Inside SARC with Allison Heiderman: Free Help, Real Healing

Conversations with Rich Bennett

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Allison Heiderman, Volunteer & Events Coordinator at SARC (Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center), joins Rich to unpack the full scope of SARC’s free services—24/7 helpline, counseling for adults and children, legal aid, a 40-bed confidential safehouse, and even an on-site pet kennel. They also cover community partnerships, volunteer pathways, and signature fundraisers like Walk a Mile in Their Shoes, Paws for a Cause, and Bubbles, Bourbon & Barrels. It’s a practical guide to getting and giving help in Harford County.

Sponsored by Your Pet AuPair

Guest Bio:

Allison Heiderman is the Volunteer & Events Coordinator at SARC, Harford County’s nonprofit serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. With a long background in advocacy, fundraising, and community outreach, Allison mobilizes volunteers, builds partnerships, and leads SARC’s high-impact events that raise awareness and critical funding for survivor services.

Main Topics:

· What SARC is and whom it serves; all services are free to clients

· 24/7/365 helpline and web chat options; safety “leave site” feature

· Counseling (adults & children), legal services, and client services

· 40-bed confidential safehouse: kitchen, kids’ play space, gym, art room, meditation room, faith texts

· On-site pet kennel so survivors don’t have to leave animals behind

· Partnerships for clothing/furnishings and creative client support (e.g., driver’s ed grant)

· Abuser Intervention Program (only paid service)

· Annual awareness months: October (DVAM), April (SAAM), February (Teen Dating Violence)

· Outreach & trainings for salons, churches, offices; request-a-speaker

· Fundraising events: Walk a Mile in Their Shoes (April), Bull/Oyster/Shrimp Roast (May), Paws for a Cause (June), Bubbles, Bourbon & Barrels (October)

· Holiday Projects: Thanksgiving meal bags + Adopt-a-Family gift program

Resources mentioned:

Send us a text

https://harfordcountyhealth.com

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Chapters

1. Rich’s 10-Year Show Milestone (00:00:00)

2. Meet Allison Heiderman & SARC’s Mission (00:01:00)

3. All Services Are Free + Counseling & Legal Aid (00:03:24)

4. 24/7 Helpline & Web Chat; Safety “Leave Site” Button (sarc-maryland.org) (00:04:11)

5. Creative Client Support: The Driver’s Ed Story (00:07:24)

6. Pantry & Partners: Clothing, Furnishings, Local Orgs (00:08:36)

7. Inside the Safehouse: 40 Beds, Spaces & Dignity (00:12:00)

8. Meditation Room, Art Therapy & Trauma-Informed Care (00:15:04)

9. Biggest Myths About Abuse (00:15:50)

10. Pet Kennel: Bringing Animals to Safety (00:16:39)

11. Abuser Intervention Program (paid) (00:17:55)

12. Awareness Months: Oct, Apr, Feb (00:18:22)

13. Request a Speaker; Trainings (e.g., Hair Salons) (00:19:31)

14. Sponsor Break: Your Pet Au Pair (00:21:12)

15. Events Overview & Why Outreach Matters (00:22:28)

16. Walk a Mile in Their Shoes (April) (00:24:00)

17. Bull/Oyster/Shrimp Roast @ Water’s Edge (May) (00:26:12)

18. Paws for a Cause: Harford Pets on Parade (June) (00:27:30)

19. Bubbles, Bourbon & Barrels @ Rockfield (Oct) (00:30:06)

20. “Pour It Forward” Team Fundraising Campaign (00:32:20)

21. Holiday Projects: Thanksgiving Bags & Adopt-a-Family (00:34:29)

22. How to Connect with SARC (site, helpline, socials) (00:38:13)

23. Fun Closer: Pick a Number; Why Volunteering Matters (00:38:55)

24. Wrap & Credits (00:43:29)

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