Coming Full Circle in Howard County

Before she was helping create opportunities for young people in Howard County as a volunteer with OhanaHC, Taylor Ellerbe was one of the young people shaped by them.

Growing up in Columbia, youth programs gave Taylor the confidence to lead, the chance to build meaningful relationships, and a deeper sense of connection to her community.

“Those experiences had a lasting impact on who I am today, and I’ve always wanted to find meaningful ways to give back,” Taylor explained.

Years later, OhanaHC gave her a way to help create that same kind of experience for someone else.

She knew firsthand what can happen when young people have opportunities to grow and adults willing to invest in them. So, when she learned about OhanaHC and its commitment to surrounding Howard County youth with mentors and community, the connection felt natural.

Today, Taylor serves as Co-Chair of OhanaHC’s Marketing Committee, using her professional skills to help strengthen the organization behind the scenes.

One project has been especially meaningful: helping lead the launch of OhanaHC’s new logo and broader brand redesign. The work went beyond creating a new look. It was an opportunity to better capture the spirit of a growing community built around young people and the people who show up for them.

“It was exciting to be involved in a project that not only refreshed the organization’s visual identity but also better reflected who we are and the impact we strive to make in our community.”

For Taylor, volunteering is also a way to stay connected to the place that helped shape her. Through OhanaHC, she has met others who share her commitment to Howard County and to creating more opportunities for young people.

And she wants to keep getting closer to the heart of the work. This year, she hopes to attend more OhanaHC events and spend more time alongside the mentors and students who bring the mission to life.

Her advice for someone wondering whether they have something to contribute is simple:

Go for it! You never know how much of an impact you can have simply by showing up.

Taylor Ellerbe, Co-Chair of the Marketing Committee

For Taylor, showing up looks a little different than it did when she was young. But the idea behind it is much the same: community shapes people, and those people have the opportunity to strengthen the community in return.