Gatekeepers

Citizens meeting returning citizens every Saturday morning at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 🧡🧡🧡

🌟 Great news for returning citizens! 🌟

There's a new law, HB 161/SB 277, that's all about making it easier for returning citizens to get back on their feet after incarceration. Starting October 1, 2024, if you've been released from a correctional facility within the last 60 days, you could be eligible to get your identification card - for FREE! 🎉

Here’s why this is important for a reentry plan:

🆔 Get Your ID: Having a valid ID is important for finding a job, opening a bank account, and accessing services. This law helps remove the financial barrier that can make it tough to get your ID right away.

📜 Easy Application Process: If you can show the right paperwork, like proof of your release, you won't have to pay the fee when you apply for your ID at the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

🤝 Support for Your Journey: This law supports your reintegration by helping you to quickly establish your identity in the community so that you can access opportunities and resources more easily.

📅 Mark the Date: Remember, this new rule kicks in on October 1, 2024, so be sure to prepare your documents ahead of time.

Feel free to share this post so we can spread the word! Together, let’s empower each other on the path to a fresh start! 💪✨

Gatekeepers is dedicated to the ongoing development of its Next Steps Program, a targeted initiative designed to empower returned citizens who have successfully transitioned beyond their basic needs. The program centers around Personal Development and goal setting, drawing inspiration from the foundational principles of the Business of Living Program.

Focusing on key aspects of life – Occupational, Educational, Personal, and Spiritual – the Next Steps Program equips participants with the tools and support needed to advance in these crucial areas. By fostering growth and skill development across these domains, participants are encouraged to progress from their status as returning citizens to actively contributing members of society.

Currently meeting biweekly, the program aims to expand its reach by offering multiple classes each week, amplifying its impact within the reentry community.

Gatekeepers is committed to providing a supportive and empowering environment where individuals can thrive and realize their full potential as they navigate their journey towards successful reintegration.

Thank you to all who attended and contributed to making the First Annual Trinity Lutheran Church Community Cookout a memorable success. Your presence and participation made the day truly special, and we are grateful for each and every one of you. It was a joy to welcome around 175 guests to our cookout, where strangers quickly became friends and friends became family, fostering a wonderful sense of camaraderie. Here's to more gatherings filled with good food, great company and lasting memories.

Cheers to the Gatekeepers family!!

Special Shoutouts!

Celebrate Recovery for grilling up a storm and welcoming everyone as they entered!

Lasting Change girls for serving the food and providing incredible service!

TruNorth for bringing the mouthwatering toppings that took the burgers to the next level!

Hub City Vineyard for supplying the grills and the canopy tents!

Ladders to Leaders for bringing the essentials to the table with the condiments, plates and plasticware!

81 Records for providing the music and videography!

Peter and Jerry for crafting up the baked beans and coleslaw!

Anddd…

A heartfelt thank you to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church for graciously hosting us at their venue! Your hospitality and support made the day unforgettable.

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Never fear, our Newsblast is here and our lead photographer is on it with our pet of the week!

Each week we send an email to over 1,100 subscribers with resources, news, updates, events, and more. We also feature personal success stories, hobbies and pets.

Be sure to subscribe, stay informed, and send us your news to share!

[email protected]

Amazing work, Ladders to Leaders!

Join Our Team as an Addictions Counselor!

About Us:
Lasting Change has been a beacon of hope and support in the community for over 36 years, dedicated to empowering women in the early stages of recovery from substance abuse. We are passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives and fostering a nurturing environment for both our clients and our staff!

Why Work With Us?

• Highly Competitive Salary – Your hard work deserves great pay!
• Excellent Health Insurance – Covering 90% of the cost, ensuring you and your family are well taken care of.
• 401k Plan – Secure your future with our robust retirement plan.
• Short-Term Disability – We’ve got you covered when you need it most.
• Life Insurance – Peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
• $2,500 Sign-On Bonus – A warm welcome to our team with a generous bonus!

Requirements: A minimum of an ADT (Alcohol and Drug Trainee) status is required.

