Community . . .

Last month, Duraclean Services had the privilege of being part of a community luncheon sponsored by the Harford County Referral Partners Group. Held at 510 Johnny’s in the town of Belair, a variety of local business representatives were treated to an afternoon of delicious food, new business connections, and an eye opening look into some of the serious problems our county is facing at this present time.

The luncheon started off with a short presentation by Darrell Mcdavid, the Executive Director for the Epicenter in Edgewood. Located in the heart of the town, the Epicenter offers a variety of programs to meet their community needs … Giving up to 7,000 pounds of food away weekly to those in need. Offering care stations for the homeless,  complete with showering facilities set up to provide a safe, private, comfortable place to clean up, have a warm meal, and enjoy some friendly conversation in a welcoming atmosphere. Providing before and after school care, including snacks, help with homework, and a myriad of child friendly activities in a safe environment. Hosting special classes for those who were homeless, to help guide them as they get back on their feet, as well as Millenial classes set up for those “adulting” for the first time. Started by Mountain Christian Church over 5 years ago, the Epicenter has strived to be a safe place that empowers people, strengthens families, and builds community . . . and they have done just that, with far reaching effects throughout the county at large. It’s always good to know what is going on in our local towns, and it was great to hear about all of the good things going on in Edgewood through the Epicenter, if you’d like further information, you can reach out to The Epicenter at Edgewood Facebook Page.

Our Main Speaker of the day was Sheriff Jeff Gahler. Recently re-elected for another term, he gave us a candid look into the Opioid Epidemic in Harford County, talking in depth of the far reaching affects that have filtered into our schools, our places of work, our families and our community as a whole. Highlighting new programs and reminding us of steadfast organizations that continue to work dillegently to educate, restore, and encourage those walking through this devastating epidemic. Programs like Hope House on wheels, touring around the county making parents aware of things to look for in a typical teenagers room to catch the signs of a drug problem, The Harford County Crisis Center offering 24 hours care to those in the county who find themselves in immediate need, the Substance Abuse Unit set up within the jail, making strides in educating those already incarcerated, and of course the Citizens Academy, set up to give those living in our county a better understanding of how they can help lend a hand within their own communities. Sheriff Gahler then opened up the floor to a Q & A session where luncheon attendees could ask questions and have an open conversation about the Opioid issue at hand. He offered an honest, informative, eye opening view of this terrible epidemic, but also focused on things put in place and new programs in the works to fight this war that is waging within our community. He did a wonderful job of balancing hard truths with glimmers of hope.

I would love to tell you that one luncheon did a lot to make an immediate change in the Opioid Epidemic, but change always takes a while to be seen. However, what it did do, was bring 50 businesses within our county together to focus on one very important issue. To become more aware, educated and equipped to fight this devastating battle. To learn, to support, to volunteer, and to make a difference. Walking away informed at the seriousness of the situation, but also with a hope that if we all work together, that the future can be better for this community we all love so dearly. Thank you, Sheriff Gahler and to all of those striving to make a positive difference in the opioid epidemic. Although we have a long ways to go, we are moving in the right direction . . .  together, and together is always the best place to be!

Mother Theresa once said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples!” . . . May our community come together and work together to cast our stone far and deep, so that the ripples of awareness, education, restoration, compassion, and moving forward together in a positive way, are felt not only in our community, but in our county, our country, and throughout our world.

#ComeTogether #MakeRipples #WereAllInThisTogether #BeTheChange #HarfordCountyStrong #DuracleanCares