Bringing community together
There has been no shortage of challenges we have all faced over the past year and half. From the public health crisis and tragic losses of life, to the disruption of daily routines, to economic struggles, to physical and social isolation, the COVID-19 pandemic has tested all of us. For the Horizon Foundation, one of the things we missed the most was being able to connect with our community and bring people together at events and other gatherings. The pandemic forced us to get creative and learn new ways to make and maintain relationships with each other and with the broader Howard County community.
Though we continue to navigate these uncertain times, we are thankful we were able to host two virtual community events recently that allowed us to collaborate with other organizations and showcase the importance of supporting one another – our Mental Health Film Festival and the 2021 Changemaker Challenge. Learn more about the impact of these events in this month’s blog.
Congratulations Changemaker Challenge 2021 Winners!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our live, virtual 2021 Changemaker Challenge! We were so inspired by ALL of our finalists and their big ideas to drive positive social change in Howard County. Congratulations to this year’s winners:
- Alston for Athletes, which won $25,000 to help provide Mental Health First Aid Training to coaches, athletic directors and trainers to support Howard County’s youth athletes.
- The 3rd Inc., which won $15,000 to help create a community co-working space in downtown Columbia that is run by, supplied by and incubates women of color entrepreneurs.
- Kits to Heart, which won the $10,000 Women’s Giving Circle award focusing on a program that is created by and/or supporting women and girls in Howard County. Founded by cancer survivor Sonia Su, Kits to Heart works to improve the mental and emotional well-being of those affected by cancer through an innovative art therapy program.
- The Community Ecology Institute, which won the $10,000 audience choice award to support its Nourishing Gardens initiative. This program aims to transform lawns in the community into ecologically beneficial food growing spaces and teach people how to grow their own healthy food.
Learn more about the winning big ideas>>
View the recording of the event>>
Take action: Give the gift of Peace of Mind
If there’s one thing we all love about this time of year, it’s watching our loved ones’ faces light up when we’ve given them the perfect gift. But what if we took it up a notch? What if we gave our daughter a gift that let her know she is the person we trust most in the world? Or a gift that made our best friend feel free from worry? We’re talking about naming your health care agent and giving the gift of Peace of Mind. It’s not the usual gift – it might be much more meaningful. And it’s available now for free from Speak(easy) Howard.
Here’s how you can take action and send your gift:
- Choose between a physical or a digital gift to let your loved one know you’ve named them as your health care agent.
- Next, you’ll be taken to MyDirectives – a secure website that allows you to name your health care agent online, in minutes.
- Once you’re done, we’ll send you two simple questions that help you share your medical wishes with your health care agent so you can talk with them about it.
Take action now to give the gift of Peace of Mind>>
We’re thankful for you, Howard County!
It’s been another hard year, but we are so thankful for all the hard work of our community to make Howard County a healthier, more equitable place to live. From all of us at the Horizon Foundation, we wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving season.