How to Apply:
Email your resume to Kylie Johnson at [email protected]

Make a Lasting Impact!
Be part of a dynamic and compassionate team that transforms lives. At Lasting Change, you’ll find more than just a job – you’ll find a purpose.

Apply today and start making a difference!

Location: Hagerstown, MD

Keep going....

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Meet the man behind the revival of Hagerstown's Robert W. Johnson Community Center E.J. Fuller found his calling during his time with the Boys & Girls Club. Now, he's overseeing the rebuilding of a key Hagerstown community center.

Dominique was first referred to Gatekeepers from the Hagerstown Police Department. He persevered through many challenges and found his path to recovery.

Dom has been working all aspects of his Business of Living. Hired by Wright, he advanced in the company, obtaining a vehicle and a crew, and met his now fiancée, Maggie. Together, they welcomed a baby boy named Marcellus.

Dom is now excelling in the fiber optics industry working at Celtic Cable Construction LLC in Ohio and thrives in all aspects of life’s journey.

Congratulations! And welcome Marcellus!!

"Who are you?" - Maylon Campher

That's it. That's the message.

It truly is a blessing to be a blessing.

We understand that our organization may not be able to meet the needs of everyone in need in our community. It's important to support, coordinate, and collaborate with community providers and do our part to uplift citizens.

If you are looking for a way to give back and/or volunteer please reach out to It's A Blessing to be A Blessing and get involved!

This week at Resource Club we celebrated Kevin Miller who reached his two year sobriety mark.

Kevin remains a part of the Gatekeepers family and is continually working in all four areas of his Business of Living. He has built a strong network and is taking courses at Hagerstown Community College to further his educational career.

Kevin has used the Business of Living plan to run a model recovery for his life. Please help us congratulate Kevin on this significant milestone.

Every. Saturday. Morning.


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Washington County NAACP is offering FREE rides to Early Voting tomorrow, May 9 or Primary Election Day Tuesday, May 14.

Don't let transportation be a barrier to casting your vote!

"You've got to get smaller in order to get bigger." - Bill Gaertner

Washington County is home to many wonderful resources. At times, it can be confusing to determine what organizations serve who and how they do so.

Gatekeepers mission is to motivate, encourage and empower returning citizens. We do so by meeting them behind, at and outside of the "gate".

Check out this short film that shows what the first minutes of freedom are like and why we do what we do.

First Days of Freedom Sept 2023

Meet Harper. Your Friendly Neighborhood Sheepadoodle. 😊

Such an amazing community we have. 🫶

Rena put on her orange cape and represented the Gatekeepers family today at Hub City Vineyard!

Also shout out to Brother Alva Moses, he's been hanging out behind the scenes capturing these beautiful moments for us.📸

Thank you both! 🧡🧡🧡

Let's gooo!! 🧡🧡🧡

Hub City Vineyard has been a beacon of hope and a shining example of what it means to be a good neighbor. Their selflessness and dedication to the well-being of the Gatekeepers village is truly inspiring.

Thank you for all that you do. 🧡🧡🧡

Please join us in congratulating Bryan for securing his job at Conservit, Inc.

After being released, Bryan came to us to build his Business of Living plan. He's worked diligently to establish his foundation by utilizing our computer workstations, building rapport with staff and community partners. This has set him on a path for sustainable development as a returned citizen!

Congratulations Bryan! 🎊

Gatekeepers had a blast at this event!

We spoke to employers to discuss Fair Chance Employment opportunities for our returning citizens. We are excited to report that many businesses are willing to consider applications with impacted backgrounds.

Be sure to utilize our community's resources and speak with people to build your Business of Living posse!

Thank you to Jeff Hull from Cherry Run Christmas Tree Farm and BJs Custom Creations for the opportunity!!

Check out the latest Gatekeepers news on The Weekly Blast!!
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Please join us this Saturday 1/26 for Resource Club as we welcome Middletown Valley Bank for more information on financial planning!

Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall,
15 Randolph Ave., Hagerstown
Breakfast served at 9:30am
Meeting begins at 10:00am

Each week we average 80 people at Resource Club - come see what the buzz is all about!