Introducing the 2020 Beacon of Hope, JACQUI WILSON!
Jacqueline Wilson grew up in Cecil County and survived a toxic relationship, drug dependency, and run-ins with law enforcement before moving to Harford County. Now a mother to a five-year old daughter, engaged to be married, and working at a facility that helps those battling addiction; she truly feels she has been given a second chance at life. WIN Family Services nominated Jacqui as a Family of Hope, and they are helping her and her fiance learn how to be the best parents they can. The SUCCESS Project is assisting them with finding affordable, local rental housing.
Jacqui received her award at the Taste of SUCCESS banquet on November 1. Look for pics from the event on theupwardclimb.org.
Taste of SUCCESS Serves Up Inspiration
The Taste of SUCCESS sip and sample fundraiser was held November 1 at Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air. The event had a great turnout as the community came to support our Families of Hope and our mission; and many commented how inspiring it was to hear from the nominees and learn about both their struggles and their victories.
Guests enjoyed tastings of food and beverages from local vendors, and had the opportunity to bid in a silent auction for donated items from a variety of businesses in the area. In addition, there was a casino room in which players had a chance to win other prizes.
Thanks to everyone who helped make it such a wonderful night. We are already looking forward to the Taste of SUCCESS next year, to be held November 6, 2020. See more pics from the event here.
How to Have
A Thrifty Thanksgiving
Want to have friends and family over for a turkey day feast, but worried about the expense? These tips can help you celebrate AND stick to your budget!
Shop with intent. Start early and make a detailed list of items and ingredients you need. Look for coupons and buy in bulk when you can. Potatoes and apples are cheaper by the bag. The same is true when purchasing big blocks of cheese, as well as herbs and spices.
Pass on paper plates & plastic forks. Sure, you think you’ll be saving yourself on the cleanup, but you won’t be saving money. Use plates and utensils you already own, wash them with soap and water.
Use do-it-yourself decorations.
Instead of using store-purchased decorations ttake a walk outdoors the day before (or even the morning of) Thanksgiving and look for appropriate natural decorations. Pine cones, acorns, bright red maple leaves, cuttings from a pine tree, etc., are not only free, but they also look gorgeous and can smell quite nice, too.
Borrow don't buy. It's not necessary to rush out and get five matching serving bowls or a gravy boat--borrow from a neighbor! Or, visit thrift stores to create your one of a kind table!
Make it a potluck. It is definitely NOT out of line to ask your guests to bring a side dish, beverage or dessert. It's less work for you, and more fun for everyone if they all get to sample something different.
Avoid overspending on the turkey. A store-brand frozen turkey will be just fine — it’s all in how you cook it anyway. Try to snag a free bird if you can. Perhaps one of your guests got a free one from work or see if any grocery stores are offering free turkeys as part of a VIP program.
Serve LOTS of vegetables.
Vegetables are cheap and filling...and bonus: they're good for you! Buy local to save even more money. Corn can still be found, potatoes are affordable and versatile, green beans are great (plain or in a casserole), and consider unusual veggies too, like roasted squash and even a simple salad.
Start with affordable appetizers. These items are ot only affordable, but also easy, filling and healthy! Deviled eggs, Garlic roasted pumpkin seeds, Soup, Sliced and toasted baguette served with high quality olive oil for dipping..
Turn down the heat. You’re oven is going to be on for most of the day, and there will be warm bodies in your house, so it will be the perfect time to save on your energy bill by turning down the heat on your thermostat.
Remember what Thanksgiving is all about--gratitude. Appreciate what you have and focus on who is sitting around the table, not what'ss on it.
New SUCCESS Classes Start Dec. 5
Next month's SUCCESS Classes offer lots of learning opportunities! These FREE sessions can help you gain new skills! Childcare available if registered. Seating is Limited....must be pre-registered. Call or Email to reserve your seat. Below is a list of what's coming up. Click here to see the full class schedule and to register.
Thursday, December 5 @ 5:00 pm
Parent Support Group
Presented by: Parent's Anonymous
Join us for a fun, relaxing, stress relieving, anxiety reducing activity that will build your sense of accomplishment, increase your happiness, and enhance your self-confidence. Snacks and childcare provided if registered. Seating is limited.
