Worcester County GOLD (Giving Other Lives Dignity) improves the quality of life for Worcester County residents by providing emergency financial assistance and items to meet basic needs.
GOLD’s Emergency Financial Assistance Program is the organization’s main function and embodies our mission. This program is perfectly positioned to address Worcester County residents’ most urgent needs like housing, utilities, food, clothing, transportation, healthcare, employment, and other basic needs. With only two employees and 150 agents from twelve agencies, GOLD can have a large impact while keeping administrative costs low.
Along with financial assistance, GOLD’s VAULT (Vast Amounts of Useful Little Things) is a room in our office where we store basic needs items like diapers, wipes, formula, car seats, clothing, hygiene items, household products, and food for immediate access to those we serve.
GOLD also offers four special programs:
Summer Activities for At-Risk Youth – scholarships for children to attend summer camps.
School Supplies for Students – backpacks filled with school supplies for local students.
Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution – frozen turkeys and bags of sides for food-insecure households.
Helping Hands for the Holidays – holiday gifts for children and vulnerable adults.
GOLD’s current community partners include the Worcester County Department of Social Services, Worcester County Health Department, Maryland Access Point, Worcester County Board of Education, Go-Getters, Worcester Navigation, Diakonia, Open Arms Hearts Health Services, Worcester County Office of the State’s Attorney, Maryland Coalition of Families, Chesapeake Health Care, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Employees with these partnering organizations act as agents to ensure that each individual’s financial situation and needs are expertly assessed.
All requests for emergency assistance come directly from trained social workers at these agencies through our online database referral system, ensuring that clients are fully vetted and referred to the best-suited resources for assistance. GOLD provides immediate aid, and the referring agency works to provide the resources and programs required to ensure the client can prevent future emergencies.
