Office of Community and Family Development

 Adult Medical Day Care

   Residential Services

    Residential Services offer a wide variety of services for the homebound chronically ill or disabled population on the lower Eastern Shore.  Services include, but are not limited to, personal care such as daily grooming and medication monitoring, chores such as meal preparation and light housekeeping, and respite care offering supervision and medical assistance from a registered nurse.  Transportation and escort services are also available for those in need. 

The services are designed to delay or prevent the institutionalization of vulnerable populations by helping caregivers keep their loved ones at home.  Residential Services are offered in Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset Counties.

 Senior Citizen Services

  Wicomico County Senior Citizens Services provide supportive services that are designed to enhance independence and provide a means for the elderly to remain active and socially involved.  At the centers, seniors are given a chance to socialize by participating in recreational activities such as enrichment trips, arts & crafts, games, etc.  Health, nutrition, and wellness education programs are conducted weekly for those interested.  Transportation to and from SHORE UP! senior centers is provided.  Hot meals are served noon, daily at each center.  Home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) are offered to home-bound seniors.

 Housing and Community Development concentrates its efforts on improving the quality of life for low-income residents of Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties.  The need for safe, sanitary, and quality housing ranks high among the area's poverty problems.

Housing Development

Housing Development provides safe and affordable housing for residents in Somerset County.  The Loretta Village Complex in Princess Anne operates a total of 36 housing units.  The Loretta Village Multi-Family (515) houses 32 units, while Loretta Village for the Elderly (202) houses 20.  In 2003 Housing Development completed Loretta Village II (for the Elderly), adding 10 more units for low-income elderly resident in need.  Rent is based on 30% of an individual or family's income. 

Emergency Food Assistance

       For over 15 years, SHORE UP! has provided quarterly distributions of surplus government commodities to thousands of households on the lower Eastern Shore. Partnerships are in place with 30 area food pantries in Wicomico and Somerset counties.                           

  Emergency Services  

Funded entirely by donations, the Emergency Services program provides gap-filling services that could not be provided through state or federal grants. Services include rental and mortgage assistance, medical assistance, as well as food and clothing assistance. For the 2003 Thanksgiving holiday, 650 Food Baskets were distributed to area residents in need.  Baskets included non-perishable foods such as pasta, canned fruits and vegetables, as well as whole 25 lb. turkeys.  Perdue, Pepsi Co., and Standard Register provided food, beverages, and boxes.

Housing Counseling

   The Housing Counseling Program focuses on foreclosure prevention by providing post-ownership counseling and education to first-time home buyers to help them understand property and tenant management issues.

 Home Energy Program

   SHORE UP!'s Home Energy Program combines The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and the Electrical Universal Service Program (EUSP).  The Home Energy Program provides one-time home heating bill assistance for low-income residents during the winter months.  Benefit payments are made directly to heating fuel suppliers.

Self-Help Housing

Becoming a homeowner can be expensive, stressful, and may even seem impossible for low-income residents of the lower Eastern Shore. SHORE UP!’s Self-Help Housing Program makes homeownership easier and more affordable for those who want to own a home. By investing “sweat equity” and helping in the construction of their home, low-income families are able to own three and four bedroom homes for very low monthly mortgage payments and a savings of $10,000 per family.  In 2003, six families moved into new homes in Princess Anne, and an additional 5 will be completed in 2004.

Housing Preservation

A project that provides help to homeowners to improve their housing conditions through rehabilitation and home repairs.

 Weatherization         

   Weatherization provides attic and foundation insulation, window and door repairs, weather-stripping, pipe wrap and other energy conservation improvements that help poor families stay warm and save on their heating bills.

 Wicomico Family Support Center

The Wicomico Family Support Center was established to assist teen and young adult parents meet their needs.  The community based center provides a warm and informal environment for parents to set goals and pursue dreams.  The Family Center provides support with parenting skills and promotes the development of children birth to three years of age. Our goal is to strengthen the family.

The Family Support Center welcomes Wicomico County residents that are:

• Expectant Parents
• Mothers
• Fathers
• Legal Guardians

Of child(ren) birth to three years of age. The program helps families to be self-sufficient through adult education and support services.

WE'VE GOT IT ALL - All Services Free

• Computer Training
• Budgeting
• ABE/GED Preparation Classes
• Career Planning
• Counseling
• Parent/Child Activities
• Special Events
• Field Trips
• Cooking Experience
• Child Development Programs
• Health Assessments & Immunization
• Child Care While Parents Attend In-Center Programs & Services
• Transportation To & From the Center

COME TO THE FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER TO:

• Meet other participants
• Share good times and relax
• Make new friends
• Choose from a variety of programs

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