A 501(c)(3) youth mentoring nonprofit · Howard County, MD 501(c)(3) · Howard County, MD
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OhanaHC students in purple shirts with their program leaders outside a lodge during a summer program.

The people of OhanaHC, in their own words

Meet the people who are the heart of OhanaHC, and experience their moments, big and small, that made a lasting impact.

In Our Words

Latest from the community

Showing 9 of 38 stories, page 2 of 5

  • An OhanaHC student playing giant checkers with two adults at the 2026 year end celebration

    Story Mentoring

    How Do You Build Trust With a Teen?

    Trust with a teen grows through listening, consistency, and time. Learn practical ways mentors can build a strong relationship without having all the answers.

  • Michael B., a Hammond High School graduate ready for Kutztown University, in his cap, gown and cords holding his diploma.

    Story Student spotlights

    Michael B.

    When Michael joined OhanaHC as a junior at Hammond High School, he wasn’t sure yet what life after high school would look like. Over time, that space became more.

  • Amy at her Hammond High School graduation in her maroon cap and gown

    Story Student spotlights

    Amy Garcia-Hernandez

    Amy has been part of OhanaHC since her freshman year at Hammond High School.

  • Nicole Batts Brown, an OhanaHC mentor

    Story Mentoring

    Mentoring Gives Back, Too

    After 34 years in education, Nicole Batts Brown already knew the difference a caring adult can make in a young person’s life.

  • Taylor Ellerbe, an OhanaHC volunteer, smiling

    Story Community stories

    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.

  • An OhanaHC student smiling in a classroom as she talks about seeing the good in people Video

    Video Student spotlights

    Investing in What People Can Become

    OhanaHC is built on a simple belief: when you invest in people, you give them more room to grow.

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Impact

OhanaHC in FY2026

  • 67+ young people served in FY2026
  • 192+ mentors and volunteers
  • 8,000+ mentoring and volunteer hours

Impact

The outcomes funders ask about. 85% of parents noticed positive change, 94% of students report a trusted adult, and 80% of students report a stronger sense of belonging.

See our impact

Annual Report

A full year of the work, published as a web page you can read on any device, with the PDF there too for anyone who wants it.

Read the annual report