Through hardworking volunteers and community donations, the Lutheran Mission Society Compassion Center is a place where those in need can come to for help. The center provides emergency food, clothing, counseling, family education and household necessities. It also provides shelter for women (18 and up) who are pregnant and for single mothers and their children. There are currently eight Compassion Care Centers, including seven in Maryland and one in Pennsylvania.
If you live in Anne Arundel County and are looking for ways to give back to your community, contact the Volunteer Center. Whether you are a youth or adult, individual or group, the Volunteer Center provides information about opportunities within the county. The center helps "match" volunteers with community needs based on interests, schedule, location and other preferences. Check the website for updated lists of volunteer opportunities.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) fights for children's rights in court. The organization's mission is to advocate for and support abused and neglected children to ensure their right to safe, stable and permanent homes. CASA carries out this mission through its volunteers who undergo extensive training and then represent these children and their best interests in court proceedings. Anne Arundel County CASA is part of the national organization which first started in Seattle in 1977.
Family and Children's Services (FCS) is a private, non-profit organization that helps local people in need and offers many outreach programs. Some of the issues FCS addresses include adolescence, cargiver respite, domestic violence, foster families, HIV/AIDS, homebound adults, sexual abuse and workplace wellness. This organization also provides services to people "who are experiencing problems related to social and personal adjustment." Programs offered in Anne Arundel County include abuse counseling, employee assistance and in-home services for elderly and disabled adults. The FCS staff has experience in child welfare, counseling and geriatric services. Many fees for services are charged on a sliding scale that considers income and they accept most insurance plans. Visit their website for more information regarding locations and programs.
