Youth and Food Programs
It is important to be involved in the growth and future of our youth in Talbot County. As apart of "Serving the Total Family," the Neighborhood Service Center provides learning and social skills to Elementary students in the community.
Nutrition and the Fight Against Hunger is addressed through the Emergency Food Pantry and feeding needy families monthly and with special meals during special Holidays.
Dorothy W. Black Youth Center
The Youth Program, after several years of service in the main building, was re-located from 126 Port Street to a separate building located at 117 Port Street in 2004. In May of 2007, it was renamed and dedicated as the Dorothy W. Black Youth Center, after the founder of the Neighborhood Service Center. Fifteen Elementary school students register for the programs and with the guidance of two youth managers and an assistant the staff focuses on homework help, providing nutritious meals and developing social skills. Summer activities include bus trips, swimming at the community pool and outdoor fun.
The Dorothy W. Black Youth Center has both after-school and summer programs for Elementary students. There is also a partnership with the student's teachers and the Center's Youth Managers to assist students with maintaining good grades.
Supporting Children at Christmas
Needy Children and individuals are adopted during the Christmas Holiday by supportive Community Partners, Families and Businesses. Children and families that are adopted during the holiday receive clothing, toys, educational materials, food, bicycles, and much more.
The staff at the Neighborhood Service Center signs up hundreds of children each year to receive toys, clothing and food during Christmas. If you are interested in adopting a needy child or family, please call in October for more details.
The Emergency Food Pantry
The Emergency Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and re-opens at 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Talbot County low income and needy residents must bring on their first visit and once at the beginning of each New Year the following:
- Driver's License
- Food Stamp Card
- 30 days worth of income for everyone working in the household
- Social Security Cards for everyone in the household
- Medical Cards for everyone in the household
After your first visit you will just need to supply income proof or any other changes. If you do not have any income you will be asked to sign a "zero" income form.
Our Pantry provides food to help with the family breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Holiday Food Baskets
Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Baskets are provided to over 800 families each year. Food bags filled with the traditional holiday meal consisting of a Turkey, stuffing, yams, green beans, macaroni & cheese, rolls and cranberry sauce are packed and given to needy and low income individuals and families.
Contribute To Our Food Programs
Would you like to help us provide food to the needy in your community? Each donation given to us goes straight to the cause and helps the Emergency Food Pantry to feed over 400 individuals a month.
If you'd like to contribute to our food supply, we are in need of the following items:
- Canned vegetables
- Canned pasta meals
- Canned fruit
- Pasta (boxes or bags)
- Rice (boxes or bags)
- Cereal (hot or cold)
- Canned soups
- Canned Tuna or Chicken
- Canned beef stew or spam
- One dish meal boxes (Hamburger Helper etc.)
- Hot dogs, Luncheon Meat, Chicken
- Frozen Waffles or pancakes
