Inside SARC with Allison Heiderman: Free Help, Real Healing
Manage episode 509094126 series 2968201
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)
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Chapters
1. Rich’s 10-Year Show Milestone (00:00:00)
2. Meet Allison Heiderman & SARC’s Mission (00:02:10)
3. All Services Are Free + Counseling & Legal Aid (00:04:34)
4. 24/7 Helpline & Web Chat; Safety “Leave Site” Button (sarc-maryland.org) (00:05:21)
5. Creative Client Support: The Driver’s Ed Story (00:08:34)
6. Pantry & Partners: Clothing, Furnishings, Local Orgs (00:09:46)
7. Inside the Safehouse: 40 Beds, Spaces & Dignity (00:13:10)
8. [Ad] PodMatch (00:14:34)
9. (Cont.) Inside the Safehouse: 40 Beds, Spaces & Dignity (00:15:12)
10. Meditation Room, Art Therapy & Trauma-Informed Care (00:16:51)
11. Biggest Myths About Abuse (00:17:37)
12. Pet Kennel: Bringing Animals to Safety (00:18:26)
13. Abuser Intervention Program (paid) (00:19:42)
14. Awareness Months: Oct, Apr, Feb (00:20:09)
15. Request a Speaker; Trainings (e.g., Hair Salons) (00:21:18)
16. Sponsor Break: Your Pet Au Pair (00:22:59)
17. Events Overview & Why Outreach Matters (00:24:15)
18. Walk a Mile in Their Shoes (April) (00:25:47)
19. Bull/Oyster/Shrimp Roast @ Water’s Edge (May) (00:27:59)
20. Paws for a Cause: Harford Pets on Parade (June) (00:29:17)
21. Bubbles, Bourbon & Barrels @ Rockfield (Oct) (00:31:53)
22. “Pour It Forward” Team Fundraising Campaign (00:34:07)
23. Holiday Projects: Thanksgiving Bags & Adopt-a-Family (00:36:16)
24. How to Connect with SARC (site, helpline, socials) (00:40:00)
25. Fun Closer: Pick a Number; Why Volunteering Matters (00:40:42)
26. Wrap & Credits (00:45:16)
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