Inside SARC with Allison Heiderman: Free Help, Real Healing

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: ·         SARC (Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center) – Website: sarc-maryland.org | 24/7 Helpline: 410-836-8430 | Social links on website; “Leave Site” safety button; limited chat availability. ·         Partner orgs & locations referenced: Tabitha’s House, Kid to Kid, Fresh Start Furnishings (Aberdeen), Harford County Community Action Agency, Harford Family House, Anne’s House, Rockfield Foundation/Manor, Bel Air Liquors, Crossroads Bistro, Looney’s Bel Air, Crabby Axe Throwing (Downtown Bel Air), Das Bierhalle (Bel Air), Concord Point Park (Havre de Grace), Water’s Edge (Bull Roast venue). ·         Episode Sponsor: Your Pet AuPair·         Supporter: Real Life Prosthetics·         Supporter: Full Circle Boards·         Supporter: Sincerely Sawyer Photography Send us Fan MailYour Pet AuPairAt Sits & Wiggles, we don’t just care for pets. We care for your pet, exactly the way they like it.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & 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 | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email