Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services

08/19/2026

Join Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) this Saturday, August 22 for the return of our Fall “Pre-Loved Event.” Stop by our offices at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia anytime between 9 a.m. and noon to browse an array of gently­-used items, such as toys, books, kids and baby items, clothes for all sizes and ages, and more to take home FREE. Items are available on a first come, first served basis.

Bags will be available, but please bring your own if possible. This is a walk-in event, so no pre-registration or ID is required to attend. Questions? Contact Lee Jones at 410-313-0243 (voice/relay) or email [email protected].

08/18/2026

Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services' Office of the Local Children’s Board hosted an AmeriCorps VISTA intern at the Homewood Center to lead a youth focus group as part of our STAND (Stepping Towards A New Destiny) summer program. In partnership with MOST, Maryland Out of School Time Network, OLCB hosted middle and high school students who explored workforce development opportunities, prepared for future careers, and earned a stipend while building valuable skills.

Participants appreciated having a safe, engaging place to spend their summer, stay active and build relationships. The discussion highlighted the challenges some youth face to access programs, offering valuable feedback to inform future programming and strengthen program quality. Thank you to MOST for helping us give young people a voice in building stronger, more responsive out of school time programs.

08/17/2026

Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services' Office of the Local Children's Board (OLCB) has been out and about this summer, sharing vital resources at community events. On August 1, OLCB held its Unity in the Community Resource Fair at the Long Reach Village Center.

Thank you to all the community members, partners, vendors, volunteers, and staff - including from our Office of Children and Families, pictured - who joined us and helped make the event a success. View event photos at: https://boothpics.com/N7LA

08/14/2026

Help your children learn to make friends!

Building friendship skills starts at home. Join for a virtual parent workshop on August 26 at 7 p.m. to help you teach your kids how to share, take turns, communicate, be kind, solve conflicts and build empathy. Leave with tips to support your child's social confidence at home, school and in the community. FREE. Register at https://bit.ly/OCF-MakeFriends

08/13/2026

UPDATE! Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services' Ellicott City 50+ Center will reopen tomorrow, August 13 during regular hours. Call 410-313-7777 for status updates,

08/12/2026

ALERT: Due to a downed tree on Frederick Road, Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services' Ellicott City 50+ Center is currently without power and closed to the public until further notice. Call 410-313-7777 for status updates.

08/12/2026

Are you taking care of another adult and in need of resources and support? Join for "Resources and Care Connections" at The Loan Closet on Tuesday, August 25, from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

The caregiver support program meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month. Join us to share your experiences and learn about caregiver education and support from the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services and its offices.

For more information or to register, please contact Kim Flash at 410-313-3668 or [email protected].

08/11/2026

Human trafficking is often hidden—but it can happen in any community. Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services and our Office of Human Trafficking Prevention want residents to know that community awareness is key to prevention.

That's why offers FREE trainings to help you recognize the signs and respond safely.

To request a training for your workplace, faith group or community organization, visit bit.ly/DCRSRequest or email [email protected].

08/11/2026

Today is Senior Day at the Howard County Fair, with free admission for everyone age 62+. Join Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services in the 4-H Building today from 10 to 3 to explore information and activities for healthy aging. # HoCo Community

Join us at Senior Day at the Howard County Fair!

On Senior Day, Tuesday, August 11, adults age 62+ receive free all-day admission to the fair, with special activities in the 4-H Building from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services' (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence and Office of Disability Services will offer FREE onsite interactive activities and giveaways. Stop by to see us!

08/10/2026

Tonight at 7 - get help to handle your family's transition to Fall!

Are you ready to resume your family's busy schedule this Fall? Do you feel like you are doing all the thinking, planning, coordination and lists to handle the transition? can help.

Join us tonight at 7 p.m. for Lifting the Invisible Mental Load: Tools for Sharing the Work at Home, a virtual workshop to explore strategies which can help you share the workload and reduce stress. Register now at https://bit.ly/OCF-SharetheFamilyWorkload.