About LARS
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Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services, Inc. (LARS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving homeless and low-income families and individuals in Central Maryland. Our service area includes parts of Prince George's, Howard and Anne Arundel Counties.

LARS was founded in 1987 by a group of local congregation leaders and community members who sought a consolidated approach to responding to those who came to their doors for food and financial help. Today LARS boasts a team of certified case managers, social workers, nonprofit professionals and volunteers to support our neighbors who need compassion, kindness and care. Daily we strive to enable homeless and low-income people to achieve stability and long-term self-sufficiency.

Independent Charities of America

Charities certified as "Best In America" must provide evidence of their program activities and demonstrate the scope, range, and benefit of their services. Promotional and fundraising materials must be honest, accurate, and non-deceptive, and charities are required to be fully IRS-compliant. Of the 1,000,000+ charities operating in the United States today fewer than 2,500 have been awarded this seal.
GuideStar Platinum Participant
LARS is proud to be a GuideStar Platinum participant. Platinum lets us show quantitative metrics on the progress we’re making toward our mission. Check out our Nonprofit Profile. We have taken this extra step to show our commitment to transparency and to give donors and funders an easy way to evaluate us.

Catalogue for Philanthropy ​Greater Washington

After a careful vetting process, the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington has selected LARS to be part of the Class of 2021-2022. LARS has undergone an extensive review process, and has met the Catalogue’s high standards. Potential donors can be confident that the nonprofits in the Catalogue are worthy of their support.
Partners For Wellness
​LARS was selected to receive the Capital Area Food Bank’s Partners for Wellness designation as part of an initiative to promote healthier food options to DMV area families in need! Out of 444 CAFB partnering pantries, only 29 received this special designation. LARS is excited to be part of this commitment to ensure that our clients are receiving proper nutrition!