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)
· Holiday Projects: Thanksgiving meal bags + Adopt-a-Family gift program
Resources mentioned:
https://harfordcountyhealth.com
Your Pet AuPairDoing It for the Sits & Wiggles! At Your Pet AuPair our mission is to give your pets the same
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Support the show
Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts
Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:
Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett
Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook
Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett
Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett
TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok
Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:
Hosted on Buzzsprout
SquadCast
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)
753 episodes

 
 
 
