Supporting Overdose Loss Survivors

Working Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16jlqcy0DNZJqbR4FfzhcGx66zFoT0HJkXSwfHfpoY0Y/edit?tab=t.0 

Healing, 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.

Apply for Support

Contact Us for Help

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 (Core Values):

• 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.

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 & 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.

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.

Button for Interest Form

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:

1. 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.
2. Apply: Fill out our secure online form or call us to apply over the phone.
3. Review: Our team reviews applications quickly (usually within 3 business days).
4. Meeting: If approved, we will meet with you (virtually or in-person) to discuss exactly what your family needs.

Downloadable Checklist: [PDF Link: Document Checklist]

Apply Now Button: [ Go to Application Form ]

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:

1. 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.
2. Apply: Fill out our secure online form or call us to apply over the phone.
3. Review: Our team reviews applications quickly (usually within 3 business days).
4. Next steps: If approved, we will contact you to coordinate invoice payment with AACC.

Downloadable Checklist: [PDF Link: Document Checklist]

Apply Now Button: [ Go to Application Form ]

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.

A curated list of external partners for families needing immediate help.

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.

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.