Worcester County G.O.L.D.'s
History
In November
of 1996, Worcester County Family Services Inc.
was formed to promote the welfare of children, families
in crisis and adults in Worcester County
Maryland. A Needs Assessment, prepared by The
Worcester County Department of Social Services,
determined a gap in emergency services for the
citizens of Worcester County, especially since
most Lower Shore funding was dispersed through
Salisbury's regional organizations. It was
felt that a county-wide effort was needed to be
in place to provide a better safety net for
local citizens with emergency needs.
The original
founders and Board of Directors included Raymond
R. Jarvis, III, Paula M. Erdie and Richard M.
Stegmaier. Articles of Incorporation were
submitted and approved by the State of Maryland
in May of 1997. After having a "new
name contest", Worcester County Family
Services, Inc. changed its name to Worcester
County G.O.L.D. (Giving Other Lives
Dignity), Inc., and upon completing the
IRS application and changing the official name,
G.O.L.D. was granted non-profit status (501C-3)
by the IRS in July of 1997.
In G.O.L.D.'s
first year, special projects were developed to
help provide school supplies, a free child care
room, holiday assistance, spring baskets, senior
birthday cakes and supplies for foster care
children. Community appeal letters
requested local donations. G.O.L.D. began to
build an emergency fund called the Rainbow
Fund.
Since 1997,
G.O.L.D. has more than tripled its service opportunities
for all of the original special projects as well
as for the Baby
& Adult Basic Care Pantries, camp
scholarships,
Foster Care Fund, Rainbow
Emergency Fund,
Principals' Fund,
MAP/ACCESS Fund for
vulnerable adults and the Child Advocacy
Center.
G.O.L.D. owes a debt of
gratitude to the volunteer Board of Directors
and to the Department of Social
Services, which provides an office and essential
supplies; to community donations for program
expenses and to the Lower Shore Private Industry
Council which manages the grant providing
salary.
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