Conversations with Rich Bennett 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.
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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
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