What are the results of GEDCO’s efforts to build caring and compassionate communities? They may be glimpsed in the resources gathered, the volunteer hours offered, the amount of food distributed, the number of people housed, the services provided. Most importantly, however, they may be seen in the stories of individuals and the outcome measures tracked in our programs.

Following are some examples of GEDCO’s work in a variety of our programs. Please remember that all of this is possible only through our generous donors of time, talent, and treasure.

Harford House and Micah House

Permanent residences housing 59 men and women who were homeless, with a range of counseling and other supportive services offered to the residents.

• After overcoming decades of substance abuse and completing his AA and BA, a resident just obtained a position as an Addictions Counselor with the Maryland Correctional Institutions. He reports: “Here I am, 54 years old, and Harford House has made it possible to start doing things I wanted to do all my life!”
• Residents continue to make great progress in setting and achieving their personal goals.  One resident completed his BA from Towson State University last May and was accepted into their graduate school.
• Many residents have taken leadership to initiate volunteer projects and to give back to others in need.  For example, residents donated money, bought food and toiletries, and hit the streets to distribute “care packages” to people who are still homeless on the street.
• A resident with a severe physical disability was receiving a monthly SSI check from Social Security. While in our program, he completed job training and became determined to work full-time, even if that meant giving up his SSI benefit. As a result, he found an excellent job with benefits and has become a role model for others in the program.
• When “Jake” moved into the program, he could not work and did not want to go back to school or learn anything new. He was described by the other residents as that “grumpy old man who lives upstairs.” After working with the Advocacy Counselor and making his interests known, he was awarded a scholarship to participate in a line dancing course. He not only enjoyed the class but was extremely good at it. So good, in fact, that he has been asked to teach dancing at local senior programs. The transformation has been amazing! He now is an enthusiastic participant in activities such as weekly cultural exchanges and leadership building sessions with Loyola College students. He is taking computer classes and has started the paperwork to enroll in a GED program. 

Epiphany House

Offers 33 efficiency apartments and service coordination for low-income seniors age 62 and older or age 55 and older with a disability. Statistics that were maintained for our last 2-year reporting period indicated the following as some of the results achieved from this program:

• 98% of residents paid their rent by the due date for at least six consecutive months, a remarkable statistic for people of low incomes, some of whom have had past money-management problems. This led to a concurrent increase in housing stability.
• 77% demonstrated “ownership” of their housing by taking part in resident council elections and meetings.
• 74% participated in workshops designed to increase their knowledge base, living skills, or health care.
• 100% of those eligible for state disability benefits obtained them within four months of program entry.
• 98% of residents completed a computerized benefits “check up” program to determine all possible sources of assistance.
• 94% opened and maintained a bank account or other savings vehicle.
• 72% participated in activities, volunteer opportunities, and/or community projects.
• 100% of residents with a serious illness or physical disability accessed and maintained health care within six months of program entry.
• 88% of residents with severe mental illness participated in appropriate treatment within six months of program entry.

CARES Career Connection

A new program at CARES, in partnership with the Caroline Center, that offers personalized mentoring and a range of assistance for people seeking job skills and employment. During the first six months of operation, 19 CARES Career Connection participants found employment! An example of one follows:

John had a resume prepared for him at CARES Career Connection. While he was working on a temporary job crew as a banquet server, the manager asked if anyone wanted a permanent position. Everyone raised their hands, but when a resume was requested, John was the only worker who had one in his pocket. He was hired immediately! He called us yesterday to tell us that he has been promoted and he is being trained to be a manager. He also said he would notify us whenever the company has job openings.

CARES

A food pantry also offering financial support for people with pending evictions, utility shut-offs, and prescription needs. Often, people merely need a helping hand to maintain independence, as the following example points out:

Sherry, a single mother of two, fell behind in her BGE bill when she had unpaid leave from work due to illness. When she returned to her job, she could not catch up on the utility bill and received a cutoff notice. GEDCO’s CARES program provided her with funds and linked her to other resources so that she was able to pay off the past due amount and prevent her power from being turned off. Back at work, she now is back on her feet.

Shelter Plus Care

Provides housing placement and outreach supportive services to men and women with HIV/AIDs who formerly were homeless. Successes during the previous year included the following:

• 96% of program participants successfully accessed and maintained needed health care. Maximizing wellness is foundational for these program participants with HIV/AIDS, making this an exceptional success. Since people face financial, logistical, and mental health challenges in accessing appropriate care, this requires a great deal of assistance.
• 100% of pregnant women in our program took part in medical protocols and treatment to prevent the fetus from becoming infected with HIV.  We have the resources at hand to facilitate the necessary care, and our Advocacy Counselors have established the type of trusting relationship with program participants that encourages disclosure and subsequent collaboration toward this objective.
• The program had a 92% success rate of people remaining in permanent housing. In fact, 50% of the participants have been in the program for more than 2 years, which is a marked change for people who previously have experienced many episodes of homelessness and little success at housing stability.