Blog | Caring Communities

1 week ago

Some of you know that on this day, December 17, 2017, our bookkeeper was sentenced to serve 18 months in the Carroll County Detention Center, only to actually serve 9 months for stealing over $389,00.00 from Caring Communities and Milestone Media Group for over 9 years. Judge Heckler said this was one of the most egregious case of embezzlement he had seen against a nonprofit in Carroll County. **Please beware business friends and entrepreneurs. This is more common than you think. We fired her in April 2015 and after a long investigation, indictment, trial and sentencing, she pleaded guilty of stealing almost $400,000.00 from us. We all knew it was really closer to $500,000.00 due to stealing also from the Expos, but she cooked the books so well that even the courts couldn't determine the real number. Of course, that crime had impacted us greatly, personally and financially! Imagine losing your home, savings and starting all of your businesses over at the age of 59. www.wmar2news.com/news/crime-checker/carroll-county-crime/almost-a-decade-of-deception-in-carroll...FROM A RECENT PRESS RELEASE: Caring Communities is Back and Stronger Than Ever!In 1998, Mona and Jay Freedman of Eldersburg, Maryland, founded Caring Communities, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to disability education and support for families in need of respite care. Over the years, Caring Communities has impacted tens of thousands of lives across Maryland, DC, and Virginia through its innovative programs, including its widely attended World of Possibilities Disabilities Expo and World of Possibilities Magazine (worldofpossibilities.org). But tragedy struck in 2015 when the Freedmans discovered that their trusted bookkeeper had embezzled nearly $500,000 over nine years, devastating both Caring Communities and their small for-profit business.Convicted in 2017, the individual’s betrayal nearly shuttered the doors of Caring Communities, forcing the Freedmans to sell their home to keep the organization afloat. Yet, thanks to their remarkable grit, faith, and dedication, Caring Communities not only survived but has flourished over the past decade. With expanded expos, a successful online Respite Registry and Training Program, and an engaging digital magazine, the Freedmans have turned heartbreak into hope.And now, the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, the Charm City Countdown New Year’s Eve Charity Gala (charmcitycountdown.com), is set to celebrate its 16th year! Known as Baltimore’s biggest all-inclusive New Year’s Eve event, the gala transforms the Hilton BWI into an immersive themed experience across 16 unique party zones, drawing in 1,000–1,500 guests each year. This event supports the vital work Caring Communities continues to do for the disability community, making it an inspiring story of resilience and hope – and an unforgettable party for a purpose.We would love to connect and share more about our journey and/or speak at business groups for FREE to help others. Our book explains more and includes our impact statement, see milestonemediagroupinc.com/a-snake-in-the-office/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Caring Communities

3 weeks ago

Your Giving Tuesday donation will help families of children with special needs...Do you, a loved one, or a friend care for a child with either a disability or special healthcare need? If so, you can understand the dedication, time, and sacrifices made by the caregiver. Please help Caring Communities increase the number of people who can be trained through our online respite care training programs in order to help families caring for children with disabilities or other special health care needs. We would like to establish a scholarship program for those interested in becoming a respite care provider. So many families live with overwhelming circumstances on a daily basis. Respite care, or relief care, is not a luxury when raising a child with special needs. It is a very real necessity. Disabilities are not always seen: Did you know that One in five (20%) kids living in the United States—more than 14.5 million children/youth total—have some sort of disability or special health care need. These Children and youth are a highly diverse group representing many conditions and identities — from physical limitations, cognitive disabilities, learning disabilities and mental and behavioral diagnoses to special health care needs. Often these young people contribute in positive ways to their families, schools, and communities and eventually, in adulthood, to society. At the same time, these children are also more likely to experience challenges socially, emotionally, academically, and in other areas. In turn, their parents or caregivers experience stress related to their family finances and caregiving duties.Those caring for them are desperately seeking a break. Caring for a child with any form of special needs can be a 24-hour-a-day job, with limited downtime to take care of family matters, catch a movie, or just relax on the sofa. Parents/caregivers desperately need a break to rest, relieve stress, and get re-energized. Respite care is something that many parents long for, but few ever get.What is respite and what are the benefits? Respite is a term that refers to a period of temporary relief or rest for individuals who provide care to others. It offers caregivers an opportunity to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities, allowing them to recharge and attend to their own needs or even just spend time with their other family members. Respite care plays a crucial role in supporting the well-being of both caregivers and care recipients. For caregivers, respite offers relief from the physical, emotional, and mental strains associated with caregiving. It provides an opportunity to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and maintain their own physical and mental health.Why Your Donation Matters on Giving Tuesday?This Giving Tuesday, let’s show the power of community and generosity. By supporting our Caring Communities respite care training programs, you are ensuring that children with disabilities and families who are in desperate need of respite care can have access to the qualified caregivers they need.How Can You Help?Giving Tuesday is your chance to be part of a global movement that creates real change. Here’s how you can support Caring Communities.Donate Today: Every contribution brings us closer to our $5,000 goal. Your gift, no matter the size, will directly benefit children and families in our community. Click here to donate today: www.zeffy.com/.../bb9cc617-a168-48d2-8090...Share Our Work: Spread the word on social media or with friends and family. Share this blog post or tell others why you support the family.Together, We Can Make a DifferenceHelp us reach our $5,000 goal and change the lives of local children and families in your community by donating today.DONATE NOW!Learn more about Caring Communities: caringcommunities.orgLearn more about our Respite Care Training Center: caring-communities.teachable.com/ Thanks in advance from the staff of Caring Communities! Mona, Jay, Sharon and Lori ... See MoreSee Less

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Caring Communities

3 weeks ago

Your Giving Tuesday donation will help families of children with special needs...Click on this link to donate: www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/bb9cc617-a168-48d2-8090-88f142c6076d ... See MoreSee Less

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Caring Communities

3 months ago

We are sooo excited to launch our World of Possibilities Magazine Our New Online Flip-Book Publication! Over 90 pages of shareable resources, lifestyle features, tips and stories for the disabilities community! ENJOY!! How To Use This Flip-Book• Click on the image below to view the online magazine• Click button on magazine cover to open in fullscreen view• Use < > Arrows to flip pages, or use mouse scroll• Navigation bar at bottom of magazine allows downloads, sharing, sound control, fullscreen, thumbnails• Click on an ad to visit website ... See MoreSee Less

World Of Possibilities Disabilities Magazine

online.fliphtml5.com

Lifestyle Features and Resources for the Disabilities Community. This is our original online magazine and it is a companion to our World Of Possibilities Disabilities Expos.

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Caring Communities

3 months ago

Exciting News! We are launching our new Disabilities Magazine this Week! ... See MoreSee Less

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