Connection, Hope, and Support for Your Family
We are here to help children and guardians in Anne Arundel County who have lost a parent to opioid overdose. You are not alone.
About Our SOLS Program
The SOLS program is designed to invest in children so they can grow into happy, healthy adults. We can help with connecting you to resources, financial assistance, and education scholarships.
Our Promise to You:
- Compassion: We meet you exactly where you are. We listen without judgment.
- Hope: We believe in your family’s ability to heal and grow.
- Respect: We treat your story and your privacy with dignity.
- Family-First: We partner with you to put the child’s needs first.
- Privacy: Your trust is vital. Your information remains confidential and is only used to help you access services.
How We Can Help
Connecting You to Resources:
Navigating life after loss is hard. We help you find:
- Food and housing assistance.
- Mental health and grief counseling.
- Healthcare and insurance (Medicaid/Medicare).
- Legal and guardianship resources.
Financial Assistance:
We provide funding to help settle children experiencing a recent loss into their new routine or home.
What this covers:
- Beds, bedding, and furniture.
- Clothing and school supplies.
- Safety items for the home.
- Mental health counseling or comfort items.
- Youth activities (sports, camps, hobbies).
Education and Scholarships:
- Support for young adults who lost a parent within the last 5 years.
- Assistance with tuition for classes in support of an associates degree or workforce training certificate from Anne Arundel Community College.
Who Is Eligible?
Resource navigation is for everyone.
- If you are caring for a child that lost a parent or guardian to overdose, or you lost someone you love, visit our Resource Hub or complete the interest form and we will reach out to you within 72 hours to help determine your needs and connect you to targeted resources.
- Not sure where to start? Call us at 410-222-7678.
Financial support is for children experiencing the recent loss of a parent or guardian to overdose.
Basic Requirements:
To apply for financial support, the following apply:
- Residency: The child and the guardian must currently live in Anne Arundel County.
- Loss: The child has lost a parent or guardian to an opioid overdose within the last 2 years. The parent or guardian must have been an Anne Arundel County resident at time of death.
- Guardianship: You must be the current guardian or full-time caregiver of the child.
How it Works:
- Gather Your Documents: You will need proof of residency (like a utility bill), proof of the loss (like a death certificate or obituary), and guardianship papers.
- Apply: Fill out our secure online form or call us to apply over the phone.
- Review: Our team reviews applications quickly (usually within 3 business days).
- Meeting: If approved, we will meet with you (virtually or in-person) to discuss exactly what your family needs.
Financial Assistance Application
Scholarships are for students who have lost a parent or guardian to opioid overdose in the past 5 years and are seeking a degree or workforce certification from Anne Arundel Community College.
Basic Requirements:
To apply for a scholarship, the following must apply:
- Residency: The student must be an Anne Arundel County resident.
- Loss: The student has lost a parent or guardian to opioid overdose in the last 5 years.
- Purpose: The student must be pursuing a degree or certification.
How it Works:
- Gather Your Documents: You will need proof of residency (like a utility bill), proof of the loss (like a death certificate or obituary), and proof of enrollment at AACC.
- Apply: Fill out our secure online form or call us to apply over the phone.
- Review: Our team reviews applications quickly (usually within 3 business days).
- Next steps: If approved, we will contact you to coordinate invoice payment with AACC.
Note on Eligibility: We know not every situation is straight forward. If you are unsure if you meet the eligibility for any of these services, please reach out to us.
Community Resource Directory
Healthcare, Including Medicaid/Medicare
- Family Health Program: Assistance with accessing healthcare for all ages, including for pregnant women
Crisis Services
- Crisis Response System: Listing of all Anne Arundel County crisis support services
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 410-768-5522 or 988
Food Assistance
- Food Bank: Food pantries, baby supplies and soup kitchens
- Food access warmline: 410-222-FOOD (3663)
- Anne Arundel County Public Schools: Free and reduced price meals
- Pet food bank: Provides free pet food for up to 1 year
Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Services
- Treatment Referral Line: 410-222-0117
- Network of Care: Search for County behavioral health services
- Medications for Opioid Use Disorder: 410-UBE-WELL (410-823-9355)
- Recovery Support Services: Peer support, Recovery Housing, Recovery Community Centers
Mental Health Services
- Adolescent and Family Services: Behavioral Health Resources for Parents, Youths and Families
- Network of Care: Search for County behavioral health services
Transportation
- AA County Transportation: Routes, service hours, and on-demand services
- Annapolis Free Shuttle: Transportation within Downtown Annapolis
Housing Assistance
- AA County Housing Resource Portal: Search for programs and resources that serve needs related to housing
- The Partnership - Family Stability: Assistance for families that are experiencing homelessness or at-risk for homelessness
- Eviction Prevention Program
- Sarah’s House: Emergency shelter and supportive housing for families experiencing homelessness
Family Support
- Parent’s Place of Maryland: Support groups, parenting resources and trainings, and one-on-one support
- Charlene’s Circle of Support: Support and resources for children and kinship caregivers
- Anne Arundel Community College Parenting Classes
- The Partnership - Systems of Care: Connects children, youth and their families to appropriate resources in the community
Jobs and Unemployment
- Anne Arundel County Workforce Development: Career resources and services, business solutions, apprenticeship opportunities, and young adult career exploration
Grief Support
- Hospice of the Chesapeake - Chesapeake Life Center
- Camp Nabi Overnight Grief Camp
- Grief Support Groups, Workshops, and Special Events
Other
- AACPL
- Social workers: Connect individuals to resources and services in the County, including financial assistance and substance use treatment
- Community Pantry at Discoveries: The Library at the Mall: Free baby and hygiene supplies
- Brooklyn Park and Riviera Beach libraries: Baby pantry by appointment 443-462-9711
- Find Help: Search for free or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more
- Annapolis city resources: Community resources specific to Annapolis City
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I don't have all the documents yet?
Please contact us. We can help guide you or work with partner organizations to verify information.
Is this only for young children?
We support children and adolescents. We also have scholarship opportunities for young adults entering college or trade schools.
What if my application is denied?
If you are not approved, we will explain why and provide other resources to assist you or the child in your care get the support and tools you need.
Contact Info
Program Administrator Contact:
- Phone number: 410-222-7678
- Email: sols@aacounty.org
- Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Partner Referral: Are you a school, hospital, or agency referring to a family? Reach out to us and we will be happy to help get your family connected.