WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

COMMUNITY SERVICES

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS


COMMISSION ON AGING

The Commission on Aging is the local area agency designated by Worcester County to administer State and federal funds for local senior citizen programs. These programs cover advocacy services, health education, housing, information and referral, in-home services, and nutrition (Code Human Services Article, secs. 10-201 through 10-214).

Four senior centers are operated by the Commission at Berlin, Ocean City, Pocomoke, and Snow Hill. The oldest of these opened in Snow Hill in 1972, followed by the Pocomoke Center, and in 1982 by the center at Berlin, and in 1991 the Ocean City center.

The Commission also is responsible for the Maintaining Active Citizens (MAC) Program, and Adult Medical Day Services. In July 1990, the Commission with the County Health Department jointly established the Brick Haven Adult Medical Day Center in Snow Hill.

Funds for local programs to serve the elderly are provided by the federal Older Americans Act (Title III), the federal Food and Agriculture Act (sec. 700), and State general funds. The Commission also receives local funds, private donations, and contributions from program participants.


LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD

In Worcester County, the Local Management Board is known as the Initiative to Preserve Families Board. The Board coordinates a system of local services for Worcester County children, youth, and families (Code Human Services Article, secs. 8-301 through 8-305). Health, education, social and justice services are provided to young people who may be moved from their home because of abuse, neglect, delinquency, or special needs. In the community, the Board coordinates services so that children, placed in programs out-of-state, may be helped closer to home.
[photo, Dept. of Social Services, 299 Commerce St., Snow Hill, Maryland]

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

When the Department of Social Services started as the Department of Public Welfare in 1939, the Welfare Board was the local administrative agency for public assistance (Chapter 99, Acts of 1939). The Department of Public Welfare assumed welfare responsibilities from the Welfare Board in 1967, and was renamed the Department of Social Services in 1968 (Chapter 148, Acts of 1967; Chapter 702, Acts of 1968).

Department of Social Services, 299 Commerce St., Snow Hill, Maryland, August 2000. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.


Social service and public assistance programs in Worcester County are the responsibility of the Department of Social Services. These include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly the food stamp program), and Temporary Cash Assistance, as well as services for adoption, foster care, and child protection. To implement programs and provide support services to children and families in their communities, the Department also works with local organizations to offer education and training, transitional housing, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation. The Director of the Department administers these programs subject to the supervision, direction, and control of the Social Services Administration, and the Family Investment Administration.

With the approval of the Secretary of Human Services and the advice of the Worcester County Social Services Board, the Board of County Commissioners appoints the Director (Code Human Services Article, secs. 3-101 through 3-303).

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