Summer Is No Time to Slow Down
While many people view summer as a time to slow down, take vacations, and relax, at Harford Family House, this season is one of the busiest times of year. Behind every family and individual we serve is a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and community partners working tirelessly to keep our programs running smoothly, rain or shine, season after season.
Summer might look different around here than it does elsewhere, but it’s no less important. In fact, it’s a time when critical groundwork is laid for the months ahead.
Here’s an inside look at how our team keeps everything moving forward during these summer months:
1. Staff Stepping Up in Every Role
Our case managers, shelter coordinators, and program staff remain laser-focused on helping clients move toward independence. From conducting intakes and housing searches to providing job readiness support and life skills workshops, their work never stops.
Summer also brings unique opportunities for staff to focus on long-term goals with families—such as budgeting, employment advancement, and educational plans—while children are out of school and schedules are more flexible.
2. Volunteers Filling Critical Gaps
Volunteers are at the heart of Harford Family House, and summer is no exception. Whether they’re tackling facility projects, organizing donations, or helping with administrative tasks, volunteers allow our staff to focus on what matters most: direct client care.
This time of year, many youth groups, churches, and corporate teams lend a hand, bringing new energy and fresh perspectives to our work.
3. Operations and Facilities in Full Swing
Keeping our shelters safe and welcoming takes constant attention. Summer is the perfect time for deep cleaning, repairs, and upgrade projects that require careful coordination and resources.
From repainting walls to refreshing common areas, our team works behind the scenes to ensure every space feels like home for the families we serve.
4. Planning for the Future
While we’re meeting today’s needs, our leadership team is also hard at work planning for upcoming seasons. Summer is when much of the strategy happens—grant writing, preparing for fundraising events, and evaluating programs to maximize their impact in the fall and beyond.
5. Community Partnerships in Action
Many local businesses and organizations step up during the summer to host donation drives, sponsor programs, and offer services. These partnerships make a significant difference, providing a range of essential services, from hygiene supplies to job training opportunities.
The Work Doesn’t Stop—And Neither Does Hope
Every family and individual that walks through our doors is working toward their fresh start, and every staff member, volunteer, and supporter plays a vital role in that journey.
Summer might bring sunshine and slower schedules elsewhere, but here at Harford Family House, it’s a season of growth, renewal, and determination.
Thank you for standing with us—and making it all possible.