in Howard County.  Four recovering substance abusers are now living in the sober house.  The need is greater so the Day Resource Center is planning on opening a second house and the donations now being sought is for the security deposit for the second home.

    So why are sober houses important?  In talking with Joe Willmott of the Day Resource Center he has always talked about how difficult it is to help homeless persons who are struggling with addictions if they don't have stable housing.  Once you have established a stable home you can then get much better results with the addressing the substance abuse issue and hopefully their homelessness.

   To make a difference in someone's life here in Howard County go to Tom's donation page.

      The second way to make a difference is to respond to a request from Fostering Futures, a part of the Voices for Children program, which is a program that helps local foster youth.  This month's request is for the following items:

 

A 5 year old boy needs summer clothing (size 6) and shoes (sneakers and summer sandals, size 1.5/2)

The 14 month old boy needs summer clothing (size 12-18 months) and shoes (sneakers and summer sandals, size 5 infant)

They also need a toy box.

      The boys are living with their grandmother, who is taking wonderful care of them while their mother works hard to be reunified with her sons.  The grandmother has a limited income and works full time.  The 5 year old loves Cars and Avengers and will be starting kindergarten in the fall.

      If you would like to become a partner in this program and get monthly emails or you can provide the requested items above call the  Voices for Children office at (410) 740-0933.

P.S.

    On July 28, American Association of University Women of Howard County will host a practice SAT exam for middle and high school students at Vantage House auditorium, 5400 Vantage Point road, Columbia, MD 21044.  The Princeton Review will administer the practice exam and lead a Scores Back Session on August 18 at Vantage House.  The practice SAT is held from 10:30 AM to 4 PM and the Scores Back Session is from 2:30 PM – 4 PM.  Total cost is $15 for this fundraiser, with proceeds going to the AAUW Howard County scholarship fund.  Send cash or a check made out to AAUW Howard County to Jennifer Ingram, 5570 Vantage Point Road, Unit 1, Columbia, MD 21044.  Pre-registration and payment are required.  To register, go to www.PrincetonReview.com/events

.  Contact The Princeton Review for questions about the test and Scores Back Session.  For other questions, contact Ms. Ingram at aauwhocomembers@gmail.com.