Our clients are the heart of our community. They are our friends, neighbors, family members, and the businesses we depend on. When one of us succeeds, we all do.
Inner County Outreach
A Contagious Force for Good
Lauded as one of Maryland’s best kept secrets, Inner County Outreach is Harford County’s oldest, Black-led, continuously operating nonprofit oganization. Founded as a faith-based community organization in 1986 by Dr. Pastor Nathaniel Johnson, ICO extends resources to local families in three categories—youth services, comprehensive basic needs, and mental health and wellness.
“Under our three divisions, we offer 14 programs for the benefit of the community,” says Natalie Johnson, the organization’s COO and daughter of Pastor Nate. “And as you can see, we are a family business.”
Johnson’s clever play on words points to ICO’s spotlight on children and families, but also to her own family’s deep involvement in the business of building community.
“My sisters and I grew up volunteering here and working at the summer camps. It still feels good to share our sense of family with those in our region who need it.”
One of ICO’s newest family-focused initiatives to take root is Project S.E.E.K., a first-of-its kind program that serves children with an incarcerated parent.
“Through case management, home visits, and access to support groups, counseling, and more, we help kids at their most vulnerable understand that there should always be an expectation of respect in any relationship they form, be it with a parent, teacher, friend, or any acquaintance they make,” says Johnson.
“And we live by that ourselves, too. We expect consideration and respect from each other, those we serve, and those we do business with. It’s why we so deeply value our relationships with partners like Harford Bank.”
Johnson says she connected with Harford Bank in 2018, shortly after her transition to Chief Operating Officer.
“After accepting the role at ICO four years ago, I began assessing our community partnerships to ensure we were prepared for the next forty years of service to others. After multiple meetings with Harford Bank, I began to better understand the importance of community banking and how an engaged partner could assist our thriving nonprofit.”
Harford Bank employees had been attending ICO’s annual gala for years and making periodic contributions to the Inner County Outreach After School Program, which is an initiative aimed at providing a safe, stimulating, and healthy environment for school-aged children. The program provides a holistic approach to after-school care, focusing not only on academic development, but also on social and emotional growth.
“That really stood out,” says Johnson. “With our operating budget growing year over year, I felt we should have a banking partner who could more nimbly and attentively meet our needs. Harford Bank pays attention and they are proactive about what they can do to help us meet our goals. We’re growing, and it’s wonderful to trust that our banking institution can not only keep pace, but also genuinely wants to see us succeed.”
In its 37-year history, ICO has provided millions in charitable assistance to more than 25,000 families. Now, Johnson says she is excited to advance the mission even further.
“We’re eager to find more ways for people to use the force of intergenerational connections to meet community needs and fill in service gaps. We love finding new opportunities to help people—those already in the ICO family, and those we have yet to meet.