Stories against stigma
Mental health needs in Howard County have been on the rise and barriers remain to ensuring robust and equitable access to care. This year, we have been working with a new cohort of grantees to improve community resilience and support mental health in our communities. Through their own outreach and by working to support one another, each of our grantees is fighting to ensure that their communities’ voices and lived experiences are heard and that barriers to care can be eliminated. What’s the first step? Embracing the power of storytelling to help change lives and communities for the better.
Learn more about our grantees’ approaches to storytelling about mental health and plans for an upcoming event this fall.
Housing is out of reach…
In Howard County, a fairly-priced place to call home can be hard to find. There are not enough places to live that people of all incomes can afford.
We’re a growing community of neighbors coming together to do something about it – pushing for policy change that builds more fairly-priced homes, strengthens renters’ rights, and addresses unfair housing practices.
We want a thriving community where everyone – working families, established professionals, long-time residents, and those just getting started – can find a place to call home. And we need your help. We’re engaging people from all parts of the county, with a mix of skills and experiences to join in.
Find out how at HoCoNext.org.
Welcome Shari Arroyo-Brown to our team!
The Foundation is thrilled to welcome our new Director of Communications, Shari Arroyo-Brown. With more than a decade of experience across philanthropy, government and mission-driven organizations, Shari develops integrated communications strategies that elevate public awareness, deepen stakeholder relationships and inspire action around systems change. At the Horizon Foundation, Shari helps amplify the Foundation’s vision for a healthier and more equitable Howard County through media relations, digital storytelling, advocacy campaigns and community-centered communications. Welcome to the team, Shari!
First Thursdays – June 4
Let’s keep our great 2026 First Thursdays community conversations going! Our next gathering will take place on June 1 at 10 a.m. at the Horizon Foundation’s office. Please join us and your fellow Howard County residents for breakfast, connection and community.
To join, please RSVP to our Senior Power and Movement Building Officer, Gerardo Benavides, by Monday, June 1. Contact us with any questions!
Staff Picks & Resources: Check out what we’re reading, watching & learning
- If You Want to Build Community, You Have to “Waste Time” with People (Staying Human with Dr. Vivek Murthy)
- Medicaid Cuts Could Force More Kids to Become Caregivers (TIME Magazine)
- Leading When Scared – Judy Belk, Georgetown University Center for Public & Nonprofit Leadership
