Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services

Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services This is the official page of the Howard County Department of Community Resources & Services.

The Department of Community Resources and Services now includes nine offices: the Office of Children and Families; Office of Consumer Protection; Office on Aging and Independence; Office of Veterans and Military Families; Office of Community Partnerships; Office of Local Children’s Board; Office on Human Trafficking Prevention; Office on Disability Services; and the Office of ADA Coordination.

Celebrating Howard County’s Purple Star Schools!The Office of Veterans and Military Families (OVMF) is proud to recogniz...
09/15/2026

Celebrating Howard County’s Purple Star Schools!

The Office of Veterans and Military Families (OVMF) is proud to recognize five schools for earning Purple Star School designation: Bellows Springs, Bollman Bridge, Thunderhill, Veterans and West Friendship Elementary Schools.

Each school received a Purple Star yard sign to proudly display in recognition of its commitment to supporting military-connected students and families.

To learn more about the Purple Star Schools Program, visit bit.ly/HoCo-PurpleStarSchools or contact [email protected].

You didn’t think we were done with Transit 101, did you? is back for another Transit 101 event to help residents expl...
09/15/2026

You didn’t think we were done with Transit 101, did you?

is back for another Transit 101 event to help residents explore local transportation options and get around Howard County with confidence.

Join us September 30, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Bain 50+ Center for this interactive event featuring hands-on learning, transportation resources, local partners and opportunities to tour vehicles serving Howard County.

Admission is FREE and light refreshments will be provided.

Presented in partnership with Age-Friendly Howard County, the Office of Transportation and the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland.

Register: bit.ly/HoCo-Transit101 or 410-313-7213

Registration is now open for Thriving Through Midlife with Perimenopause, menopause and midlife bring changes—and plent...
09/14/2026

Registration is now open for Thriving Through Midlife with

Perimenopause, menopause and midlife bring changes—and plenty of questions. Join the Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) and the Commission for Women (CFW) for a conversation designed to provide straightforward, evidence-based guidance and peer support for navigating midlife health and wellness.

Hear from medical and wellness experts, participate in roundtable conversations and explore resource stations covering nutrition, exercise, gynecologic care and more.

October 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free and open to all. For more information and to register, visit: bit.ly/HoCo-OAIMidlife

Celebrate National Senior Center Month with at Dance Into Fall!Elkridge 50+ Center will host an early evening of music...
09/12/2026

Celebrate National Senior Center Month with at Dance Into Fall!

Elkridge 50+ Center will host an early evening of music, movement and community with classic hits, easygoing favorites and a festive autumn atmosphere. Whether you love to dance or prefer to sit back and enjoy the music, it’s a great way to welcome the season with friends and neighbors from . Light refreshments will be served!

September 17, 4–6 p.m.
Elkridge 50+ Center
Space is limited. Call 410-313-5192 to register.

September is National Su***de Prevention MonthSu***de affects all of us, and it’s an especially important concern in the...
09/11/2026

September is National Su***de Prevention Month

Su***de affects all of us, and it’s an especially important concern in the Veteran and military community. has a simple reminder for everyone:

Make the call. Send the text. Sit beside someone. Listen.

Don’t wait until someone you care about seems like they’re struggling. Make it a habit to reach out regularly, genuinely and without judgment. Sometimes, simply showing up can remind someone that they matter and don’t have to carry their burdens alone.

If you or someone you know needs support, call 988 and Press 1 or text 838255 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Confidential support is available 24/7.

Additional resources for Veterans and military families can be found at www.howardcountymd.gov/veterans-military-families

***dePreventionMonth

It’s engAGE Day!Today, is joining communities across Maryland in celebrating the simple power of connection. Share a m...
09/10/2026

It’s engAGE Day!

Today, is joining communities across Maryland in celebrating the simple power of connection. Share a meal, enjoy a conversation, grab a coffee or simply spend some time with an older adult in your life.

However you today, we’d love to see it! Share a photo of your engAGE Day activities in the comments and help us celebrate the connections happening throughout .

Because sometimes, the most meaningful thing you can share is simply your time.

What a great turnout for Aging with Confidence!Last week, about 80 members of our community joined The Office on Aging a...
09/09/2026

What a great turnout for Aging with Confidence!

Last week, about 80 members of our community joined The Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) at the Glenwood 50+ Center for an informative conversation about planning for a safe, confident and fulfilling future as we age.

The panel brought together local professionals who shared practical guidance on financial planning, estate planning, in-home care, wellness, housing, downsizing and community resources. During the panel and over lunch, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, gather information and connect with experts who can help them navigate life’s transitions.

We’re grateful to everyone who came out, participated and helped make Aging with Confidence such a success!

A special thank-you to our panelists John Dove, Melissa Paddy, Dan Shaw, Andrea Bendig, Donna Weaver, Ryan Burns, and of course ’s Dementia Care Coordinator, Kami Bennett, for sharing their time, knowledge and expertise with our community.

Let us know, , should we do this again?

Looking for a bargain? Come find your next treasure at the KASA Thrift Sale! ’s Bain 50+ Center is hosting the Korean Am...
09/08/2026

Looking for a bargain? Come find your next treasure at the KASA Thrift Sale!

’s Bain 50+ Center is hosting the Korean American Senior Association of Howard County (KASA) for their annual thrift sale on Sept. 16 from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Join friends and neighbors from to shop gently used clothing, jewelry, household items, handcrafts and more, all while supporting the Vivian Reid Fund. And come hungry! Food will also be available for purchase.

For more information, please call (410) 313-7213 or stop by the front desk at Bain.

Save the date: Sept. 10 is engAGE Day!Created by Baltimore County Government engAGE: A Day of Sharing Meals and Building...
09/04/2026

Save the date: Sept. 10 is engAGE Day!

Created by Baltimore County Government engAGE: A Day of Sharing Meals and Building Connections is bringing communities together across Maryland to help reduce social isolation among older adults.

The idea is simple. Invite an older adult to share a meal, enjoy some conversation and spend a little time together. Whether you meet for lunch, dine out or catch up over coffee, a simple invitation can make a world of difference.

is proud to join communities across Maryland in spreading the message that connection matters. Because sometimes, the most meaningful thing you can share is your time.

So, , who will you with on Sept. 10?

September parent workshops with Parenting comes with plenty of questions, and sometimes a little extra support can go a...
09/03/2026

September parent workshops with

Parenting comes with plenty of questions, and sometimes a little extra support can go a long way. This month’s Parent Pages highlights three FREE virtual workshops designed to help parents and caregivers navigate some of the everyday challenges of raising young children:

Parent’s Guide to Challenging Behaviors
Sept. 9, 7 p.m. | Virtual via Webex
Screen Time Struggles: Navigating Screen Time Challenges with Young Children
Sept. 14, 7 p.m. | Virtual via Webex
Sibling Rivalry
Sept. 30, 7 p.m. | Virtual via Webex

And that’s just the beginning! The current issue of Parent Pages has registration information for these workshops, plus more resources, tips and opportunities for parents and caregivers. View the current issue and register: bit.ly/HoCo-ParentPages

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9830 Patuxent Woods Drive
Columbia, MD
21046

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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