Services:

• 24 Hour Helpline: 1.800.272.3900
• Support Groups
• Safe Return Program
• Grace Kirkland Emergency Fund
• Family Care Program
• Respite Care Program (based on availability)
• Early State Memory Loss Program

Education:

• Professional Training Opportunities
• Workshops & Conferences
• Speakers' Bureau
• Community Presentations
• Family Education
• Book Sales and Audiovisual Loan
• Newsletter

Advocacy:

• We advocate for federal and state policies and resources to improve the lives of peole with Alzheimer's disease and their families. In partnership with volunteer advocates, we work for programs and policies that enhance care and essential support networks.

Research:

The nationl Alzheimer's Association is the leading funding source for Alzheimer's research after the federal government. The Greater Maryland Chapter raises funds in support of these critical research efforts. We also educate families about current drug trials and opportunities to participate in research, and disseminate current research findings.

Volunteer Opportunities:

You can make a difference. Volunteers contribute in all aspects of the organization including services, education, advocacy and special events. Specialized training is available for helpline volunteers, support group facilitators and health fair representatives. Other volunteer opportunities include administrative activities in the local offices.

Short- and long-term volunteer opportunities include:

Office/Clerical: Stop in for an hour or so and help make packets, prepare mailings, type, file or other needed office-related services at our Timonium location.

Health Fair Outreach: Be trained to attend local fairs to distribute important information to guests. This is a great way to learn about Alzheimer's and serve your community. Training and materials provided. Locations and times vary.

Fundraising Events: Be a part of the excitement at various fundraising events from charity golf tournaments to our Memory Walks. There are many ways to get involved, from planning committees to day-of-event helpers.

Education/Community Speakers: Professionals can volunteer their time by presenting information about the Alzheimer's Association's serivces to small community groups within our region. There are also opportunities to work on special short-term projects within the education department.

The Residential Program at Caring Hands, Inc. welcomes volunteers interested in becoming an advocate for adults having various physical and/or mental disabilities who live in the residential program. Client advocates form unique friendships with individuals by volunteering several hours a month. Hours are flexible. Volunteer opportunities are also available in the Operations Department of Caring Hands, Inc. for individuals who wish to assist with maintenance of our homes. Other volunteer opportunities are available. Flexible hours.

The Church runs "Blue House Clothing," a clothing closet, located at 23 W. Lee Street, Bel Air, MD. Contact the Church of Reconciliation at 410-838-6444.  Hours: Mondays 9:30-11:30 am; 5:30-7:00 pm.  Thursdays 9:30-11:30 am. 3rd Saturday of the month from 10:00 am - noon.

Accepted Donations: clothing from non-smoking homes, clothing that is not torn, ripped, stained or out-dated, please no suits or formal wear, we will accept undergarments that are new, we accept monetary offerings to meet our expenses, please only drop off donations during hours of operation.

Volunteers are always welcome! Please contact us for information.

• Havre de Grace/Aberdeen, 428 Battery Drive, Havre de Grace 410-836-6440
• Joppa/Edgewood, P.O. Box 105, Joppa, MD, 410-836-6442
• West Harford Fish, P.O. Box 552, Bel Air, MD 410-836-6441 (Bel Air & surrounding areas - Jarrettsville, Fallston, Churchville, Street, Whiteford, Pyelesville, Abingdon, Darlington, Delta, etc.)

Since 1982, Freedom Hills, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, has been bringing horses and people with disabilities together. Freedom Hills participates in the Special Olympics at county and state levels and has also participated in the National Games. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for the disabled and challenged, and do not turn anyone away due to finances.  Any physically, emotionally or challenged individual can participate. Classes are conducted by trained instructors and assisted by volunteers and physical therapists.

• Commission for Women (410-638-3389)
• Community Resources (410-638-4444)
• Disability Coordinator (410-638-3373)
• Drug/Alcohol Impact Program (410-638-3333)
• Grant-In-Aid Program (410-638-3389)
• Neighbors Program with Mason Dixon Community Services (410) 452-0077.
• Office of Aging/Transportation (410-638-3025/410-612-1620)
• Volunteer Coordinator (410-638-3374)
• Kids C.A.N. Mentoring Program (410-638-3381)
• CDBG Program (410-638-4806)
• Transitional Services (410-638-3389)

Services HSHC Provides:

• A low-cost spay and neuter program
• Free behavioral consultations to anyone in the community
• Low-cost dog training classes
• Rebel’s Dog Park, a public, off-leash dog park open to the public
• A lost and found program
• A pet food assistance program
• A safe-haven for pets caught up in the tragedy of domestic violence
• Training and play programs for pets while they are in the shelter
• Tools and resources for pet owners and much, much more

How can you help?

• Donate
• Become a foster family
• Volunteer (with an adult until you’re 18)
• Participate in a fundraiser or hold your own supply drive
• Be a responsible pet owner for the entire lifetime of your pet

Our volunteers are indispensable.  They are dedicated people of all ages, from all walks of life, who thoughtfully donate thousands of hours of their own personal time to help the animals and the people of Harford County.  Our paid staff is grateful to our volunteers because you help them provide life-saving services and meaningful programs.

There are two types of volunteers: short-term and long-term.  Short-term volunteers are those folks that need to earn a few community service hours for school, church, or a club.  We have a list of acceptable projects that you may complete for us to earn your hours.  Long-term volunteers are those folks that want to be with us for at least 6 months. 

Steps to become a long-term volunteer:

1. Complete a Volunteer Application.  Request one by calling 410-836-1090, x106 or emailing volunteer@harfordshelter.org. 
2. Once your application is received, you will be invited to attend the next New Volunteer Orientation meeting. 
3. You are also required to attend an upcoming Animal Handling Class after you attend Orientation.  You will be given the date of the next Animal  Handling class when you are at orientation.
4. If you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied to all volunteer activities by a parent or legal guardian.
5. The time requirement is flexible.  We just ask that you commit to a minimum of two (2) hours per month for at least six (6) months.
6. Volunteers need to wear an official red volunteer t-shirt, which can be purchased from the shelter for $12.  A volunteer I.D. badge will be provided and must be worn at all times.

What kinds of work can volunteers do at the shelter?

We have a variety of programs and services to suit all types of volunteers!  Be a cat cuddler, dog walker, donation transporter, special event staffer, fundraiser, greeter, groomer, foster family, photo taker, and much more!

• 24-Hour Helpline: Confidential Helpline staffed by trained domestic and sexual violence counselors.
• Companion Services: Accompaniment to the hospital and/or police station for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
• Victim's Counseling: Individual counseling and crisis intervetion for female, male and child victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Group counseling available for adults molested as children, sexually abusive relationships, rape survivors, and domestic violence victims.
• Safehouse Services: Confidentially located safehouse for victims of domestic and sexual violence and their children.
• Perpetrator's Counseling: Group counseling for perpetrators of domestic violence.
• Legal Advocacy & Representation: Advocacy and/or court accompaniment for victims of domestic and sexual violence. Legal representation for Protective Orders and Emergency Custody Hearings, along with other civil remedies.
• Professional Training & Education: Training, presentations and community education on both domestic and sexual violence.
• Information and Referrals