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“I saw so many of my neighbors here today, some I haven’t seen in a long time. We had the most fun dancing with the band and catching up. I don’t go out much anymore, but I am so glad we did! Today was just what we needed,” stated Pam, a longtime South End resident describing Saturday’s event.

The eight annual South End Community Block Party was held this past Saturday, September 16, at Hagerstown City Park, located in the South End of Hagerstown. Hosted by Bester Community of Hope, an initiative of San Mar Family and Community Services, and in collaboration with Hagerstown City Parks and Recreation and their annual Fast Fest, created an all-day family friendly event culminating in fireworks. About 2000 people were in attendance during the four-hour celebration supported by the Washington County Department of Human Services, the Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Foundation and the City of Hagerstown.

Headlining this year’s event was tri-state area favorite, Groovalicious, a disco tribute act playing all the hits from the days of bell bottoms, platform shoes and mirror balls! Almost forty resource vendors provided critical community resources in areas such as health, education, community services, childcare, basic needs and supplies along with local faith connections through non-stigmatizing and fun opportunities. Local non-profit ‘It’s a Blessing to be a Blessing’ provided free food to ensure cost was no factor for families looking to create great memories together. Kids and families spent quality time together playing laser tag, axe throwing, family games, and even meeting some of their favorite Star Wars characters thanks to partnerships with Joint Training Facility and Heroes for Hire. A clothing giveaway was provided through a collaboration with St. John’s Episcopal Church and Families Helping Families.

Newly hired Neighborhood Partnership Coordinator for Bester Community of Hope, Alicia Taluskie, stated, “With this being my first opportunity to participate in the South End Community Block Party, most memorable to me was seeing all the ways in which our community came together to offer positive supports and resources to families. Watching families having fun and making lifelong memories together was something to treasure.”

Bester Community of Hope is a community initiative of San Mar Family & Community Services, focused on strengthening and improving outcomes for families who live in the South End of Hagerstown, Maryland. This effort is made possible by the significant support and collaboration of the Washington County Department of Social Services, and their focus on prevention and upstream efforts as a way to make a collective impact for families. Strategic neighborhood programs and efforts are made possible by philanthropic support from the Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Foundation. For more information about this holistic approach to supporting families and communities, please visit www.besterhope.org.

Spring has sprung with Babypalooza, a free community baby shower once again hosted by Bester Community of Hope for the 8th consecutive year! This year approximately 500 young children, parents and expecting parents were welcomed at Bester Elementary for a safari themed fun-packed day. The main hallway and media room were filled with laughter and learning as families made their way through the Early Learning Carnival, where seven local early intervention agencies created an environment to explore development and growth in an enriching way. Families were able to partake in a sensory walk, safari photo booth, create animal puzzles, make sound shakers, go on a letter hunt, and listen to a story.

As families transitioned from this area and made their way to the gym, they were encouraged to participate of workshops on a variety of topics such as: financial literacy, safe sleep, reproductive help, lactation support, and father engagement. Our partners at Healthy Families curated a highly qualified roster of local speakers that were readily available to have meaningful conversations with parents.

To be strong parents and caregivers it is utmost important to practice self – care, and that was the main goal at the Parental Resiliency Room, hosted by staff of the Jack E. Barr Center for Well Being. Parents and caregivers were encouraged to take some deep breaths and build a personal “tool-kit” of simple and inexpensive techniques that can be incorporated at home without much preparation and even in the care of a very busy little one.

Another way families can remain strong and connected is by creating meaningful memories of times spent together. At Babypalooza guests were able to take a family portrait as a memento of their time at the event.

When families reached the gym, they were welcomed by close to 40 community resource vendors, all eager to provide critical information on concrete items and opportunities available in our community to expand the network of support. Everyone needs help some times and knowing where to go and how to access these services is critical for overcoming adversity.

Community partner Brittany Wedd, Executive Director of Children In Need, shared: “We so enjoyed participating in the 2023 Babypalooza at Bester Elementary School! We spoke with families about our programs and the final count on distributed items was: 2,100 diapers, 48 containers of formula, 552 baby clothes, 20 burping pads, and 81 books. Thank you so much to Bester Community of Hope for allowing us the opportunity to speak with more families about our services and to all of our adorable helpers who helped us hand out books!”

Every great event has food and prizes and this one did not fall short on that. Aetna Better Health of Maryland, CVS Health, and Patriot Federal Credit Union sponsored a healthy lunch during the event. The lunch was catered by Chef Tammy Twigg and the students of the WCPS Culinary Arts Program at the Boyd J. Michael, III Technical High School. Outside of the many knickknacks and giveaways provided by vendors, the event featured a raffle. Raffle items were donated by some of our community partners and others were sponsored by Bester Community of Hope. Every adult in attendance was given three tickets to attempt their luck at winning one of the coveted prizes. The drawing occured at the end of the event and winners will be contacted to claim their prizes if they weren’t present.

Overall, the day brought together families and stakeholders in an atmosphere of carefree celebration as we all welcomed the wildest bunch of little ones into our hearts and community.

Bester Community of Hope provides support and opportunities to families in the South End of Hagerstown through partnership and funding by the Washington County Department of Social Services and Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Foundation. If you are interested in learning more about these efforts and others, please connect with us at: www.besterhope.org, 240-513-6370, or connect@besterhope.org.