Thursday, December 12 @ 12 pm
Adult Education at its BEST
Presented by Rhonda Davis of Harford Community College
Did you know that the community college has certification and training programs? Did you know they can help you get your GED? Did you know that they often have classes for Pre-GED, GED and ESOL in neighborhoods? Whether you are looking to get a high school diploma or attend a training program you search should first start at HCC. Join us in learning what all is offered and how you can get it. Childcare available if registered. Seating is limited.
Tuesday, December 17 @ 5:30 pm
Workplace Excellence
Presented by: The SUCCESS Project
You got the job, that felt like the hard part. Now let's explore how to keep it and advance your position. Is your current position a stepping stone or a resume builder? We are going to discuss the barriers, boundaries and challenges that make it hard to keep a job. Join us for a light snack and each household in attendance will receive a gift card. Childcare is available if registered. Seating is limited.
Budget Meal of the Month: Leftover Stuffin' Muffins
Liberally coat each well in a muffin tin with non-stick spray (or butter). Divide the stuffing mixture between all 12 cups. Leave the stuffing loosely packed in the cups so that the egg mixture can fill in the empty spaces.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Divide the egg mixture among the 12 cups, filling each about 1/2 to 3/4 full. The eggs and stuffing mixtures will expand during cooking, so try not to over fill.
Bake the muffins for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown and crispy on the top. Allow the muffins to cool slightly, then run a knife around the edges to loosen and remove each muffin.
If you or someone you know is struggling to provide Christmas gifts for their children, help is available! Here are two local programs that can assist:
Operation Santa's Sleigh-presented by the Broken Spoke Family Association and Ladies Auxiliary. Submit applications by November 23 via private message on the organization's Facebook page. Applicants must be willing to be interviewed by phone or in person, and willing to accept delivery of gifts on a date determined by the organization. Please provide coat/clothing/shoe sizes for children as well as interests/hobbies for toys.
Harford County Toys for Tots-sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps. You MUST apply online to request toys. Application can be accessed at https://harford-md.toysfortots.org. Once approved, you will receive an EMAIL with your Toy Pick-Up Appointment Time & Date. You WILL NOT receive a phone call with your appointment time. Make sure to use a good email address.
The Freebie Report
Where to Get Food, Healthcare & Other Services for No or Low Cost
November 23 and 30- Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry, 10am-Noon
1100 Philadelphia Rd, Joppa, MD. Pantry is in the building behind the church and school.
November 26, Decmber 3, 10, 17 - SUCCESS Pantry: Get groceries, cleaning supplies and health & hygiene items, 1-3 at HDGHA, 101 Stansbury Court, Havre de Grace
December 7, 14, 21, 28- Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry, 10am-Noon
1100 Philadelphia Rd, Joppa, MD. Pantry is in the building behind the church and school.
December 14- Food Distribution 9 – 11:45am at Bel Air United Methodist Church in McComas Hall, 21 Linwood Avenue, Bel Air
December 17 - EPICENTER at Edgewood Health Fair and Food Giveaway, 2-5pm. Food distribution begins at 3. Free flu shots, vision screenings and more, 1918 Pulaski Highway in Edgewood
December 20 -Food Distribution, 5–7pm at the Tabernacle of Faith Family Life Center, 315A N. Earlton Road in Havre de Grace
ONGOING
FREE Cybersecurity Job Training for Veterans - 100% Scholarship Based Training for Veterans through Immersion Academy. For more information: go to Web: www.sans.org/cybertalent or Email: immersionacademy@sans.org
Affordable Dental Care at West Cecil Health visit WestCecilHealth.org for more info.
Healthy Harford/Healthy Cecil WATCH program WATCH is a team of community healthcare providers and social workers who visit residents in their home to help solve issues that might be keeping them from achieving their best health such as, transportation issues, difficulty taking medications correctly, safe housing, nutritious food, assistance with medical appointments and more, Services provided FREE of charge. More info at 1-800-515-0044.
Medical Transportation by the Harford County Health Dept. Learn more here.
Stop Smoking Classes--Click here to see the location and time schedule.
Visit Healthy Harford for more free or low cost Health and Safety Events.
Affordable Housing
Available
The Havre de Grace Housing Authority is now accepting housing applications for 1-5 bedroom units in their wonderful community at Somerset Manor. Download forms here.
