Bester Community Of Hope

05/21/2026

Big news! The Bridge Project, currently available in 12 states and supporting more than 3,900 mothers across the United States with essential benefits, is for a short time now reviewing applications for expectant mothers in the South End!

We are working through ENOUGH sub grantee Child Care Choices to maximize access and help with filling out applications to this innovative and unique resource for families over the next two weeks, and we have a goal of completing 75 applications for South End families, help us spread the word! A very special thanks to our partners at Meritus Health for their critical support.

Application criteria are very specific for expectant mothers at 27 weeks or less (with priority for 20-27 weeks) in zip code 21740. See the attached flyer for key details,

Ula Slider
Child Care Choices
240-609-7004
[email protected]

Spanish speaking applicants
Jane Powell - AACF
240-850-8971
Email - [email protected]

Once applications are submitted, Bridge Project will notify candidates directly and manage all services and benefits. Learn more about Bridge Project at https://www.bridgeproject.org/apply

Maryland Governor’s Office For Children

05/21/2026

Check out this opportunity from our friends at the Hagerstown Home Store: Neighborhood Development Partnership, INC

Join us for this weekend's First Time Home Buyer workshop on Saturday 5/23/2026 at 9 am. We will have an experienced lender, real estate agent, and home inspector here to teach you all of the first steps to buying your new home

05/21/2026

Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your experience. This survey is anonymous and confidential, your answers will not be connected to your name or household. The information will be used to better understand the needs of children and families in Washington County, so local organizations and....

05/18/2026

Last week we celebrated the students who successfully completed this year’s Cash N’ Dreams financial literacy program by hosting a special graduation ceremony to recognize their commitment, growth, and hard work throughout the last 6 months.

During the celebration, each of the program facilitators shared their favorite memories, reflected on the progress they’ve seen in this year’s cohort, and offered words of encouragement as students continue working toward their goals.

Congratulations again to the 2025-2026 Cash N’ Dreams graduates. Your future is bright, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish!

Cash N’ Dreams is proudly supported by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Washington County Public Schools, First United Bank & Trust, F&M Trust, Hagerstown Community College and Maryland Governor’s Office For Children .

05/13/2026

Last week we celebrated the final session of our financial literacy program, Cash N’ Dreams, and it was a great way to bring the last six months of work full circle for this year’s cohort.

During this session, students participated in an overall recap of the financial topics covered throughout the program, reflecting on what they’ve learned about budgeting, saving, managing money wisely, and planning for their future.

Each student also had the opportunity to share their individual “asks” which include items or supports they identified as needing help with in order to move closer to their personal goals and dreams. Each student had the opportunity to present what they need and explain how it connects to their future plans, showing just how much thought and effort they’ve put into building a better path forward.

Cash N’ Dreams is proudly supported by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Washington County Public Schools, First United Bank & Trust, F&M Trust, Hagerstown Community College and Maryland Governor’s Office For Children .

05/11/2026

This past Friday we were honored to host a bipartisan team of leaders from government, private sector and philanthropy to discuss the ENOUGH initiative at St. John's Hagerstown, reflecting on the recent opening of the The Children’s Learning and Empowerment Center of Hagerstown and reviewing the comprehensive strategies being deployed across the South End of the City of Hagerstown. Tomorrow is Here! Maryland Department of Human Services Maryland Governor’s Office For Children Purpose Built Communities Bainum Family Foundation

05/08/2026

We were honored to attend the Purpose Built Communuties® National Conference, “Prosperity Starts With Place,” alongside incredible partners from across our community. Together with the City of Hagerstown, the Hagerstown Housing Authority, and the Hagerstown Home Store: Neighborhood Development Partnership, INC, we joined leaders from around the country to learn, collaborate, and explore innovative strategies for strengthening neighborhoods and creating pathways to opportunity for all families.

This conference reinforced something we deeply believe here in Hagerstown... transformation happens when communities come together with a shared vision, strong partnerships, and a commitment to investing in people and place. We are grateful for the opportunity to bring ideas, inspiration, and renewed energy back to our community as we continue working toward a brighter future for our neighborhoods and families.
Maryland Governor’s Office For Children Enterprise Community Partners

05/02/2026

It's our last sunset as tenants on Mill Street after 11 years, but have no fear, we're still South End forever! Thanks to all who helped us move today, sunrise Monday starts the next chapter of this amazing story. Maryland Governor’s Office For Children Maryland Department of Human Services

04/29/2026

📣 We Are Moving!📣

We are excited to share that our office will be moving to a new location starting May 1st!

You can now find us at:
319 E. Antietam St., Hagerstown, MD 21740
*Located on the 2nd floor of the Children’s Doctor

While our address is changing, our commitment to serving the South End community remains the same. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our new space.

If you have any questions or need help finding us, please reach out at 240-513-6370 or [email protected].

04/28/2026

We had the opportunity to sponsor two local community leaders from South Hagerstown High School and The Greater Hagerstown Committee to attend the Partners for Rural Impact 2026 Rural Summit, representing the South End and deepening their capacity to advance place-based, community-driven work.

The summit brought together educators, community leaders, and partners from across the country, all focused on improving outcomes for children and families. Throughout the conference, they engaged in sessions on strategy, collaboration, and long-term planning while building connections with many others doing similar work.

They returned with new ideas, stronger connections, and renewed energy to keep this work moving forward. We are grateful to invest in opportunities like this that help strengthen and sustain the progress happening in the South End.