On April 22, 2023, Bester Community of Hope (BCOH) was proud to sponsor the Agency’s Annual Family Day Celebration at Pediatric Movement Center in Hagerstown, MD. South End families were invited to join BCOH staff for an evening of family fun designed to highlight strengths, celebrate growth, and build social connections. The theme of this year’s Family Day Celebration was Earth Day; We are the WORLD, invest in your FAMILY.

Guests were welcomed by BCOH Director and resident Monarch Butterfly, Jen Younker. Family portraits were available courtesy of BCOH Intern Kylie Carbaugh. An Earth Day story time was provided by San Mar Family and Community Services Board President, Mr. Mark Halsey who read, “We Are All Connected: Caring For Each Other & The Earth.”

BCOH Care Coordinator Samantha Barrett provided support in the PMC Play Area. Children and families were able to engage in free-play on the colorful and exciting equipment at Pediatric Movement Center, a family-centered Agency with a passion for providing the best care to the children and families in the Tri-state region. Through individualized child-centered practices, PMC empowers children with and without special needs by providing comprehensive therapeutic, recreational, and support services to children and families in Hagerstown. PMC staff are highly trained qualified clinicians and instructors able to assist children in reaching their maximum potential in a safe, loving, and reassuring environment.

In keeping with the Earth Day theme, families navigated through a global map of nature and go-green inspired activities provided by Agency’s Family Support Team centered around the Strengthening Families Protective Factors, the research informed framework developed by the Center for the Study of Social Policy to promote practices that ensure that children and families may thrive, reducing the likelihood of child abuse and neglect.

Protective Factor Activities:

Concrete Support In Times Of Need

Family Support Worker Sarah Banks provided an activity designed to recognize the impact of surge pricing for food on families. Each family was provided an insulated lunch box containing reusable meal prep items including ice packs, a storage container, and silicone pastry liners to use to separate snacks. Attendees’ children were invited to create a healthy to-go lunch for themselves to provide an easy to replicate example of a low-cost child friendly meal. Parents learned about resources available in Washington County specifically in the areas of supplemental food and nutrition resources in addition to a list of discount grocery stores in the area.

Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development

Family Support Worker Teesha Carmon provided an activity designed to educate children about the importance of play in learning.  Attendees’ children were able to participate in an activity that centered around recycling.  Using a backdrop of a playground scene that was covered with examples of litter, children were able to gather the recyclable materials, sort them into categories, and place the items in the corresponding recycling bin. Upon completion of the recycling activity, children were able to pledge their commitment to making green choices by adding their handprints, name, and an identified way in which they can help to protect the Earth on a large Earth Day poster.

Social-Emotional Competence of Children

Lead Family Support Worker Teri Conrad provided an activity designed to help attendees identify emotions, promote communication, and develop healthy coping skills. Children were eager to share some feelings that might make them feel bad like being sad, angry, or afraid. The children then selected a card from the “ABC’s of Calming Down” to think of some ways to “Up-Cycle” feelings: B-Breathe Deeply, H-Hold a Pet, and parents’/grandparents’ favorite N-Nap. An “Up-Cycle” craft was enjoyed as the children turned milk cartons into windsocks. Using their windsocks, they were encouraged to demonstrate another ABC of Calming Down: D-Dance Around. Children left with the affirmation “I learned healthy ways to talk about and handle my feelings.”

Parental Resilience

Family Support Worker Crystal Maus provided an activity designed to educate parents and children about nurturing resilience. Using Tree of Life symbolism, attendees were able to identify factors which inform a person’s resilience and ways to nurture and support personal growth. Participants were able to gain confidence in sharing their personal stories and practice mindfulness techniques to support healthy relationships and the achievement of personal hopes and dreams. A “Seed Library” was provided to families to highlight the benefits of gardening for individuals including mental and physical health. The activity culminated with the message that much like in the garden, individual and family growth is possible when people are flexible, cared for, and able to adapt. To support Parental Resilience, parents were able to enjoy a 15-minute massage provided by licensed massage Therapist, Ms. Ola.

Social Connections.

Neighborhood Partnership Coordinator Joan Balbuena provided an activity designed to build and enhance social connections among families to create a support network for parents in the community. Meaningful friendships and natural supports for families are vital factors needed to thrive. Social connections guarantee that families have access to a network of people that will provide support when adversity knocks on the door, and to celebrate achievements made when balance is regained. During Family Day, parents and their children worked together to build bird feeders at the Social Connections station. With the emphasis on strengthening and nourishing relationships, families decorated and assembled the bird feeders to bring a pop of color and joy to their green spaces at home.

Every family in attendance was sent home with activity materials, household and hygiene items, and meals provided by BCOH from Chick-fil-A in Hagerstown. The evening wrapped up with Mother Nature herself sending families on their way under a beautiful full double rainbow, reminding guests of the real importance of Earth Day, and that there is beauty where there is hope. Bester Community of Hope provides support and opportunities to families in the South End of Hagerstown through partnership and funding by the Washington County Department of Social Services. If you are interested in learning more about these efforts and others, please connect with us at: www.besterhope.org, 240-513-6370, or connect@besterhope.org.